windows/system32/config/sys---missing or corrupt

Question

I'm getting this message upon start up. It tells me to put XP cd in and choose 'r' to repair when the screen starts. The CD will not boot however. I went to boot sequence and chose the CD first. F1 retry to boot keeps coming up and it won't boot. This is on Dimension 8200

charokee · Answer

Run hard drive diagnostics just to make sure that it cant find that registry key due to hardware failures, then goto   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545     You can either do the steps as shown in the article, or do a 'dirty' install.....which basically means to install windows into another directory onto your C: drive then backup any data that you need to backup and once thats done, completely reformat your windows partition with a full format (except your FAT partition for diags) and reinstall Windows nice and fresh   Once thats done reinstall your device drivers   Desktop System Software Chipset Video NIC Audio Modem PowerDVD/Cineplayer etc etc lol

RoHe · Answer

Do you know if your hard drive is formatted as NTFS, or if it's formatted as FAT? Read this: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm Ron

soundwave740 · Answer

hi all i have the same problem although when i put the windows cd in to my drive i can get to the recovery screen but when i tell it to repair it says there si no hard drive connected?????     help!!!!!!!!

RoHe · Answer

soundwave740

Model PC??

Run bios setup (F2 before XP starts to load) and see if hard drive is being recognized. If not, clear NVRAM (procedure depends on model PC) and check that HD is recognized again.

When was last time you changed the battery on the motherboard?

Ron

soundwave740 · Answer

hi there thanks for the quick reply.

the model is a dimension 5150c (slimline case).

what i have done so far was to go to bios and check what boot sequence it was on.

made it go cd drive then hdd so to boot from cd.

whilst in the bios it shows the hard drive was connected

so as far as nvram thing goes you will have to talk me through it.

the battery has never been changed, the pc is just over a year old maybe a year and a half.

Message Edited by soundwave740 on 05-19-2007 04:28 AM

codieskid · Answer

I am also getting this problem on my XPS 710. Is it a hardware or software issue? At the moment I got mine to repair from the CD and then got back into windows. From there I did a system restore to the last known good configuration and so far it seems to be ok. Although I am concerned that this could happen again as many people on here are getting the same problem   Trev

soundwave740 · Answer

an update...     i have tried dell diagnostics stuff and it says no errors but this one...     error code 3B00:061B msg: invalid checksum. expected BABA.Read 0000   as i said i have been through checks and stuff and the bios says the hard drive is there but as soon as i try booting from the windows cd it says the hard drive is not connected.

soundwave740 · Answer

*bump* sorry but i need the help :smileyhappy:

RoHe · Answer

Which test gives invalid checksum?

You have to look up the procedure for clearing NVRAM in your user manual. Otherwise, disconnect the PC from the mains, press/hold the power button for ~15 sec. Open the case and carefully remove the battery from the motherboard. Press/hold the power button again. Replace the battery (right side up!) and try to boot from CD. Since the battery is >1 yr old, you might just want to replace it with a fresh one of the same type.

Change the boot sequence so CD is first on the list, boot from XP CD and fix the hive, using procedures at kellys-korner-xp.com link in my previous post.

Ron

Windows General

windows/system32/config/sys---missing or corrupt

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