System will not boot due to missing or corrupt file

Question

Need help   Have deminsion 4600 with XP. Upon initial boot system  says:   Missing or corrupt file \Windows\system32\config\system   Can someone direct me on what to do. Is there a recovery disk for this software i can get. I have the XP disk that came witht he system but it seems more for upgrading the system from a previous version.   Using this disk I was able to get into the recovery console but the process eventually gives me the prompt C:\Windows>   After this I have no idea what to do   Thanks

mombodog · Answer

Try this first     http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=5097

SugarD-x · Answer

CheckDisk checks hardware-related, not software-related issues. Try using the Microsoft Windows XP CD to do a Repair Installation.

mombodog · Answer

'CheckDisk checks hardware-related, not software-related issues. Try using the Microsoft Windows XP CD to do a Repair Installation.'   You really need to stop posting false information here.   Chkdsk checks the file structure for corruption and incorrect file sizes, then repairs the damage it finds.   Has nothing to do with hardware, and everything to do with software.

Digache · Answer

Hey you guys. Thanks for the info. I was able to run the Check disk with the 'r' attribute and while it took a long time it corrected the problem and allowed me to use my xp disk and restore the operating system. Didnt even lose any files.

mombodog · Answer

I love good news.  You are welcome.

Windows General

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