'Missing or corrupt file: No XP??

Question

I installed Norton System Works on my 8250 last night, and this morning I get a message saying:
windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupted: \windows\system32\config\system
It then says that I can attempt to repair by using the Windows CD. What I got with my machines says that you don't need the CD, and to use "system Restore..."

First I need Windows running. Yikes! Any idea how I can get solve this one?

ejn63 · Answer

The registry is corrupt. Before you go to elaborate lengths to repair, which may fail, boot, press F12 and load the Dell diagnostics. Run the extended test on the hard drive.

chrisGFX · Answer

I've selected option 6: IDE drive diagnostics, and it says 'passed,' but it only takea a minute or so. I don't see any option for running an 'extended test...'

chrisGFX · Answer

OK. By now I'm sure it's obvious that I'm in completely unfamiliar territory... I only see 7 options, none of which is "Dell diagnostics."
Can you give me a clue as to how I can "boot to full Dell diagnostics?"

ejn63 · Answer

Boot into the full Dell diagnostics and run the test from there.

ejn63 · Answer

If you don't have the diags loaded, there's a blue and white CD that came with the system - boot the system from it and run the diags from there. You need to do a full surface test of the drive.

Chances are what has happened is that one or more blocks on the drive has gone bad - in which case there's no point rebuilding the system, and in fact it would be dangerous to try a repair. If there's data that isn't backed up, remove the drive and install it in a working system and copy the data you need as soon as possible. Chances are very high, particularly given the age of the system, that the drive is beginning to fail.

Storage, Drives & Media

"Missing or corrupt file: No XP??

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