Trapped - Windows\System32\Config\System missing or corrupt file

Question

Hi,

I have a Dell Dimension 4300.

Recently a bubble in the system tray said there was something wrong.

Then each time I rebooted, Windows ran checkdisk and then went away.

But things were not acting right.

Finally, I rebooted and I got:

"windows\system32\config\system file missing or corrupt"

insert Windows XP operating system disc and

press R to repair.

The Dell Dimension 4300 Windows XP operating disc has been misplaced.

I did make a backup via Acronis TrueImage 8 on 10/10/06

but I want to try to bring back what I have before I go to that.

I am having nothing but dead ends.

I also have a Dell Dimension 4700.

And I have a Dell Dimension 4700 Windows XP operating disc

and a spare Windows XP Upgrade operating disc to play with.

So far I have done the following:

1. First I tried:

MD TMP

copy C:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
and the other four lines that go with this.

delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
and the other four lines that go with this.

copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
and the other four lines that go with this.

It would not work.

I got "file is not found" in response to one line
and "paramaters are too long try /? help" to an other line.

2. Then I tried:

cd system32
cd config
ren system system.old
cd ..
cd ..
cd repair
copy system c:\windows\system32\config

but it would not accept the "ren system system.old" line.

3. Then I tried:

fixmbr

It did it's thing and then I rebooted and got the:

"windows\system32\config\system file missing or corrupt again"

4. Then I tried to repair the Windows Xp operating system
using the auto repair feature by choosing install instead of R

It shows this:

-: Partition 1 (fat) 31 MB (29 MB free)
C: Partition 2 (NTSF) 19054 MB (11605 MB free)
Unpartitioned space 8 MB

But instead of identifing my existing installation and offering
to repair it, it goes directly to wanting to format my hard drive
and install Windows XP new again.

Is there anything else I can do to make it offer to repair my
existing install of Windows XP instead of formating and wiping
everything out? Or any other work arounds?

Otherwise I guess I will have to bite the bullet and use my
Acronis TrueImage 8 backup, that is if that works.

Also is there a way to create and burn a replacement disc once I get
my computer going if I can't locate the orginal Dell 4300 disc?

Sincerely,

Dale Ashby

helmecj01 · Answer

Hi http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Original-Dell-Inspiron-Software-Utilities-CD_W0QQitemZ9744380519QQihZ008QQcategoryZ191QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem you can buy it off ebay.co.uk £2.49

helmecj01 · Answer

Hi You can used the xp cd to boot up i would Format the c: and reinstall xp

Mary G · Answer

As long as your other computer has the same version of XP--home or pro--you can use it to reinstall. Explanation of the registry corruption issue:  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705

Dashby · Answer

Hi Everyone and thanks for replying,

I read your suggestions and also scoured the Dell knowledge base.

And I tried a whole bunch of things to no avail.

After many hours of trying, I opted to restore my computer

to the Ghost backup I had made dated 10/23/05 and it worked.

However, I have 20 MS critical updates to do and many other

reinstall and updates to do in the bargin.

All the more reason to do backups more often!

I will call Dell to see if I can get another win os install disc

for the 4300 or consider ebay options. Or just buy a retail

Win XP upgrade disc for this computer.

Does anyone know how to create a Dell win xp os install disc

from the computer itself?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Dale Ashby

helmecj01 · Answer

Hi yes have to reinstall update from chris

Dashby · Answer

Hi Chris, I am now in the process of reinstalling everything. Thanks for your input. Sincerely, Dale Ashby

Dashby · Answer

Hi, I went through hours and hours and hours trying to solve that problem back then. Even with the Windows XP operating system disc, when this error appears, often you can not repair it. Ultimately, after trying all the suggestions, the only solution for me was to erase the hard drive and rebuild the computer from scratch. This is why a monthly full backup of your hard drive including the operating system with Ghost or True Image, etc. is so important. But you should be able to get another copy of your operating system disc through customer care at Dell for free, just ask for one. An other possibility... Does your computer hard drive have a restoration section that will allow you to restore the computer to factory condition? Ask Dell tech support. Sincerely, Dale

PKnight086 · Answer

My XPS 200 was shut down incorrectly by my two year old and when the computer rebooted I got this message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt"

\Windows\system32\config\system

The problem is I don't have my Windows setup CD is there a way for me to fix this? Or, do you know where I can get another copy of this setup CD?

Windows General

Trapped - Windows\System32\Config\System missing or corrupt file

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