following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

Question

Hopefully someone can help me.

I get the following error message - Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I have read many of the threads discussing how to fix the problem.

Specifically - At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:

md tmp
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

Every aspect of this works for me EXCEPT the most important part - when I go to copy the config\system file or the repair\system file -I get a "file does not exist error message"

If it means anything I an using NTFS not FAt32 as I repartitioned my hard drive to add Drives D, E, F, G.

Can I obtain the repair\system file from somewhere else?

Can I reinstall XP onto another drive and still recover data from C?

I am willing to take whatever necessary steps as long as I can recover Data.

Thanks!!!

El Foxerino · Answer

Hi,   I had exactly the same problem. Firstly, I navigated to c:\windows\repair to see if the files to be copied were there - all were present (software,sam,security,default), though the 'system' file had a .bak extension. I renamed this file (type -              'ren c:\windows\repair\system.bak c:\windows\repair\system' without the quotations), ran the final copy stages and booted OK. However, this only half fixes the problem as it leaves you with the original copy of the registry created when the o/s was originally installed. Check http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545 for the full solution. You will still be able to recover data with the steps taken so far, but the PC will not function properly without an up to date registry.   Hope this helps.

gramasue52 · Answer

I have no help for you--just the same problem!  I've done a lot of reading about this and it doesn't seem as though anyone knows why this is happening AND it seems as though many of the solutions don't work all the time.  Can anyone help?  How do I get my files off of the drive so I can at least save them and then reformat the drive?    Thanks!

Richard.delaCru · Answer

it needs system restore in recovery console dude.

I've done this and it has 100% of success rate

do this ...oh by the way

it also covers some helpful resolution for :

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate

Note: This troubleshooting step is usually used for the specific issue indicated above but it would work for BSOD issues which recently occurred and you’re unable to boot to either safe mode or normal mode.

I. Boot to Recovery Console

II. Manually copy system restore files

1. cd \ ( Note: between "cd" and "\" there should be a "blank space" else the command won''''t work )

2. cd system~1\_resto~1

NOTICE:

The appropriate command should be used according to the error message aka if the file "system" is corrupted use the first command or if the file "software" is corrupted use the second command line.

If it gives an error "Access Denied" while accessing the folder, follow the method below

cd \
cd windows\system32\config
ren system system.bak
exit

now restart the computer and follow step I of the article.

3. dir

NOTICE:

when you hit it will list all the restore points folders like rp1,rp2................ we have to see the last restore point to copy the file from a recent backup. if the restore points have more than one page then u have keep on hitting the key to view the last restore point folder.

NOTICE:

It is a good rule of thumb to choose the files from the restore point folder which the second last one.

4. cd rp {the last restore point no. } (Note : Example : cd rp9, if rp9 is the last restore point, where last restore point no.=9 )

5. cd snaphot

NOTICE:

Now the command Prompt will look like this c:\system~1\_resto~1\rp9\snapshot> ( Note : restore point 9 assumed for clarity of the content, you have to goto the last restore point folder as described in the previous lines) Now according to the error message we have to copy the appropriate file from the restore point folder.

6. copy _registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system

or

copy _registry_machine_software c:\windows\system32\config\software

TypeExit to restart computer and boot to the harddrive normally

have a good nite bro...

diemilkdud · Answer

I have the same problem,however I have a couple of problems that prevent me ffrom taking the suggested steps.First: I am unable to get into the repair console with or without my cd(oem-came with the dell 8200)by the way does that count as a start up cd?
and I have reasigned my bootup sequence to the cd-rom,and second: I don't have a floppy on this working dell to make a bootable floppoy,can I make a bootable cd-r?
so-
When am I supposed to be pressing "r" to enter repair?
Will my dell suppied XP-cd work?
and can I make a bootable cd instead of a floppy?
any help is appretiated.
by the way just for anybody else this happened while I was doing a system restore and it hung up halfway through and I had to shut down and the rest is history.

alemic · Answer

My wife got the problem with the corrupt system file and I was able to restore the system following your instructions. Thanks a lot, that saved a lot of work.

gramasue52 · Answer

I tried the system restore in the recovery console and tried following your directions to a 't'--however, the system files needed could not be found on the cd nor anywhere else.  I ended up reloading Windows, which at least got me up and running again.  I ended up having to reload alll of my settings and some of my applications, but all my files were intact and I am back in business.  What a pain.    Thanks for your help!

JMCee · Answer

Old thread I know but THANKS Richard!   Solution worked for the 'Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM'.

Windows General

following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

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