[sciencekidbj]

I have a Dell Deminsion 9100 with Windows XP on it. I have a problem with my Windows\system32\config\system file and I need to either reinstall windows or repair the file. However, when I boot into the windows installation disk and it shows the screen that gives me the option to install, repair, or exit it doesn't seem to recognize my keyboard, even though it recognizes it every where else. This happens with any copy of windows that I try to use. I have used every usb port it has to run the keyboard, including using differant keybaords and adapters. It has no ps2 ports. I have used multiple dvd drives. I honestly don't know what to try next.

[Saga Lout]

There's an option to change keyboards with, I think, three possibilities you can try. That option appears at the bottom of the screen around the time the version of XP you wish to repair appears at the top so it's easy to miss. You might also benefit from going into BIOS and enabling USB Legacy Support if the option exists.

What stage do you get to before realising the keyboard isn't working? You need it at least twice before getting to the stage described above. Once you do get through to the Repair option, you could save reinstalling by copying the relevant file by using this syntax at the C:\ prompt:-

copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system and agree to overwrite. It will be an older copy than yours and you may lose some drivers but the Dell site has them all.

[RANJIT56]

It also may be due to faulty ram because when installing the os the temp files are created on ram and accessed from their and if Ram is faulty then it will not load os it will give blue dump so just check by replacing the Ram

[sciencekidbj]

I can use my key board in all places except on the screen where it says repair, install, or exit. so it shouldn't be a keyboard problem. I didn't think of the ram, it may be that, i don't have ram or money to buy ram to replace it though.