UNSOLVED
Error on windows xp start up
I am receiving the following error message '\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM file is missing or corrupt. attempt to repair using the original setup cd rom. selecting 'r' at the 1st screen to repair' I have tried this and it won't work, just goes back to the error screen. Can anyone help me here? I have an Inspiron 5000 upgraded from Windows 98 to XP.
- Hi Dunedin,I started up the pc initially and received the error message. I then turned it off and rebooted pressing F2 to go to setup. I set the pc to boot from the cd rom and pressed F10 to save and continue.Rebooted the pc and it started from the cd rom. The screen came up asking if I wanted to reinstall xp or to repair, so I pressed 'r' for repair. But it came back to the error screen. I used my windows xp cd.I hope this is will help.Thanks.
I didn`t realise you could not access the Recovery Console. I thought you had run the commands and then encountered the error.
I have never seen this error before. All I can think of is that you have done something wrong in the BIOS. Go back and check that the boot order is
Floppy
CDROM
Hard DriveIt looks like the OS is not being detected, so while you are in the BIOS check that the hard drive is detected.
If this does not help, I really can`t think why you cannot access the Recovery Console.
- Lots of people have this error (we dont know what causes it) and can ususally fix it with the Recovery Console.Try cleaning the CD
Is your file system FAT or NTFS? If it is FAT (which I doubt), there is a way to fix it using a boot up floppy.Sometimes problems arise in running repairs with the CD when RAID or similar drivers need to be installed (using the F6 prompt). But you have an Inspiron laptop.As I said I don`t know of anyone being unable to access the Recovery Console and all the repairs for this problem involve the RC
I`m so sorry but I have no solution for you other than a reinstall and loss of all your data.
You could try posting again with a different title, Something like "Can`t access Recovery Console". Maybe someone else will respond this time to the different subect I have just made another attempt at recovery and this time when I booted the pc with the windows xp setup cd it worked! It says' the recovery console provides system repair and recovery function. type exit to quit the recovery console and restart computer'. It goes on to say ' 1: C:\WINDOWS
Which windows installation would you like to log onto' so I enteres 1, it then goes to C:\WINDOWS>
Any further help welcomed.
Thanks in anticipation
Message Edited by ceb07660 on 06-04-200603:22 PM
Message Edited by ceb07660 on 06-04-200603:23 PM
- That`s great news! :smileyhappy:
Your latest post arrived while I was reearching and composing my last answer.OK here is what to do.
c:\Windows
Type cd system32\config
press ENTER.Type dir system
press ENTER.If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding command successfully, type
ren system system.bak
press ENTER.
Type copy c:\windows\repair\system
Press ENTERYou should receive a "One file copied" informational message.
Type exit and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and restart the computer.
IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding commands, you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd ) one folder at a time before you run the preceding commands.
For example (in first command), type cd system32 , press ENTER,
type cd config , and then press ENTER.Good Luck
@ceb07660 wrote:
I have carried out your instructions and each time entered ok. I typed exit to quit the recovery console and the pc rebooted. But it came up with a screen saying there was a problem and how to start windows i.e. safe mode, last known good configuration etc. So I entered 'start windows normally' only to have a blue screen appear saying there was a problem and windows has been shut down.
UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
Now What??
Your help is much appreciated here.
Reboot and hit F12 to run Dell diagnostics, your hard drive has possibly failed.
dunedin
2732 Posts
312
0
Posted June 3rd, 2006 13:00