windows xp won't boot

Question

Last Saturday, I scheduled Windows XP to run a disk check on the next reboot (with both options checked) which I do every so often. When i came home i found the following message on my computer:   Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM   You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original setup CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.   This message now appears every time I turn on my laptop. I know there is a method on the Microsoft Knoledge Base on how to reserve this issue, but it gives a warning to not follow the procedure if the computer has an OEM-installed OS, which I think mine does.   I wouldn't mind reinstalling Windows if I absolutely need to, but do I have to do a clean install? I need to back up some personal files, pictures, etc. if that is the case, so how can I go about doing this?    My system is an Inspiron 6000 Laptop. I can provide more specs if needed.

RoHe · Answer

If you have the XP CD, you can try running the Repair/Reinstall. Personal files won't be affected but you will have to reinstall all XP updates and hotfixes again.

Boot from XP CD
Press Enter at first screen (not R)
Accept User License
Press R at next screen for repair/reinstall

Ron

jimemos · Answer

Thanks. I tried doing this, but after the license agreement screen all i got was a choice of which partition to install windows to. I don't see a repair/reinstall option (pressing R had no effect). Now what would happen if i were to choose the C: drive and then chose the option ' Leave the current file system intact (no changes)'? Would that have the same effect?

RoHe · Answer

Sure you booted from the XP CD?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341
Method 2: Reinstall Windows XP by starting your computer from the Windows XP CD

To reinstall Windows XP by starting your computer from the Windows XP CD, follow these steps:
1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.
2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
(Note Your computer must be configured to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. For more information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, see your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer.)
3. You receive the following message on the Welcome to Setup screen that appears:
This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
4. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
5. Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.
6. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP. After you repair Windows XP, you may have to reactivate your copy of Windows XP.

And then reinstall all XP updates/hotfixes again asap.

Ron

jimemos · Answer

yeah i tried that. i'm 100% certain i didn't have the option to repair it... it didn't even say i already had a current installation of xp. so what i did was just installed a second instance of xp, backed up all my files to my other computer/hard drive, wiped everything, and did a clean install of xp. everything seems to be working fine now, but thanks for your help.

dandamtech · Answer

Hi   I have the same issue   'Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM'   I dont have the backup CD or recovery CD also. Can you pl advise what needs to be done ? Do I have to buy an new XP CD online (worth more than $200 bucks) and try a installation ? When you say installed another instance of XP, does it mean the same ? I dont have any valueble data in my Laptop and dont mind losing it. Pl advise. I am trying to borrow a XP professional CD from one of my friend. Can i do an installation of the same ?   Thanks Ravi

RoHe · Answer

If you didn't get the XP CD from Dell when you received the system, start here:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

They should provide it for free, assuming you just didn't lose the one they previously sent.

Once you have the CD, you should perform a Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files will be ok, but you will have to reinstall all XP updates and hotfixes again.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 12-26-2007 03:57 PM

dandamtech · Answer

Hi

Thanks for the quick reply.

I dont have the recovery XP CD and i dont remember having it when i bought the laptop 3 years back. my laptop warranty is also done 2 years back. I have requested Dell for the recovery CD and waiting for the response.

My question would be

1. If i borrow a XP home installable CD from my neighbour, will i be able to do the repair ?

2. If No, Do I have to buy a new installable XP CD seperately ? there is no other options left ?

Pl advise.

Thanks

Ravi

RoHe · Answer

In theory, you could borrow the neighbor's CD, but ONLY if it's a Dell OEM copy of Windows that matches the version already installed on your system.

If it's a retail copy of XP or was supplied with a non-Dell system, what you're proposing isn't legal.

Alternatives are to look on eBay etc, but be careful because there are a lot of pirated copies of XP for sale, and Microsoft might refuse to activate a pirated product key on your system and/or prevent you from installing any XP updates.

Ron

Windows General

Was this post helpful?