Saving Data Prior to XP Restore

Question

I booted my Dimension 8400 this morning and received the dreaded error:   Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:  \WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM   You can attempt to repair by starting Windows Setup using original Setup CD-ROM.   My system did not come with an OS setup CD, so I called Dell tech support and they suggested the Dell PC System Restore function using   .   I do not mind doing this, but before I do, I want to know if there is a way to back-up several months of digital photos that I have of family and friends.  Tech support said once I run the PC restore, all personal data would be lost.   Is there a program I can buy that will either allow me to save before running restore or allow me to recover after running the restore option?   Would anyone recommend the 'Geek Squad' at BestBuy to help?  My wife really wants the photos.   Or is this a lost cause??     Please advise.  Thank you very much.

Denny Denham · Answer

buddyroo,

One possible solution is NTFS Reader for DOS here. Another solution is to install the hard disk into another computer and copy the pictures to removable media. A third option is to borrow an XP CD from another Dell user and repair the error using the procedure here.

You should contact Dell and request an XP reinstallation CD. PC Restore is not a substitute for an OS CD. Use one of the links in this post to request the CD.

BertKK · Answer

Hi, What you are referring to is a system recovery. Have you tried running System Restore? System Restore will not effect personal data. How to use System Restore: http://bertk.mvps.org/

buddyroo · Answer

Mr. Denham:

Thank you very much for your reply. I did borrow an OS CD from my brother in-law this afternoon. Drove 100 miles round trip for it. It is the XP home edition. My computer had media center E05 installed. I don't necessarily use all the media center options, but will loading a home edition OS damage my system permanently?

I changed the boot sequence in the BIOS to run from the CD ROM first, so now the CD boots and gets me to the blue screen for full set up, "r" for repair or quit.

Can I use the home edition CD?

Please advise.

Thanks.

BertKK · Answer

Hi, I believe you wasted a trip for the CD. Did you try running System Restore?

Denny Denham · Answer

@BertKK wrote:
Hi,

I believe you wasted a trip for the CD.

Did you try running System Restore?

Since a corrupted registry prevents Windows from starting, can System Restore be run?

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 05-07-200608:13 PM

buddyroo · Answer

BertKK:

Thank you for your reply. I can't even get into safe mode. Everytime I attempt to reboot, I get the error message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing:

windows\system32\config\system

I would love to restore to previous known good setting, but I try and I keep getting the aforementioned error.

Other suggestions are welcome.

BertKK · Answer

Hi, I will if the system boots to safe mode. It's worth a try.

Denny Denham · Answer

buddyroo, If the 'Welcome to Setup' screen allows you to enter Recovery Console (by pressing 'R') you may be able to perform the procedure I linked to in an earlier post. You will not be using anything from the XP Home edition except Recovery Console.

msil217 · Answer

Did you try recovery console?? Like Denny suggested?? (I never used it, but I am sure there are those here that know a lot about it)

If you did, and I missed it, sorry.

As long as you have a Windows CD, like the one you went 100 miles for??

Good luck. If you get a CD from Dell, a repair reinstall should work.

buddyroo · Answer

msil217 and Mr. Denham:

I finally got ahold of a friendly tech who sent me the recovery CDs. I am trying them now.... crossing my fingers.

If it does not work, I will try removing the hard drive next and attaching to my other computer.

Any external hard drive purchase suggestions so I can back-up in case this happens again?

Seagate or Maxtor? Push button or software initiated?

Thanks much!!!

msil217 · Answer

Personally, I never used an external Hard Drive. I would guess any would be fine, as long as you can retrieve data easily.

Windows General

Saving Data Prior to XP Restore

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