Recovery Console - Reset Windows

I had this error:

Windows could not start because the following file is corrupt or missing:

Windows\system32\config\system.

I followed the Microsoft guide to using recover console to fix this. I can now get into XP but it is a like a new install - I lost all drivers, directX, all profiles etc.

I cannot use System Restore as it has lost all restore points. I followed the rest of Microsoft guide to get Windows to see these points, but it does not work.

I have recretaed the accounts, but when I log into them it will not pick up the profiles from the original accounts.

Is there anything I can do - or am I starting from scratch again?

 

I also have the problem that Xp will not recognise my Office Applications. I can't reinstall them as it says windows installer is missing or damaged. Also some services are not workingas they should. I can't see the contents of the network connections folder (even when I start the service).

Mail works fine but internet is very intermitant.

Should I format? Or are there some more simple answers?

 

The procedure MS outlined for you has its limitations as they state at the outset. It will not completely restore your system to full functionality.

It is designed to enable you to retrieve and backup any important files and then do a clean install of Windows.

The problem you experienced is due to Registry corruption and cannot be repaired with a Repair Install (over install). It requires a full clean install.

 

Thanks for the reply suferdude.

I feared as much. Unfortunately, I can't back up my files to CD as the program I use to do that no longer works and I can't re-install it as the Windows installer does not work.

I will do a clean install, but need to download some files to put on when I do so. Any idea why Internet Explorere and Firefox don't work properly? Otherwise internet is fine. ipconfig/all shows that I have got the ciorrect DNS servers etc.

 

You can try running sfc /scannow from the Run window. It may not do any good but worth a shot.

Some other options are:

1. Get a second hard drive and make it the master. Install a clean copy of XP on it and slave the other drive so as to copy your files from it.

2. Get a disk imaging software and use it to burn an image to CD's (or 2nd HD is better even). It will do that from a floppy boot disk and use its own burner software. Then wipe the drive and install XP clean. Then you can pluck your files from the image you created.

I like a combination of the two best, getting a slave drive and running the disk image onto it. Ghost or True Image, both are good imaging softwares and you can use them later for making backup images. Wouldn't it be nice to have one of those now.

Good luck.

 

An over-the-top reinstall of Windows would be worth trying. Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by presssing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation ". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards. NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to perform a re-install of WinXP

Repair XP