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Missing or Corrupt File and Invalid Password

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by kesher, 2008/01/31.

  1. 2008/01/31
    kesher

    kesher Inactive Thread Starter

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    When I switch my computer on this message appears:

    “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
    \Windows\system32\config\system”

    “You can attempt to repair the repair this file by starting Windows setup using the original CD-ROM”

    After I have placed my XP disc in my PC this message appears:


    “The recovery console provides system repair and recovery functionality.
    Type exit to quit the recovery console and restart the computer

    1: C\ WINDOWS

    Which Windows installation would you like to log onto
    (To cancel, press enter>?)”


    After I have pressed 1

    I am asked to “Type the Administrator Password”

    After I have typed the password I use to log on to my Administrator account, I am told that the “Password is not valid. Please retype the password.”.
    I am absolutely sure that the password I use to log onto my Administrator account is the correct one.

    If instead of typing the password I just press the enter/return key, my PC simply goes back to be beginning again where the message about the corrupt or missing file appears.

    Thanks
     
    kesher,
    #1
  2. 2008/01/31
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    See this Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

    Now, the admin password it is asking for is the password you entered when XP was installed on the system.

    If you don't have that password, you may be SOL, and I'd suggest a clean install. If you need/want to copy files off the current install, you should do a 'parallel' installation (install XP into a separate directory), so you can copy your data, then wipe the disk & start from scratch.
     
    Arie,
    #2


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  4. 2008/02/01
    kesher

    kesher Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have tried entering the password used when I installed XP; but I still get the same message telling me that the password is invalid.
     
    kesher,
    #3
  5. 2008/02/02
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    So do like I suggested:

     
    Arie,
    #4

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