System corrupt?

technoboy SG

When I start my desktop, it shows this message:

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

/WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows setup using the original set-up CD-ROM
Press 'r' at the first screen to start repair"

I tried inserting the CD in and pressed 'r'. But the message still pops out. Any idea why is that so? Does this means that I have to reformat my computer already? Crying or Very sad

ditzy SG

If you have made a repair disk before via the control panel, it will be a sinch, but if you didn't sad to say reformat is your only choice. Laughing I kenna this twice before, luckily its office computer, I tell you even the system admin also headache.

technoboy SG

How do I make the repair disk? Oh shit, that computer's stuffs are not backed up yet. Laughing Crying or Very sad

How do I even reformat? Even when I put the recovery disk in the message still comes out.

ditzy SG

Actually you don't have to say sayonara to your data, you just reinstall windows again, not reformat. It'll work, but it'll be like new windows, and data and programs you had, they'll still be there but they're kinda lost. Laughing

Conner MacDermott SG

This could be because your registry hive is deleted or corrupt.

Try running the chkdsk command from Recovery Console and reboot the system.

The Recovery Console can be accessed from:

1) Your Computer

Reboot your computer
Before the logon screen, press F8

2) Your Windows CD

At the Welcome to Windows Screen, press F10 or "r"

More on how to use the Recovery Console is found here.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314058

Conner MacDermott SG

Once you got into Recovery Console, select the operating system you are using. By default, there should only be one. Unless you have a multiboot system. Post back to tell me if this is the case.

Now, you will be asked for an administator password. This is usually blank unless your itchy hands changed it. In that case, post back to tell me if that is the case.

Once inside, type "chkdsk /p" and enter. Please type exactly as shown, excluding the parenthesis but including the space.

Reboot your computer.

If this does NOT solve your problem still.

Type "CD C:\system~1\_resto~1"
Type ">dir"

You will see a list of Restore Points (rp) by now.

Select the second highest Restore Point. (Eg: rp8 Cool

Type "cd rp88"
Type "cd snapshot"
Type "copy _registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system" Don't copy """
Type "y"
Type "exit"
Press any key to initiate reboot.
Remove CD from Drive.

If this also cannot, I have no other means liao.

Cheers.

Conner MacDermott SG

For general knowledge, read this article. It's useful.

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Troubleshooting-Startup-Problems.html

ndmmxiaomayi SG

Your registry is corrupted...

Can't remember which one, but it's definitely under this hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM)

HKLM means all the settings for a particular machine is stored there. Edit the wrong thing, delete the wrong thing, you basically will be gone case.

And you need the original XP disc to recover, not recovery discs... it won't work no matter what you do to it.

I have no idea if System Restore ever works, because if you can't even start Windows, I don't see how you could get to System Restore. A repair will work fine, it won't delete any of your files, except replace all important Windows files and repair the registry.

Conner MacDermott SG

You won't need to access Windows. Before logon, press F8

ndmmxiaomayi SG

System Restore is available through there?

I know there is Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Last Known Good Configuration, Normal Mode, and some other options, never really paid attention to what is there.

Conner MacDermott SG

Err.. Windows XP Recovey Console is sort of a manual repir tool. You need to access it before logon. The modes you suggested are available at logon.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314058

ndmmxiaomayi SG

Recovery Console and System Restore not the same thing...

I'm referring to this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222

technoboy SG

Thanks, Conner MacDermott. I will try your method first thing tomorrow. Will let you guys know if that works.

Appreciate all those who helped. Smile

Conner MacDermott SG

I have never mentioned that Recovery Console and System Restore are the same..

Read the "How to use Command Console" my hyerlink.

Dr Who SG

This one looks like RAM problem

need to change memory card.....

technoboy SG

Conner MacDermott,

I have solved my problem now using the first method. Thanks alot! Smile