[Resolved] Missing or corrupt Windows\system32\config\system

Running WinXp. Began having problems this a.m.; thought it was a hardare problem. But it is apparent a WinXp problem. The hard disk is seen by MaxBlast and by the Bios.

After getting the missing or corrupt message.. I followed the advise to run setup with R option. Have chkdsk many times, and played with fixing mbr and config through the setup R option to no avail.

Obviously I don't have a system backup - had one, cannot find it. Is there anything to do besides reinstalling Win Xp and/or reformatting the hard drive?

THANKS FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS.

 

This link should help
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

let me know if it helps. hope it does

 

Looks like that site just copied a lot of what is on the original information from Microsoft at:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545&Product=winxp

There is a lot more resolution information on the MS site which may be helpful.

 

Thank you very much is a great link. I followed the instructions and I was able to boot in normal mode into XP.

 

Ok,

I'm having this problem to.

However I donw have the repair directory on my disk.
c:\windows\repair does not exists. Its a beand new HDD. Had it workign for one day then the day after it won't boot!

I cant rename anything like the system folder or such.

Help appriciated!

regards, Z

 

I have same problem and tried all above to no avail. Could some one have tinkered with the Bios? If so how can I get to it to see? Or, how can I format HD when I can't get to anything but the error message?

 

wrbogart:
Are you ready for a format already?

If the above procedure didn't work, you may still be able to recover with a repair installation.

Boot from the XP CD, skip the first "R" for "Repair" option and continue with setup. After you press F8 to agree to the license, you will see your installation listed with directions on repairing it.

If you really want to format and reinstall, that same window allows you to remove partitions, create custom partitions, and format the drive(s) before continuing with the fresh XP installation.