Windows system files missing?

I was using my laptop as per normal and closed down in the usual way. When I swithched back on again the computer told me that the following file was missing or corrupt:

\windows\system32\config\system

then I was instructed to put in the Windows set-up disk and select 'r'

I don't have an xp set up disk it came installed on my new laptop. I have recovery disks but I can not afford to lose the work on my C-Drive.
What do I do can I back up my files without using the recovery disks?


Help I am desperate

Landscape

 

Try the "Easy Way" outlined here. If that doesn't work, you'll need the assistance of some tech that has an install CD to perform the "Hard Way" described.

You should be able to get back up without any data loss.

 

Zephyr

Many Thanks it looks like its going to be the hard way for me.

I get to "Boot using last known Good Configuration" but then sadly get the same old message.

I take it there is no way of retrieving my old files in any other way.

Thank-You for this help I will talk to some people at work and get hold of an XP Install CD.
Are ther any spaces in the lines I have to type in? Do I type md tmp then return first?

Why wouldn't C be the letter I should use?

 

Hi Zep

Landscape

That is your entire Registry. This is not good.

Zephyr gave you the best you can do now. Do it carefully. Print the screens so you will be able to type them correctly.

Some assurance though. Normally unless something very bad happened your files should be there as always.

There are ways to get them even if you can not get XP back up. But you will need some help doing that. We will be here.

If you get it back up. Do nothing else untill you have backed up your important files.

After that you need to run virus, spy/adware and Disk Cleanup. And ecpecially a full scandisk.

Something caused this!

Good luck,

Mike

 

Landscape

I see zep is offline now!

Yes you can see the spaces and yes use c: as in the example.

Mike

 

mflynn

Mike

Thanks a lot

This is all a bit much for me. New Job New laptop lots of work on 'C'. 2 Lessons learned today one especially about back-up. I will give the command lines a try.


\\\\\\\\many |Thanks



Landscape