SYSTEM file is missing or corrupt - Windows will not start

Hi thosrush,

Have a look here. I hope this helps!

http://forum.tweakxp.com/forum/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=1&MessageID=137327

This is the more complete answer from MS.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307545

 I'm not sure if doing the 2 commands is sufficient however without the "system" file I don't know if there's a workaround in any case. "System" I think is not a file but a registry hive. Even if you renamed system.bak to system *before* you copied it to config folder I doubt if that would help. Perhaps having someone email you the 'system' file/hive or copying it from an XP computer would suffice. Hopefully Denny or other notable will jump in to clarify.

I tried applying the files from another working XP installation.  But, I got the same result.  It will not even boot to safe mode.

This error message normally takes the success of the Recovery Console option which you have tried. Without these registry changes being made the only boot option that might work is the "Last Known Good Configuration" one.

I'm in unchartered waters but I believe that since your system is 2 years old there have been a hoard of changes that would not be in the repair/system backup hive and unless we can get someone to take this further you should be looking at trying to recover any important data that you can. This utility may help you to that end.

ntfs.com/products.htm

Winternals.com is a good company to look at for other recovery options.

I presume that you are using XP Pro (SP1); did you try ASR ? If that is unknown to you it is of no benefit at this time.

Do you know what precipitated this problem, eg virus, program or driver install ? Post back with any info. There are some smart fellas on this board whose knowledge base eclipses mine.