Missing or corrupt system file

Question

Hi there,   Hope someone can help me?   Apologies if this has been logged elsewhere on the forum but I did a search and nothing with my specific problem came up.   My friend has a Dell Dimension 5000 with XP Home edition installed.   The pc refuses to load up (even in safe mode) and always returns the error message:-   'Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM'   After searching around the web I came across this site:-   http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm   This site explains how to use Recovery Console to fix this type of error.   I followed the instructions and replaced the system file with the one in the repair directory.   After a re-boot the pc looked as if it was going to launch windows but failed at the last minute with the error message:-   'lsass.exe - System error When trying to update a password, this return status indicates that the value provided as the current password is not correct'   After another web search I found this microsoft site:-   http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545   This site indicates several other files that need to be updated using the Recovery Console. Unfortunately when I attempted to access the Recovery Console this time it asked for the administrator's password, it didn't ask for this the first time. As far as I know an administrator's password has never been set for the pc. I now can't use the Recovery Console.   Re-reading the microsoft site above it does state : 'Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on OEM installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not exist previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this article, you may not be able to log back into the recovery console to restore the original registry hives.'    Unfortunately the first web-site didn't mention this......   Investigating further it would seem that a way round this is to download a file called  SPCMDCON.SYS and install it into the CMDCONS sub-directory on the hard drive. This information is shown here:-   http://www.derkeiler.com/Newsgroups/microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin/2002-12/21873.html   I can't find this file anywhere and even if I could, I don't understand how to install it onto the pc.   Can anyone help me with this? Thanks in advance. Ian

RoHe · Answer

When it asks for the admin password, just press Enter key.

If that doesn't do it, you may need to do a Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files and software you installed will be ok, but you will have to reinstall all XP updates and hotfixes again.

Boot from XP CD
Press Enter (not R) at first screen
XP user license should appear
Accept license and press R at next screen for Repair/Reinstall

When it's done, get firewall and antiviral software running and go directly to MS update site to download every all update again.

Ron

oakland600 · Answer

Hi Ron,   Thanks for your reply.   I've tried pressing the enter key at the password prompt but it just comes back with the same password request.   I've also tried the repair/re-install option that you suggest but I don't get the option to press R after the user license screen appears. I have to select the partition that windows is on then select install. The system then warns me that I am trying to install another operating system on the same partition. I usually quit the install at this point.   What am I doing wrong here...   Thanks for your help. Ian

RoHe · Answer

That's just microsoft's way of nagging. You can read this: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx Ron

Annie70 · Answer

These directions may help also.

oakland600 · Answer

Thanks for your efforts guys but I still can't access the repair option. One of the links provided by you does indicate that sometimes if the file structure is very corrupt then the repair option is not provided.   I am going to try the Bart-PE route, i'll let you know how I get on...   Thanks for your help. Ian

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