Windows start up problem

When powering on my computer I get this error message:
¨windows/system32/config/system file is either missing or corrupt¨. It prompts me to use my system recovery cd to repair the file. Unfortuantly, I am in a foreign country and will be for the next few months, so I dont have access to my recovery cd. My question is could I use a different recovery cd to repair this file and will I lose any of my data if I repair it this way? Or does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this problem?
Thank you.

 

I will try this and hopefully it works! Thank you for your help.

 

Well, I tried the suggested method, and windows will still not start. I tried all the options listed in the Advanced Options screen too, and none of those work either. Are there any other options that would get this thing working again?

 

Are you able to burn a cd on the computer you're using?

 

On the computer that I´m currently using? Yes. On the laptop that won´t load, No.

 

Go here then click the links 'download a program' and 'Download the package here'. Save the recovery_console_cd.zip file to your drive and unzip it to it's own folder. Download the correct setup package for your operating system from Microsoft and save it to the folder you extracted the zip to. Rename the setup package to Bootdisk.exe
Insert a blank cd into your burner. Now just double click the RecoveryCD.bat file and follow the prompts to burn a cd that will allow you to boot to the recovery console. Put the cd in the laptop and start it. It should either boot directly to the cd or prompt you to press any key to boot to the cd. Verify that works and we can continue from there.

Don't select any options at the setup screen yet!

 

Okay. I downloaded all the neccessary files, extracted, renamed, and place in the same folder. I will burn the cd tonight. One question, will this method cause me to lose my data? and if it does, is there a way to recover them after? I know I may be jumping ahead, but the files Im concerned with are mainly just word documents, picture and video files. Sorry for the newb questions.

 

We're just going to replace a registry hive file using the Recovery Console, the one you're being told is missing or corrupt (system). No data will be lost.

 

Okay, the disc is made. Now what?

 

Insert the cd and start the computer. When/if prompted, boot to the cd. At the Welcome to Setup screen type R to access the Recovery Console.

After the Recovery Console starts, you will be prompted which installation to start. Generally it will only list one, similar to the following.

1. C:\Windows

Press 1 and hit enter.
When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
At the C:\Windows> command prompt, type the following lines exactly as shown, pressing ENTER after you type each line:

md tmp
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system


~Note: there is a space between each of the red letters above.
~Note: if the installation path differs from C:\Windows, you will need to change the commands above to reflect the correct path.

Type exit then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console. Your computer will restart. Remove the cd and allow it to boot normally.

 

Well, I replaced the file and windows now boots and I have all the my data in tact. Thank you for the help!
I did have a few problems with my display and audio, but I updated the drivers and everything seems to be working in order right now.

 

I was actually going to suggest running a system restore to a point prior to the problem. The reason for that is the registry hive file we used as a replacement was made when the operating system was first installed. Services, drivers, and some other things would have likely been added or changed since then, and a recent restore point would have the appropriate registry. However, if everything is working fine now, it's probably best to just leave well enough alone.

Glad it worked for you, and happy I could help.

 

Nice clean work Dave! And 4deuce, you're to be commended also for following directions so well in spite of being a "beginner. "

 

Thanks Dude

Have to agree .... well done 4deuce!