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corrupt system file
I cannot start windows because it says there is a corrupt system32 file. When i go through the steps of doing the recover, and copy the system files, it says there are no files found.
The Winxp disc is the one Dell sends with the computer package, so its not the original xp software, so when i try to reinstall , it says installing 2 operating systems is not advised.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I really want to try not to reformat , i need the files on that computer.
Thanks so much
Natalie
The Winxp disc is the one Dell sends with the computer package, so its not the original xp software, so when i try to reinstall , it says installing 2 operating systems is not advised.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I really want to try not to reformat , i need the files on that computer.
Thanks so much
Natalie
Dr.Knowitall
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Posted February 22nd, 2005 17:00
Does the error message say "windows/system32/config/system" missing or corrupt? If so there's a couple of things you can try, depending on what system you have.
When you see the Dell logo, press Ctrl+Alt+D (not delete), this will run your HDD diagnostics, I've seen alot of bad HDDs cause this error.
There's another thing to try but I need to know your system model. Let me know how those come out.
- Is there a way i can connect another hard drive and copy the files to the new hard drive so i don't lose them?
Is there any way i can save any of these files because it loooks like i'm going to have to reinstall Windows.
If anyone can help i would sure appreciate it
thank you Dr.Knowitall
101 Posts
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Posted February 23rd, 2005 05:00
Next you need to boot to your BIOS (press F2 when you see the Dell logo), go down to SATA operation and change it to "Auto Detect /ATA".
If that doesnt work, you need to rebuild your registry. This article will help you do that.
- I have looked and looked and cannot find the SATA operation in the bios. My Bios version is A00
The tabs at the top are Main Advanced Security Power Boot Exit.
Also, i tried to do the copy register and the one file that is not there is the c:\windows\system32\config\system .
Maybe thats what the whole problem is?
Thanks so much for your help, i really appreciate it. Dr.Knowitall
101 Posts
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Posted February 23rd, 2005 20:00
If you can't get the registry to back up using that link I gave you, you're going to have to do a reinstall of your OS. You could probably get the files you needed off your hard drive but the only way is to copy the files to your CD drive or another hard drive using DOS.
Otherwise you'll have to take it to a data recovery service and pay for them to get your stuff off.
Like I said, if you cant get the registry to recover, you're going to have to do a reinstall using the operating system CD that was provided.
JRosenfeld
2 Intern
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4383 Posts
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Posted February 23rd, 2005 21:00
Or if you have access to another PC (a willing friend perhaps), you might try putting your hard drive as slave in that PC, copy over the files to the main drive and burn them to CD or DVD if the right drive is cavailable).Message Edited by JRosenfeld on 02-23-2005 11:10 PM
nwadel
25 Posts
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Posted February 22nd, 2005 17:00
Thanks so much for your help, will report when the diagnostic is done running.
Thank you!!
Natalie