Registry cannot load the hive (file) \systemRoot\System32\Config\SAM..

Ran into a problem when I got to C:\system~1>, it would not recognize the next command, cd_resto~1.

Had Tammy\Blender on IM and she said she didn't have it either. She suggested I do this:
cd system32
cd config ren sam sam.old
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam

Then she got busy and never returned to our IM

A short while after that the lappy shut down, which was another one of the problems that my cousin had with the machine, before she just got the blue screen, random shutdowns.

 

That indicates that System Restore was not enabled or not working properly.

Did you try rebooting after that? If not, do so when the random shutdown problem allows.

The Repair Install is looming. This random shutdown is likely hardware related and may be what caused this entire issue. Overheat?? Bad RAM??

 

I thought that may be the case, either or.

Actually, I didn't even perform that step, there was a clarification I needed and she never got back to me, so that step is still pending.

Well, I tell ya this little sucker sure throws off some heat. I inserted 4 small rubber grommets to lift the laptop off the desktop about another 1\4 inch to allow more 'flow thru' as the case may be.

 

I see where the confusion might be since the command lines are not displayed correctly.

It should have said, from the C:\windows command in RC:

cd system32
cd config
ren sam sam.old
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam

Reboot for effect.

I'm sure that was the intent and is good advice given that there is no other backup copy of the SAM hive available.

 

There should be a space between cd and _resto~1

I 'm guessing you typoed your message but thought I should point it out in case you did the same at the DOS prompt.


EDIT: BTW, in case anyone following this thread wonders what "cd" means, it means "change directory ". (Windows now commonly uses the term "folder" instead of "directory ", which was the common term in the old "DOS days ".)

 

Blow some compressed air backward through the case and then forwards to see the dust, lint, hair, and fur fly.

The air coming out of the case should be warm but not excessively so. I would expect it to be no higher than 10 ~ 15° F. (5½ ~ 8 C.). above ambient at most. If the air flow is restricted, the temperature will rise considerably higher than that.

Laptop Cleaning Reference

 

More on the heat issue - extreme temperatures will generate similar or identical problems re: shutdowns and blue screens. When your computer is turned off, if you can see the fan blades through the baffle opening on the bottom, try to pin them with a toothpick or something so they don't spin (spinning too fast could damage the bearings) and then blow the heck out of that machine. You can also take the shell apart to gain access and from the sound of things, that puppy needs some cleaning. This isn't necessarily going to resolve your immediate problem but if you are running as hot as it sounds, the issue has to be addressed.

 

Hi, Rockster.

Theoretically, it seems spinning too fast could also generate damaging voltage/current. Manually spinning a fan blade while the fan is connected to a circuit has the effect of turning (pardon the pun) the fan's motor into an electrical generator.

 

Ok, I got the system booted up and am working thru some things to see what's what.

I copied sam from repair folder and that worked.

Thanks to everyone for their help on this.

I'll report back with anything I find. First thing I do notice is heat, lots of it sitting here in front of me. Last thing I need is more of that, was 113 here today!