Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

lgcaisse

What is the computer model?

See if the solution HERE can help.

The repair procedures above are not always successful, then you will need to reinstall XP, but all data on the system will be lost, unless you have backed the data to other media.

This error message can also be caused by a dying hard drive.

Bev.

Bev

The model is an Inspiron Desktop 530.

I cannot get to the Recovery Console now because it asking for an Administrator PW.  As I stated before I got into the Recovery Console with no problem the first time and it didn't ask for a PW. I typed in Copy c:\windows\repair\system.bak to C:\windows\system32\config\system. It failed to boot again. I got the same message only with the SOFTWARE file.

I tried to get into the Recovery Console again to change the SOFTWAre FILE but it asked me for the ADMINISTRATOR PW. I don't know what it is or was since I never gave it one. Now I am stuck.

Please help me. My journal # is 09153MHM06

Thank You

lgcaisse  (Larry)

lgcaisse 

Larry.

If you have not set a password, have you tried, when the password is requested, just pushing the 'Enter' key.

Bev.

Larry.

As far as I know there is no 'Master' password for the 530, but if there is, maybe another member can step in and help.

There is a 'Forgotten Password' jumper [PSWD], on the motherboard, you could using that, see HERE

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

If this fails to correct the problem, then the other option would be to restore the 530 to it's factory condition, see HERE

Bev.

Bev,

BTW,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,GO Yankees !!!!

Larry

Bev, BTW,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,GO Yankees !!!! Larry

Larry.

:emotion-21:

Bev.

Knoppix Live Linux

http://www.kernel.org/pub/dist/knoppix/KNOPPIX_V6.0.1CD-2009-02-08-EN.iso

You will need a Drive Wire.

To Access the data on a Mac running OSX you need the Free Google MACFUSE

http://code.google.com/p/macfuse/

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A1164717&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063

The DriveWire IDE/PATA/SATA to USB Hard Drive Adapter from Apricorn is an ideal solution for transferring the data from a desktop or laptop PC to a new hard drive in a few easy steps. With this DriveWire Adapter you can easily transfer your OS, data, applications, documents, address books, e-mail, settings and preferences - from the old drive to a new drive, in few easy steps. DriveWire Adapter is bundled with Apricorn's ‘Upgrade Suite’ which features EZ Gig II cloning software for Windows and Shirt Pocket's SuperDuper for Mac. Just attach your 2.5" or 3.5" hard drive to the appropriate connector on DriveWire's cable head. Then connect the AC power adapter and the USB cable. Now, boot up your computer using the "Upgrade Suite" bootable CD and make and exact clone of the old drive onto a new drive. After the transfer is completed, install the new hard drive into the desktop or laptop, and the computer will boot up just like normal.

This DriveWire adapter provides a SATA connector for the new style drives as well as 44-pin connector for a 2.5" laptop IDE/PATA Hard Drive and 40-pin connector for a standard 3.5" IDE/PATA Hard Drive, allowing you to connect a hard drive to any desktop or laptop computer with a USB 2.0 port. This adapter eliminates the need for a separate enclosure for every Hard Drive and is compatible with almost any 2.5" or 3.5" IDE/PATA or SATA Hard Drives. With all these features, this DriveWire adapter is an ideal solution for anyone needing immediate or temporary access to a Hard Drive.

Manufacturer Part# : ADW-USB-KIT
Dell Part# : A1164717

Larry,

Sorry, I've run out of suggestions, by this time I would have removed the hard drive from the 530, used a SATA USB adaptor and attached to a working computer, transfered all files and folders I wished to save. 

 Then reinstall the HD in the 530 and either used Dell's PC restore feature, or reinstalled windows.

Bev.

Larry,

I didn't want to interfere with Bev as she gives GREAT information.

Did you get your files and folders that you need?

Two possible options would be maybe from the safe mode try,

Start, run

Type CMD and hit enter. Type

chkdsk /r          (space between the k and /)

Hit enter. Answer with a Y, then restart your computer. See if that helps. If not then the second thing I'd try would be a Repair of the Operating System.

Put the Operating system disk in the computer and restart the computer.

Press any key to boot from the CD.

Choose install.

Do the Agreement.

Now choose Repair. Leave the disk in the computer until you see the Welcome Screen. Takes abour 35 minutes. Now you need to install alll the Windows Updates, again(more painful and time consuming)

Rick

Larry,

If you didn't get all your files and folders you need, wait I have a way to do that, also.

Bev,

Sorry no White Dell Mini for your cat, sorry. :emotion-5:

Rick

Bev,

Sorry, too many cats around here. I confused your cat for Alexandra's cat from my post in VIP.

Rick