Computer will not boot up windows.

Question

Hey, i own a xps 410 and about monday of last week i started getting an error saying " \windows\system32\config\system is either missing or corrupt." it also says that if i put the setup cd in and hit r at the first screen it will attempt to repair the file. I've hit R on every screen possible.

i've attempted to boot into every safe mode offered. none of them work they all go back to the same error screen.

I've attempted to boot around the OS but that eventually leads to a blue screen after booting from the cd. the cd being the setup cd it says to put in.

i've tried changing just about every option possible to try to be able just to nuke the entire machine and just restart and reinstall everything.

any advice? other than taking it some where and having them do what im trying to do.

fireberd · Answer

I assume you have Windows XP? Are you actually booting from the Windows XP CD? From your description I assume it wants you to do a "Repair" (which is similar to reinstalling Windows XP).

HERE is the Repair procedure.

salvadoran · Answer

If using Windows XP

You can also try a system restore from the Recovery console. Which will replace windows\system32\config\system.

Here are instructions on how to do that.

System restore in recovery console

And if needed here are steps on how to get to the recovery console.

1. Insert the Windows XP CD and boot the computer to the CD drive. Press any key when prompted from XP CD.

2. Once at the "welcome to setup" screen press R. This is the screen were you need to press R.

3. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, choose the installation that you need to access from the Recovery Console. If you only have one installation of windows, usually just type: 1 press enter.
4. When prompted, type the password for the local administrator account.
5. Follow the System restore in recovery console steps.

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Computer will not boot up windows.

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