1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

[\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM missing or corrupt]

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by rtstanley, 2008/02/17.

  1. 2008/02/17
    rtstanley

    rtstanley Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/04/20
    Messages:
    50
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hello,

    It has been a very long time since I've posted on this website. I'm actually posting this on behalf of my son - who tonight called about a problem with their computer.

    He has a Compaq Presario Laptop, with Windows XP. I'm going to transcribe what he told me tonight…… "I went to AOL instant message and signed on. There was something in the bottom right corner about active update. Something about windows has found something in AOL that could corrupt or damage windows. As soon as this happened, the hard drive started running like crazy. He exited out of everything "“ and the HD continue to run. He restarted the computer, and it got stuck at the "Windows is trying to shutdown" screen. HD continue to run like crazy. He powered the computer off. He powers up and now gets a Windows black screen with white text that states "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \Windows\system32\config\systemâ€. Then there are three more sentences… "You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup CDROM. Select R at first screen to start repairâ€.

    Whew, that’s the story!

    They are looking for their original CDs. Not sure if they have them. I have a Dell machine and I have a Windows reinstallation CD for MS Windows Home Edition. Not sure if this could help them.

    Looking for your thought on this. This web site has always helped me out . You think this was a virus of some sort? Will the CD that I have maybe help them?

    What are your recommendations and guidelines to try and help them out of their mess?

    Thank you!!
     
    rtstanley,
    #1
  2. 2008/02/18
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    I am not familiar with AOL in any shape or form, so I can't postulate on what may or may not have happened.....

    However there is an MS Guided Help article for ....

    Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM .....

    How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

    There ia another thread essentially on this problem here ...

    http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=71043 - particularly Post #7

    I have edited your thread title to be more specific.

    As the Recovery Console is involved and as I understand Dell supply full install CD's as opposed to Recovery CD's your CD may well work.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2008/03/09
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2004/06/25
    Messages:
    7,214
    Likes Received:
    514
    Hi rtStanley, Have you got your problem sorted yet? If you follow the posts Pete suggested you will get all back to normal. Please read my final post on the link Pete gave you as I have everything working properly again thanks to Dude and Mike. Neil.:cool:
     
    retiredlearner,
    #3
  5. 2008/03/09
    rtstanley

    rtstanley Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/04/20
    Messages:
    50
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes, problem resolved. I do not know exactly what my son did to resolve it, but this item can be closed.
     
    rtstanley,
    #4

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...