System32 Error

Question

So I get this message whenever I try and start up my computer: Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM I've searched google and stuff for this error, and I seem to be going no where, mainly cause I hit a spot that doesn't work and I can't exactly talk to them about it. So, can anyone go the steps to fix this with me? I have the windows CD, btw.

RoHe · Answer

The hive got corrupted. See if the instructions here will help you fix it: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm Ron

dannylam4 · Answer

During this step: 'Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER. ' This is what I get: 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\config>copy C:\WINDOWS\repair\system The system cannot find the file specified' I also used this one a while back, but it didn't work on one of the steps; hopefully it didn't mess anything up: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us Message Edited by dannylam4 on 04-19-2007 07:19 AM

dannylam4 · Answer

Hm, well I found system.drv? I don't know how to search in the command prompt.
Ah, and there's a system.sav, system.bak, system.LOG in the system32\config folder.
And I just checked the C:\Windows\repair and there's no system, but there is a system.bak. Maybe I'm suppose to use that one?

Ooh, I do a dir system to find it. Well it came back with No matching files found... And it said so in the directions, but I guess I didn't notice it saying "No matches found". Well the instructions say:

Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
"If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is missing), skip to step 3."
But I dunno what "step 3" is cause they aren't numbered, haha. It might have been the copy the repair\system, if I count correctly.

Message Edited by dannylam4 on 04-19-2007 12:49 PM

RoHe · Answer

Hmmmm....
Boot to recovery console and at C: prompt, see if you can search C:\WINDOWS\system32\ and all the subfolders for the file named system. If you can't find it, you may be out of luck fixing the hive.

Your next attempt may be to do a repair/reinstall of XP. Personal files and software will be ok, but you will have to reinstall ALL Microsoft updates and hotfixes again.

Ron

RoHe · Answer

It should be 'system' without any file extension. 'System.bak' is a prior version of the file you need, but I wouldn't use that one. It's sounding like you may need to do a repair/reinstall of XP. Boot from XP CD. Press ENTER at first screen, don't press R. You should see the XP user license appear. Accept the license and press R at next screen for repair/reinstall. Once that's done, make sure firewall and antiviral software are running and go directly to MS update site for all the updates and hotfixes. Hope you have broadband access! Good luck! Ron

RoHe · Answer

College network...? Uh-oh!

You better run full scans for malware using Adaware and Spybot (both free) etc, as soon as you get all the XP updates reinstalled. No surfing or email until the updates are installed because you'll be wide open to all kinds of malware before they're installed.

Ron

dannylam4 · Answer

Haha, thanks. Here's hoping it won't damage anything. Luckily my college's internet is fast. I'll let you know how it goes later, thanks muchly.

dannylam4 · Answer

Ah darn, I must have done something wrong, haha. I accidentally erased all my files... ah well, haha. Now I gotta reinstall my wireless card.

Nevermind, I lied. I'm just weird and didn't search well enough, haha. Everything's all better now, I think. Most of my programs are still there, they're just not in the add or remove thing, haha. Thanks a lot man, you've been a big help. :D

Message Edited by dannylam4 on 04-20-2007 07:13 AM

Windows General

System32 Error

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