\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

Question

I received the following message when trying to start my Inspiron 8600, \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.    My first attempt was to restore Windows.  I was able to restore but a few weeks later I receive the same error message.  This last time I performed a clean install of Windows XP.   I reinstalled all software and thought I was good to go.  Less than a week later the message is display-   \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.   This time I only get a black screen, Windows XP does not load.   I'm new to this and wonder if my hard-drive has gone back. Are there tests to determine exactly what is going on with the system?

mombodog · Answer

Run the Dell diagnostics extended tests.

theolar · Answer

What steps do I take to run the diagnostic test?   Thanks for the response.

mombodog · Answer

Not sure on that model.   1. F12 at boot time to get to a diagnostics menu   2. Boot from the Dell Resource CD to run diagnostics

mombodog · Answer

' I tried the diagnostic '   Sounds like you booted from the wrong CD.  Resource CD, not the Xp reinstallation CD.

theolar · Answer

When I turned the system on tonight I get the following message...   Windows root\system 32
toskrnl.exe   Please re-install a copy of the above file.   I tried the diagnostic but it went right into Windows setup.  When I get to the point where it asks 'Which Windows installation would you like to log onto 1: C:\Windows I type a 1 and enter, then it hangs on me.

Windows General

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

Was this post helpful?