system32\configuration\system or corrupted - boot problem

Similar Questions

• Satellite A100-207 - \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt

  Hello

  Can someone help me with the following problem. With regard to a Toshiba Satellite A100-207 with windows XP media edition

  When starting the laptop hangs with error * \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt *.

  This article is the closest to the problem http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545. but the warning in the article on the point is not to use with circumspect OEM on more facilities of he made me.

  I have lost the disc of recovery (recently).
  But were able to boot the laptop from USB using a cutter (lite) version of windows.

  The scene in the article copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system fails because the file does not exist (the other files do however).

  In this folder there is a system.bak, this would solve the problems like the laptop boots windows logo screen then after 5 minutes restarts and just go around and around a certain extent.

  There is also a file system.sav in the folder windows\system32\config using this all goes someway to to solve the problem, the laptop restarts and resumes product set-up with off course fails has so I don't have the recovery disk.

  I would be grateful if someone could help with the problem

  Regards Garry

  > but the warning in the article on the point is not to use with circumspect OEM on more facilities of he made me.

  You can ignore this warning, you have no other choice than to try to fix this system following the article in the Microsoft Knowledge base.

  But to be honest, I doubt that the system would run smoothly after this work around.

  I would recommend the new installation of the OS.
  If you don t have a Toshiba Recovery disk, you can use a Microsoft Disk to reinstall the system. Essential drivers are available Toshiba driver Web site.

• Windows\System32\Config\System is corrupted or missing from WinXP Pro

  I can't start Windows Xp Pro. I get the following error message:

  Windows\System32\Config\System is corrupted or missing. How can I fix the problem?

  Hello krazykat9999,

  We get this error when you are either unable to see the registry of the system hive or he is actually corrupt.

  To remedy this, we need a Windows XP CD.  If you do not have a Windows XP CD you can borrow one from a friend for repair purposes.  If we are unable to get the CD anyway, there is another process that we can use.  Please let us know and we will send you this information as well if necessary.

  To boot into the recovery console, use the following article:
  Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console for advanced users

  Once connected, use the chkdsk command to check the disk for errors.
  This will be a certain amount of time and should not be interrupted:

  CHKDSK C:/p

  Again, this will take some time to complete.

  If this does not work, please see the following article to get back to a backup copy of the registry:
  How do I recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP startup

  Let us know if you have any questions about it.

  Best regards
  Matthew_Ha

• Windows\System32\Config\System is corrupted or missing

  I restarted Windows XP Home edition using the software/operating system installation CD.
  I deleted everything and started again and when the Setup is finished, she has restarted.
  Then the message "windows\system32\config\system is corrupted or missing" came and said it should be repaired in the recovery console.

  Boot from the Windows XP CD and go to Recovery Console - follow this document to do http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

  Go to the command prompt.

  Then change to the C: by typing C: and press ENTER.

  Then type CD\SYSTEM VOLUME INFORMATION and press enter

  Then type DIR /AH and press enter (this will show you a directories even if they are hidden directories)

  This will show a few directories... one in particular starts with the name of directory being _RESTORE {there is a long series of random letters and it ends by}

  Type CD _restore {then the random set of letters, dashes and numbers in the directory list of the above command and ending by the}, and then press ENTER.

  Then type dir and press to enter.

  It will show you a bunch of directories that begin with RP - something like RP1366.

  Look at the last entry in directory PR.  If IE RP1366... then look for a couple of directory entries...

  Type CD RP1364 to some directory of restore point that is relevant to your directory entry.  Just don't do the last restore point directory - I would go back 2 or 3 directories restore point.

  Then type DIR /AD and press enter

  Should display a directory called SNAPSHOT

  Then type CD SNAPSHOT

  Then type DIR and press enter

  You should see a few files but two in particular.

  _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
  _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE

  Type COPY _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM C:\windows\system32\config\system and press enter
  Then type COPY _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE c:\windows\system32\config\software and press enter

  Then restart your PC and see if you can connect.

• Windows\System32\Config\System is corrupted or missing error

  system32 error
  my ex is to get the windows\system32\config\system missing or damaged error. Unfortunately, she only has more his original cd, can I download a boot disk or recovery disk or whatever it is? The computer won't past this screen. As a side note, I have a student XP Pro installation disc, but it will not even read that.

  Maybe someday the dialog box 'ask a question' forums XP will ask these questions automatically when a new thread is started so I don't have to ask every time.  It might even be possible to solve a problem in a single response when enough information is provided.

  Please provide additional information on your system:

  What is your system brand and model?

  What is your Version of XP and the Service Pack?

  Describe your current antivirus and software anti malware situation: McAfee, Symantec, Norton, Spybot, AVG, Avira!, MSE, Panda, Trend Micro, CA, Defender, ZoneAlarm, PC Tools, Comodo, etc..

  The question was preceded by a loss of power, aborted reboot or abnormal termination?  (this includes the plug pulling, buttons power, remove the battery, etc.)

  The afflicted system has a CD/DVD drive work?

  If the system works, what do you think might have changed since the last time it did not work properly?

  The question was preceded by a loss of power, aborted reboot or abnormal termination? (This includes the plug pulling, buttons power and removing the battery).

  These can cause corruption in the file system that must be fixed before you do anything else.

  If none of these events occurred (or even if they have not taken place), you must verify the integrity of your file system before anything else (especially "try" things).

  There is zero logic to begin to try to begin to try to modify or copy files to a hard drive that has a corrupted file system, so this must first be fixed using the XP chkdsk program and run chkdsk on your hard drives may solve your problem completely.

  Use the XP Recovery Console to check the file system on your HARD drive and fix the problems and then try to start your system - this may be all you need to do.  Or, you are welcome to just start trying things that might work.

  Boot into the Recovery Console Windows using an XP bootable installation CD.

  If you have no XP bootable media (or aren't sure you have) create a bootable XP Recovery CD of Console and do not forget.

  This is not the same as recovery disks that may have come to a store to purchase the system.

  You can make a bootable Recovery Console CD by downloading an ISO file and burn it to a CD.

  The ISO bootable image file you need to download is called:

  xp_rec_con. ISO

  Download the ISO from here:

  http://www.mediafire.com/?ueyyzfymmig

  Use a new CD and this simple and free program to burn your ISO file and create your bootable CD:

  http://www.ImgBurn.com/

  Here are some instructions for ImgBurn:

  http://Forum.ImgBurn.com/index.php?showtopic=61

  It would be a good idea to test your bootable CD on a computer running.

  You may need to adjust the computer BIOS settings to use the CD-ROM drive as the first device to boot instead of the hard drive.  These adjustments are made before Windows tries to load.  If you miss it, you will need to restart the system again.

  When you start on the CD, follow the instructions:

  Press any key to boot from CD...

  Installing Windows... going to pronounce.

  Press 'R' to enter the Recovery Console.

  Select the installation that you want to access (usually 1: C:\WINDOWS)

  You may be asked to enter the password (usually empty).

  You should be in the folder C:\WINDOWS.  It's the same as the

  C:\Windows folder that you see in Solution Explorer.

  The Recovery Console allows base as file commands: copy, rename, replace, delete, chkdsk, fixboot, fixmbr, cd, etc.

  For a list of the commands in the Recovery Console, type help at the prompt of commands or read on here XP Recovery Console:

  http://www.Microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/proddocs/en-us/recovery_console_cmds.mspx?mfr=true

  A good idea before you start things must first verify the integrity of your file system by using the chkdsk command.

  In the command prompt window, run the chkdsk command on the drive where Windows is installed to try to fix any problems on the afflicted player.

  Running chkdsk is fine, even if he finds no problem.  It won't hurt anything to run it.

  Assuming your boot drive is C, run the following command:

  CHKDSK C: /r

  Let chkdsk finish to correct the problems, he could find.

  It may take a long time for chkdsk complete or they seem to be "stuck".  Be patient.  If the HARD drive led blinks always, chkdsk is something.  Keep an eye on the amount of the percentage to be sure that it is still making progress.  It may even seem to go back sometime.

  You must run chkdsk/r again until it finds no error to correct.

  Remove the CD, and then type "exit" to exit the RC and restart the computer.

  You have not to set the BIOS to boot the disk HARD since the CD won't be.

• Windows system32\config\system file corrupt / missing

  I have Windows XP Home edition on my Sony Vaio. Cannot start Windows because I get a msg saying following file is damaged or missing windows system32\config\system
  Sony support suggested I start mode F8 and select know last good configuration. I tried and got a msg saying that Windows could not start because the following file is missing or damaged
  \SYSTEM32\NTOSKRNL.exe
  Sony support is now suggesting a full recovery, but I don't want to lose all my data!  Any suggestions on what I can do to fix it, but also, let me keep my data?  Thank you!!

  
  Corrupt des/windows system32\config\system missing file? How to fix without losing my data? Support Sony says full recovery of the system, but I'll lose data and sounds very drastic!

  e star,
  For your Windows CD, which would have been provided by the PC manufacturer.  Sometimes they have a partition on the hard disk that contains the recovery software and can be viewed during the start up.  You should check with the manufacturer of PC for more information about the recovery options.  Also if they did not provide a CD sometimes they offer the recovery media for sale.

  The problem here is that something has happened to the ntoskrnl.exe file.  It is difficult to replace just this file because the version that's on a CD may be different for the version that you had on your system.  If replace you it with another that it could potentially cause other problems.

  At this point, you will need to do a repair install or restore clean install\factory.  Mike - Engineer Support Microsoft Answers
  Visit our Microsoft answers feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

• Windows\System32\Config\System.log corrupted

  Sometimes when I turn on my PC I get a message error "C:\windows\system32\config\system.log is damaged and unreadable.  Please run the chkdsk utility. "Sometimes, when I turn it on it freezes in windows journal page, or just after the connection often (accompanied by a long beep after these two occurrences).  I have run chkdsk but it does not appear to have contributed.  Sometimes, the PC boots normally.

  If anyone has any ideas how I can fix this I would be very grateful.  Thank you.

  I guess that you have run the chkdsk utility with the "/ F" or "/ R" option.

  Another thing you can try is to clear your system log file.  To do this, start the event viewer:
  Start-> Run-> "eventvwr.msc".
  or
  Start-> programs-> administration-> event viewer tools.

  Once it starts, find the 'system' in the left column, right-click on it and select "clear all events.
  I hope that this will reset the file and get rid of your mistakes.

  HTH,
  JW

• Windows\System32\Config\System is corrupted or missing 0xc00000e9

  original title: 0xc00000e9

  OK, I have an ibm think purchased cushion of opportunity he has been cleared, then reformatted with windows xp professional, he crashed hard last week then my son he has reinstalled with windows vista Home premium, that it crashed yesterday with this message that is damaged or missing. I do not have the disk that came with it to restart and everytime I try to do, he comes back and says windows\system32\config\system missing or coruppted is there a way I can down load a free disk and burn it to a recordable disc?

  There is no Vista free download legal available.

  Contact your computer manufacturer and ask them to send a recovery disk/s Vista set.

  Normally, they do this for a cost of $ small.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Or borrow a good Microsoft Vista DVD (not Dell, HP, Acer, recovery disk/s etc).
  A good Vista DVD contains all versions of Vista.
  The product key determines which version of Vista is installed.

  There are 2 disks of Vista: one for 32-bit operating system, and one for 64-bit operating system.

  If install a cleaning is required with a good DVD of Vista (not HP, Dell recovery disks):

  At the startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, go to Setup/Bios or F12 for the Boot Menu

  Go to your Bios/Setup, or the Boot Menu at startup and change the Boot order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the boot order, then reboot with the disk in the drive.

  http://support.Microsoft.com/default.aspx/KB/918884

  MS advice on the conduct of clean install.

  http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm

  A tutorial on the use of a clean install

  http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp

  Super Guide Windows Vista Installation

  After installation > go to the website of the manufacturer of your computer/notebook > drivers and downloads Section > key in your model number > get latest Vista drivers for it > download/install them.

  See you soon.

  Mick Murphy - Microsoft partner

• file missing or corrupt windows\system32\config\system

  HELP - by on the title I did: -.

  The full, first part, follow these steps:

  1. Insert the diskette of starting Windows XP in the floppy drive, or insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
     Click to select all of the options required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.
  2. When the "Welcome" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
  3. If you have a dual-boot or multiboot, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.
  4. When you are prompted to do so, type the administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
  5. At the Recovery Console prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
     MD tmp
     copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
     copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
     Copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
     copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
     copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

     delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
     delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
     Delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
     delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
     Delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

     Copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
     copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
     copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
     Copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
     Copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

  6. Type exit to quit the Recovery Console. Your computer will restart.

  Note This procedure assumes that Windows XP is installed in the C:\Windows folder. Make sure that replace C:\Windows with the appropriate dossier_Windows if it is a different place.

  If you have access to another computer, to save time, you can copy the text in step 5, and then create a text file called "Regcopy1.txt" (for example). To use this file, run the following command when you start in Recovery Console:

  batch regcopy1.txt

  With the command batch to the Recovery Console, you can process all the commands in a text file in the order. When you use thebatch command, you do not have to manually type as many commands.

  Second part

  To perform the procedure described in this section, you must be logged in as administrator or an administrative user (a user who has an account in the Administrators group). If you use Windows XP Home Edition, you can connect as an administrative user. If you sign in as an administrator, you must first start Windows XP Home Edition in safe mode. To start the computer in Windows XP Home Edition in safe mode, follow these steps.

  Note Print these instructions before continuing. You cannot view these instructions after you restart the computer in Mode safe. If you use the NTFS file system, also print the instructions from article KB309531 of the Knowledge Base. Step 7 contains a reference to the article.

  1. Click Start , click shut down (or click turn off computer ), click restart , and then click OK (or click restart ).
  2. Press the F8 key.

     On a computer that is configured to start to multiple operating systems, you can press F8 when you see the boot menu.

  3. Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate safe mode option and press ENTER.
  4. If you have a dual-boot or multiboot system, use the arrow keys to select the installation that you want to access, and then press ENTER.

  In part two, you copy the registry of their location saved files by using the system restore. This folder is not available in the Recovery Console, and is usually not visible on the typical use. Before you begin this procedure, you must change several settings to make the folder visible:

  1. Start Windows Explorer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click folder options .
  3. Click the view tab.
  4. Under hidden files and folders , select Show hidden folders and files , and then click to clear theHide protected (recommended) operating system files check box.
  5. When appears in the dialog box confirming that you want to display these files, click Yes .
  6. Double-click the drive where you installed Windows XP to display the list of folders. If it is important to click on the correct drive.
  7. Open the System Volume Information folder. This folder is not available and is dimmed because it is defined as a file hidden doubling.

     Note This folder contains one or more _restore {GUID} folders such as "_restore {87BD3667-3246-476B-923F-F86E30B3E7F8}.

     Note You may receive the following error message:

     C:\System Volume Information is not accessible. Access is denied.

     If you receive this message, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base for access to this folder and continue with the procedure:

     309531 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/) how to access the System Volume Information folder
  8. Open a folder that was created not at the present time. You may need to clickDetails on the view menu to see when these folders were created. There may be one or more folders starting with "RPx under this folder. Here are the restore points.
  9. Open one of these folders to find a subfolder of the snapshot. The following path is an example of a folder path to the snapshot folder:
     C:\System Volume \RP1\Snapshot Information\_restore {D86480E3-73EF-47BC-A0EB-A81BE6EE3ED8}
  10. Starting from the Snapshot folder, copy the following files to the C:\Windows\Tmp folder:
      • _REGISTRY_USER_. DEFAULT
      • _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY
      • _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE
      • _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
      • _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM
  11. Rename the files in the C:\Windows\Tmp folder as follows:
      • Rename _REGISTRY_USER_. DEFAULT DEFAULT
      • Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY to SECURITY
      • Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE to SOFTWARE
      • Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM to SYSTEM
      • Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM to SAM

  These files are the system restore registry files. Because you used the registry file that the Setup program created, this registry does not know that these restore points exist and are available. A new folder is created with a new GUID under System Volume Information and a restore point is created that includes a copy of the registry files that were copied during the first part. Therefore, it is important not to use the most recent folder, especially if the time stamp on the folder is the same at the moment.

  The current configuration of the system is not aware of the previous restore points. You must have a previous copy of the registry to a previous restore point to make previous restore available again points.

  The registry files that were copied to the Tmp folder in the C:\Windows folder are moved to ensure the files are available in the Recovery Console. You use these files to replace the registry files currently in the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder. By default, the Recovery Console has limited access to records and cannot copy the files in the File System Volume.

  Note The procedure described in this section assume you are using your computer with the FAT32 file system. For more information on how to access the folder of information system with the NTFS file system Volume, click on the number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  309531 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/) how to access the System Volume Information folder

  Third part

  In part three, you delete the existing registry files, and then copy the system restore registry files to the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder:

  1. Start the Recovery Console.
  2. At the command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
     del c:\windows\system32\config\sam

     del c:\windows\system32\config\security

     del c:\windows\system32\config\software

     del c:\windows\system32\config\default

     del c:\windows\system32\config\system

     copy c:\windows\tmp\software c:\windows\system32\config\software

     copy c:\windows\tmp\system c:\windows\system32\config\system

  copy c:\windows\tmp\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam

  Copy c:\windows\tmp\security c:\windows\system32\config\security

  Copy c:\windows\tmp\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

  Note Some of these command lines may be wrapped for readability.

• Type exit to quit the Recovery Console. Restart the computer.

Note This procedure assumes that Windows XP is installed in the C:\Windows folder. Make sure that replace C:\Windows with the appropriate dossier_Windows if it is a different place.

If you have access to another computer, to save time, you can copy the text in step 2, and then create a text file named "Regcopy2.txt" (for example). To use this file, run the following command when you start in Recovery Console:

regcopy2.txt batch

Fourth part

1. Click Start and then click all programs .
2. Click on Accessories , then System Tools .
3. Click System Restore , and then click restore to a previous RestorePoint .

and now when I go to the fourth part and try to connect, it says I need to activate windows to open a session. If I click on Yes, the computer crashes just in my background image, if I click on no, this Chuck me back to the log in page... What is wrong with this blooming thing

Please HELP - it took three days of messing around and actually the Ive got nowhere!

OOOOO... should start here:
The question was preceded by a loss of power, aborted reboot or abnormal termination? (this includes pulling and buttons power)
These can cause corruption in the file system that must be fixed before you do anything else.
If none of these events occurred (or even if they have not taken place), you must verify the integrity of your file system before anything else (especially "try" things).
There is zero logic to start try to copy files to a hard drive that has a corrupted file system, so this must be first using the XP chkdsk program and run chkdsk can solve your problem completely.
Use the XP Recovery Console to check the file system on your HARD drive and fix the problems and then try to start your system - this may be all you need to do.  Or, you are welcome to just start trying things that might work.
Start the Recovery Console Windows using an XP bootable installation CD, or create a bootable XP Recovery CD of Console.
This is not the same as recovery disks that may have come to a store to purchase the system.  If you don't know what kind of bootable CD, you, do a CD of bootable XP Recovery Console and do not forget.
After booting into the Recovery Console, you should be in this folder:
C:\WINDOWS
For each of your hard disk partitions, you must then run:
Chkdsk /r
For example, at the Recovery Console prompt, enter:
CHKDSK c: /r
Let chkdsk finish to correct the problems, he could find.  It may take a long time to complete or seem to be 'glued '.  Be patient.  If the HARD drive light flashes, it's something.  Keep an eye on the amount of the percentage to be sure that it is still making progress.  It may even seem to go back sometime.
The chkdsk/r must be completed without error, you may need to run several times until it does.
Remove the CD and then type "exit" to exit the RC and restart the computer and the report with your progress.

Do, or do not. There is no test.

I need YOUR voice and the points for helpful answers and propose responses. I'm saving for a pony!

• My pc says that windows does not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.

  My pc says that windows does not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. It is said it can be repaired by using the original installation CD, but we do not have. Any ideas please?

  The file is missing or corrupt is one of your files in the system registry.

  By far, the best way to recover from this is to go to another computer and create a free Hirens Boot CD.
  Download Hirens: <> http://www.hirensbootcd.org/download/ > (link at the bottom of the icon of the disk)
  Hirens CD burning <> http://www.hirensbootcd.org/burning/ >

  Once you create the CD, and then start your system of problem with this CD.  In the first window, select "Mini Windows XP" and wait for the system to start.  When it starts, go to the Hirens Boot CD menu and select
  Register-> Registry Restore Wizard.
  then follow the prompts.  This wizard will return a copy of your registry database from backups that are stored with your system restore points.  After the restoration, stop, remove the CD and restart.

  When you start your system, it is recommended to perform a system restore operation to ensure the consistency of your system
  "How to restore Windows XP to a previous state"
     <>http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/306084 >

  Also, this error is almost always accompanied, if not caused, the corruption of the file system.  Also a good idea to perform a check disk (chkdsk) operation with the option "repair".
  "How to perform disk error in Windows XP check"
     <>http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/315265 >

  The hard way to get back is covered in the following Microsoft KB article, but if you have installed a large number of service packs for your installation of XP, I don't give you many chances to get past part 1. (And there's also an installation CD to access the Recovery Console)

  "How do I recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP boot"
    <>http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/307545 >

  HTH,
  JW

• HP mini 110-1129nr with windows xp home edition, following the file is missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system model doesn't have a cd/dvd drive. Help, please!

  HP mini 110-1129nr with windows xp home edition, on said boot computer could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system computer has no cd/dvd drive. Computer does not load in safe mode, I ran disk hard main test self test it says completion test: failure, check the status: 7 (filled with the read element of the test failed). Help.

  You need an external DVD drive to get the repair will.

  Also the device you own does not seem to have built in the recovery partition. I'm not sure about later versions of this machine, however, it is best to check with HP.

  The problem is that there is a corruption of the registry on your OS or the system could not find where the registry files are due to system files or boot corrupted file.

  A repair can be made with an external DVD, the worst case, is that if the repair doesn't work you reinstall Windows.

  See this page from HP

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

  System:

  Toshiba Satellite A-75

  WIndows XP Home Edition
  Fully updated with Svc Pk 3
  HITACHI Travelstar hard drive 80 gig

  Nice day

  I'm getting this ' file is missing or damaged:------WINDOWS-SYSTEM32-CONFIG-SYSTEM ' error and Windows does not start in the F8 boot options. When I disable the auto reboot, I get a BSOD 51 registry error, consistent with the file "missing or corrupt" error Surprisingly "Recovery Console" works so I used to run chkdsk. This has not solved the problem, but even once, surprisingly, the utility reported no fixed error. Ok. I do research online (using another computer of course) and check out the many tips that I copy some files in my "c:\windows\repair" folder in the folder 'system '. Before I had time to do that, however, I found an article from Microsoft stating that this should not be done if you have an OEM System... what I'm doing. Apparently, hives system on these OEM installed OS set other passwords that can permanently block you on your records if you use this method. Thanks for the warning. My system restore disc is nothing more than a tool of re-insall OS that will wipe all my data in the process, and this is not desirable. Currently, I see again all my data on the drive by using the "recovery console". I'm ready to thread the needle on this one in the hope of re - access the operating system, although in some limited capacity. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  When you run chkdsk in RC, did you use the /r switch? This is the key! In other words, this should be the command:

  Chkdsk /r

  (there is a space before the slash)

  Moreover, KB307545 can be run safely on most OEM XP installations. Of course, nothing is guaranteed 100%.

  Before you do this or else, you really must ensure all data is stored safely. One way to do this is to start on a live Linux CD and then copy the files to an external hard drive. Another way is to connect the problem hard drive into a working PC and copy the files in this way. This could be done by the servo drive or with an adapter like this:

  http://www.Newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16812161002&TPK=N82E16812161002

• I can't start windows, it says system32\config\system is damaged or missing I tried consol recovery and boot to the top of the cd

  I can't start windows, it says system32\config\system is damaged or missing I tried the recovery console and

  boot from the cd that it won't start any ideas?

  I cannot directions all of the Support Engineer.  It's just a Bing search engine and a link to an article.

  You need to work with someone who has actually really seen and corrected this questions a few thousand times in the real world.

  You must first start by entering in the XP Recovery Console and running a chkdsk/r from there.

  If you do not have a genuine XP bootable installation CD from which you cn safe in the XP Recovery Console or you are not sure that you have a bootable CD, make a bootable CD of XP (no XP media required) Recovery Console and run chkdsk /r there.

  Here's how:

  The question was preceded by a loss of power, aborted reboot or abnormal termination? (This includes the plug pulling, buttons power and removing the battery).

  These can cause corruption in the file system that must be fixed before you do anything else.

  If none of these events occurred (or even if they have not taken place), you must verify the integrity of your file system before anything else (especially "try" things).

  There is zero logic to begin to try to begin to try to modify or copy files to a hard drive that has a corrupted file system, so this must first be fixed using the XP chkdsk program and run chkdsk on your hard drives may solve your problem completely.

  Use the XP Recovery Console to check the file system on your HARD drive and fix the problems and then try to start your system - this may be all you need to do.  Or, you are welcome to just start trying things that might work.

  Boot into the Recovery Console Windows using an XP bootable installation CD.

  If you have no XP bootable media (or aren't sure you have) create a bootable XP Recovery CD of Console and do not forget.

  This is not the same as recovery disks that might have come with the acquisition of the system store.

  You can make a bootable Recovery Console CD by downloading an ISO file and burn it to a CD.

  The ISO bootable image file you need to download is called:

  xp_rec_con. ISO

  Download the ISO from here:

  http://www.mediafire.com/?ueyyzfymmig

  Use a new CD and this simple and free program to burn your ISO file and create your bootable CD:

  http://www.ImgBurn.com/

  When you install ImgBurn, DO NOT install the Ask toolbar.

  Here are some instructions for ImgBurn:

  http://Forum.ImgBurn.com/index.php?showtopic=61

  It would be a good idea to test your bootable CD on a computer running.

  You may need to adjust the computer BIOS settings to use the CD-ROM drive as the first device to boot instead of the hard drive.  These adjustments are made before Windows tries to load.  If you miss it, you will need to restart the system again.

  When you start on the CD, follow the instructions:

  Press any key to boot from CD...

  Installing Windows... going to pronounce.

  Press 'R' to enter the Recovery Console.

  Select the installation that you want to access (usually 1: C:\WINDOWS)

  You may be asked to enter the password (usually empty).

  You should be in the folder C:\WINDOWS.  It's the same as the

  C:\Windows folder that you see in Solution Explorer.

  The Recovery Console allows base as file commands: copy, rename, replace, delete, chkdsk, fixboot, fixmbr, cd, etc.

  For a list of the commands in the Recovery Console, type help at the prompt of commands or read on here XP Recovery Console:

  http://www.Microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/proddocs/en-us/recovery_console_cmds.mspx?mfr=true

  A good idea before you start things must first verify the integrity of your file system by using the chkdsk command.

  In the command prompt window, run the chkdsk command on the drive where Windows is installed to try to fix any problems on the afflicted player.

  Running chkdsk is fine, even if he finds no problem.  It won't hurt anything to run it.

  Assuming your boot drive is C, run the following command:

  CHKDSK C: /r

  Let chkdsk finish to correct the problems, he could find.

  It may take a long time for chkdsk complete or they seem to be "stuck".  Be patient.  If the HARD drive led blinks always, chkdsk is something.  Keep an eye on the amount of the percentage to be sure that it is still making progress.  It may even seem to go back sometime.

  You must run chkdsk/r again until it finds no error to correct.

  Remove the CD, and then type "exit" to exit the RC and restart the computer.

  You have not to set the BIOS to boot the disk HARD since the CD won't be.

• \windows\system32\config\system... Missing or corrupt - need help!

  It shows "\windows\system32\config\system...missing or damaged" when I start the laptop. "

  He said that to use the windows recovery console, but my laptop is 10 ", so it does not come with a CD-ROM.

  then I tried to use windows PE (preinstallation environment) system startup via USB driver enter to solve the problem, but when it's loading system, after a few seconds it stop loading. so, I can not in windows PE.    don't know why, that might happen.

  someone knows how to fix this?

  Please help me with this.

  I would never start with KB307545 for this problem, have never used KB307545 to resolve this issue and will never suggest KB307545 to solve this problem.  It's really bad advice.

  KB307545 is the first thing to come into the Bing search engine for the error, but that doesn't make it the right thing to do.

  The problem likely is the file system is corrupt and XP just can not find the file to load.

  The question was preceded by a loss of power, aborted reboot or abnormal termination? (this includes pulling and buttons power)

  These can cause corruption in the file system that must be fixed before you do anything
  on the other.

  If none of these events occurred (or even if they have not taken place), you must verify the integrity of your file system before anything else (especially "try" things).

  There is zero logic to start try to copy files to a hard drive that has a corrupted file system, so this must be first using the XP chkdsk program and run chkdsk on your hard drives may solve your problem completely.

  You don't need a Windows XP disk to run chkdsk/r either (or implement KB307545), but you have to start on something.

  Do you your system of unspecified and model do not have a CD/DVD drive, or you do not have a Windows installation CD or both?

  You have a working CD/DVD drive or not?

  Your system is able to boot from a USB device?

  If your mini system has no CD-ROM drive (many minis don't) and even if you had a Windows CD, it would be of no use, you reference to KB307545 is therefore still less logical.

  @Imran: technician of technical support:

  Have you ever actually fixed this problem before?

  You have ideas that are possible?

  Why don't you take your system to work, get the XP running and then pull the plug on this subject.  Repeat this about 5 - 10 times and then you will be recreated the problem and you can actually see.

  Then, don't use is not a Windows XP installation CD, fix the system afflicted and then offer this solution as an answer instead of the first Microsoft KB article that appears in a search engine Bing.

• Windows xp sp3 corrupted/missing windows system32\config\system

  Due to the plant after installing sp3, I got the message: "windows has not start because the following file is mising or corrupted \windows\system32\config\system."

  Then, I preformed another destructive restore. again, had the same message. Instead of making another destructive recovery, I did a repair.

  Everything was fine, installed all updates etc. Until I installed sp3. I woke up, started the pc and ONCE again, got the same message.

  I have a HP a375c running windows xp (with sp3).

  I can occasionally, to restart, and it will load. But it's unstable. I can't trust to continue trying to restart and then ultimately won't be able to end.

  I also received a message: c:\i386\dist\system32\dll.dll can not be recovered.

  The system is unstable. ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Apparently, will not be supported sp2 for my system more, Windows XP 32-bit Home Edition.

  How can I fix? It seems to me, that's a problem with sp3.

  I'm tired of performing, destructive and non-destructive, System Restore, etc. Over and over again. Only that it is down. As you know, doing the recovery takes ALL DAY, having to get all updates.

  Help, please...

  I use the original recovery cd of HP.

  HP Pavilion A375c Windows XP Home Edition 32-bit

  I changed the drive (long ago) of chkdsk, found no problems.

  I added Ram.

  This message refers to the hive of the registry.  Is to say that the registry is missing or corrupted, in which case it cannot be loaded.  the question is what is the cause of registry errors.

  It would again be a failing hard drive? Perhaps, your poor quality in windows software installation.  Perhaps, you use your system very strongly but not to keep optimized/set up as regular check records and defragments.

  the disk check reconcile file in the file system to the master file table.  because as long as the files are indexed on the mft, then they won't show up missing.  and Defrag makes sure that the files on the disc are not highly fragmented, as your registry hive.   If one of the many fragments that make a single file corrupted, then all the fragments that becomes unusable.

  so, my suggestion is that if you do not have access to a cd to boot xp in order to launch the recovery console and access the drive prompt, then try to do a boot-able with utilities on that cd so that you don't have to use your recovery cd.

  I did not one of them provided by this site, but I've not heard bad things on this subject: http://www.ubcd4win.org/index.htm

  then when you finally get to the disk prompt run command >:

  Chkdsk /r

  the slash r will mark bad sectors on your hard disk and make windows to ignore the wrong places when writing data to the hard drive in the future.

  also, since you seem to escape that you get this type of error several times, then my suggestion is to make a backup of your registry hive.  This way you can restore via a boot-able floppy.

  If the disk check / r fails to correct the problem with the registry, then you can replace it with a base in a safe place inside the windows folder.

  Keep us updated on your condition.