Registry error and now stuck in startup cycle

I recently updated to service pack 2 for windows XP home. A few days later, I recieved a error during startup saying that c:\windows\system32\config\SYSTEM was missing or corrupt. It wasn't missing, so I replaced it with an older version of SYSTEM from the windows\repair folder. Now, during boot process, it runs through the list of registry files it's loading (including SYSTEM) and then with no error message, reboots. It won't boot in any safe mode or last good config. The windows XP disk I have will not do an install-repair, only offers to overwrite completely and lose all data. Any one have suggestions on how to fix this that doesn't involve using another computer to get my data off the hard drive and then reformatting?

 

Did you save/rename the original SYSTEM hive before replacing it with the one you retrieved from the Repair folder? If so, you might try reversing the act and then see if you are able to boot to Safe Mode. If so you might be able to use System Restore, assuming you have it enabled.

If you tried to boot to Safe Mode when the problem first appeared and couldn't, disregard all the previous.

I don't suppose you have a disk image made prior to this event??

Registry corruption is rare in XP but when it happens, it's cruel to those who aren't properly prepared.

The only other options I see would be the method you already mentioned or else bit-image the drive as it is now using one of the programs that allows individual file retrieval from the image created. I use Acronis True Image but Ghost and Drive Image work also. Then install the system using the disk you have that unfortunately wipe you clean. Either method is lots of work as you no doubt know.

Sorry.

 

no booting option worked previously. I did back-up the SYSTEM file before i restored the old version. I am going to try to restore all of the registry files from the repair folder to see if that helps. else, can I intall another operating system onto that partition just to remove the data before i format?

 

I understand that a parallel install on the same partition works.

I agree with your logic of going the full route on the repair hives, that just might work and you have nothing to lose by the effort. I suppose you would need to reinstall all updates, etc. then since this set of repair haives comes from the day the system was first installed unless you have done some tricks on it, as some folks do.

Good luck. Post back your results so the rest of us can learn more.

 

You can boot from CD, then load a new (second) copy of Windows (after renaming your /windows directory at the prompt to rename or overwrite - do not overwrite). Reboot to the new copy, navigate into the old windows directory w/ Explorer and copy your old "My Documents" folders (or wherever your data is) to the new windows directory or burn to CD if you think you need to reformat. Delete the old windows directory or go for the hard format.