[Paul B]

I left my laptop happily on the table last night, turned it off etc. This morning I turned it on, everything went as normal until I saw my background image and then it restarted and now says:

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 Setup CD-ROM
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair

The thing is the laptop was issued as a replacement for a stolen one and didn't come with anything bar its power lead. The desktop im typing this off only came with HP recovery disks and they wont work in the laptop (even though its a HP as well)
It won't start in safe-mode or anything like that, is the only solution to blag a copy of XP home and try and do a repair? Any other way to get my files off? Thanks in advance.

[GCW]

Have you tried getting into recovery console (press F8 on start up)?

[Paul B]

F8 gives me the safe-mode etc. list, which option are you recommending? (i've tried most and they all do the same thing)

[GCW]

Hmmm, usually Safe Mode or Last Stable are best.  If they don't work, you're likely looking at a boot from disc (which you don't have).  You may need to connect the HDD to another system and recover your files that way.

[Paul B]

Both don't work, is there anyway I can make a boot disc from the desktop i'm typing on?

[neil h]

Hi mate, start up hold on to ctrl button and start htting F11, if nowt comes up do the same with F12 depends on your system, should give you a list of recovery options, failing that Stick XP or vista straight over it and run a file recovery I have one if you need it, It will pull back every file on your hard drive....


Good luck

[Paul B]

Thanks neil, unfortunately nothing happens with either, i'm downloading a copy of xp home so I can try to repair the existing instal (i've got the key on a sticker underneath the computer)...Which recovery program do you speak of?

[neil h]

download this baby http://www.recovermyfiles.com/ when you are ready drop me a pm, wil give you a key


It will bring everything back, probably take around 10 hours depending on size of hard drive

[lagerstarfish]

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 Setup CD-ROM
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair

NNFN

This has just happened to Mrs Starfish's laptop. I shall work my way through the solutions on this thread.

Any other tips?

Ta

[Paul B]

I think it was the recovery CD's that did a windows fix. Sorry to hear you're having problems.

[lagerstarfish]

Anyone near Heeley got an XP Home recovery cd? Or pm with a link?
Cheers

[lagerstarfish]

Phoned a friend who has a disc 

[Paul B]

mine are specific to the laptop in question, lets hope his aren't!

[Bubba]

This site gives good advice: http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

If that doesn't work I usually go for a re-install of XP. You should be able to just re-install windows but obviously don't do a format first or your data is toast.

With XP, it's a good idea to have any important data on a separate partition for situations such as this. Never just stick everything on the c: drive, it's too scary when this happens.

[bigd942]

I had this a few years ago, I got a linux boot disk and managed to boot from the cd rom, allowed me to get off all my data safely before going for a full wipe and reinstall, forget the site but was something lite petro.it or something, will keep looking and post a link, are probably alternative boot disks available.

[lagerstarfish]

Fortunately I backed up all the important files on to an external drive only last week 

I'm sort of looking forward to reinstalling XP as I've never done it.

[Johnny Brown]

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system

This happened to a laptop at work. Apparently 'it couldn't be repaired' and was never seen again. Hmm.

[lagerstarfish]

Sorted 

I installed another version of xp [home] - without putting in the product key - on a different partition [d] and recovered all the files. then the origional version [pro] magically came to life with all apps and settings intact, but using d drive as its default instead of c. then i moved all the wifes files from being hidden on c and onto her desktop and as far as she is concerned nothing has changed. all with a baby on one arm - hence poor typing

I hereby submit my application for membership of the windoze alchemists association.