\windows\system32\config\system is corruptSolved/Closed

Question

Hello,

I have an IBM thinkpad T23 and suddenly when I turned it on it came up with an error message saying: \windows\system32\config\system  is corrupt or missing. I've tried reboot from cd using home xp edition but it still comes up with \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing. I cant access bios because I cant remember the password for it.

Please help.

Cav

Sephiroth · Accepted Answer

Try this one:
https://www.myfixes.com/articles/system/

ANTI-VIRUS: what is "floustration of light"? XD Also, a UPS has nothing at all to do with random registry corruption.

Your hard drive may be having issues. If your HDD is more than three years old, you might consider a replacement. Run "chkdsk /p" or "chkdsk /f". If you see a lot of errors or bad sectors, it's time to go shopping. Otherwise, let chkdsk fix the problems and go on your merry way. Good luck!

dhlexp · Answer

hello cav,

just clear the bios it wont ask you for the password you can do that by removing the battery form the motherboard for at least two minutes and after that just set your boot sequence onto your dvd rom and boot the windows cd from there.

after windows has been launched use the recovery console on the cd to reapir the windows but be sure that there isnt any password in the administrator account but nevertheless if there is then type the password

hope you succeed

ANTI-VIRUS · Answer

the problem is from the hard disk is spoilt it has been corrupt due to floustration of light. the solution is that you need to change the hard disk and get uninterrupted power supply (UPS).

DseanD · Answer

I have the same issue here.

I followed someones steps and removed the MB battery for 2min. Didnt work and the Windows XP CD is not repairing. Any other suggestions here, I need step by step if possible. Willing to get on some sort of Chat if needed too.

PS, I get to the part in the Setup and press "R" then I come to a DOS prompt that says:

Type EXIT to quit the recovery Console and restart the computer.

1:  C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows would you like to start...blahblah blah

I type 1 and now I dont know what CMD to use. I DO NOT want to Format if I dont have to. Redownloading everything will be a pain.

SCRATCH THAT, IT FIXED ITSELF. I JUST NEEDED TO TYPE EXIT AFTER I DECIDED TO GO BALLS OUT WITH CHKDSK. EXCELLENT RESPONSES, I USED ALL THE PREVIOUS POSTS FOR THE HELP. I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO RETURN, BUT IF I DO NEED HELP THIS IS WHERE I WILL COME.

THANK YOU,
SEAN

pemasaran1 · Answer

I have problem Windows\system32\is eror

pemasaran1 · Answer

I have problem Windows\system32\ APLCATION is eror

Harish · Answer

Hi guys,

I have just encountered the same problem on my laptop and yes, the Repair utility seems to be the best option available on hand.

But to throw some light on *WHY* this is happening in the first place - I have seen the mention of faulty wires(!) and bad hard drives. But in my humble opinon, the most probable cause for this could be the Automatic Updates that Windows keeps downloading by itself. Or in the case of a hot fix which you download from Microsoft without taking a back up. 

When I was downloading a HotFix for my laptop yesterday, it warned me with this note:

IMPORTANT:

    * A hotfix is intended to correct a specific problem.
    * Apply the hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the specific problem.
    * Installing the incorrect hotfix can cause damage to your system.
    * If you are not sure whether the hotfix is the correct one for your system, do not install it.
    * Hotfixes are included in subsequent service packs that are safer to install through Microsoft Update.

It also mentioned that I should take a back up of my registry, etc. 

I conveniently ignored the warning, failing to give MS enough credit for knowing its own (in)abilities. And now I need to wait till I get my hands on a CD before I can "Repair" Windows. For the number of users worldwide who "Repair" Windows, I am sure MS can proudly claim to have the largest service network in the world!

Anyway, hope this helps this discussion. Just my 2 pences worth.

user · Answer

thanks tindoin

you fixboot suggestion worked

i can boo again


ciao

robert · Answer

what messages come out when you install windows?

navnath · Answer

answer

Covey · Answer

\windows\system32\config\file missing or corrupt   (something to that effect)

I had this problem.  My operating system is Win XP Professional Ed.  I followed a number of advice in using the original CD to solve this problem but to no avail.  Recovery console did not work.  CHDSK did not work - CHDSK told me that  a section of my hard drive is corrupt and cannot be repaired.

I tried all sorts of things until I was tired and frustrated.  So I press the restart button to reboot the system.  I press F11 and a pop-up gave me the booting options.  I choose boot from hard drive and then enter.  (You can F2 to enter the BIOS and set the boot option - Warning - make sure you have experience or knowledge of the BIOS).  I power off the computer before it reboots.

I then turned off the power supply at the back of the machine.  Then I opened the casing of the machine.  I disconnected the hard-drive cables from the motherboard.  After about 2 mins I reconnected the cables.  I closed back the casing.  Turn back on the power-supply at the back of the machine.  I powered on the machine and BINGO!!  It Worked!!  The system run its first page and then I see the Window logo and it boot all the way up to the desktop.  Yes my system came back.

My next move was to restore and back up my files and as soon as I got the chance I defrag the system.  My system has been working since.

Try the above suggestion and see if it works for you too.

Val · Answer

This is what I did to repair the startup problem and it worked !! It did give some warnings , while loading ..some restoration files are corrupt. But all the services worked just fine

source: http://rselby.net/xpreg.htm#rcrwxp

Method 3

   1. This step will only work if you have System Restore turned on
   2. Restart the computer and boot to the Recovery Console
   3. You will be copying a reigstry backup so you may loose some programs or their settings, it all depends on when the last Restore Point for System Restore was created
   4. If some programs don't work it's really as simple as reinstalling them At the C:\Windows> Command Prompt type the following
            CD C:\system~1\_resto~1
   5. Press the enter key
   6. The command prompt will change to C:\system~1\_resto~1\>
   7. Type the following
            dir
   8. Press the enter key
   9. Once you enter the DIR command and press the enter key you will get a list of folders like such rp1, rp2, rp3, rp4... The "rp" part of the folder name denoting it's a Restore Point
  10. Find the 2nd highest numbered folder in that list.
  11. If it list rp1 thru rp24 choose rp23 folder
  12. At the C:\system~1\_resto~1> command prompt type
            cd rp23
  13. Press the enter key
  14. At the next command prompt C:\system~1\_resto~1\rp23> type
            cd snapshot
  15. Press the enter key
  16. At the C:\system~1\_resto~1\rp23\snapshot> type the following
            copy _registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system
  17. At the command prompt Overwrite system [y,n]: type
            y 
  18. The following will appear
            1 file copied
  19. At the command prompt C:\system~1\_resto~1\rp23\snapshot> type
            exit
  20. Press the enter key until the computer restarts...do NOT boot from CDRom again

wagam · Answer

the possible way to incorrect the missing file is to fix the registry and group policy by repairing the operating system of your windows," do not use recovery consulue for repairing your system.

                                               wagam@www152

justrightman · Answer

hello there 


yes I have this problem with my window xpsp2 dimension 2350 , whne I stated it it now says windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt windows\system32\config\system

!. I tried to boot from my  windows xp setup disk bu get the same message over and over

2. also I tried bootcfg / rebuild

Can I download this file from my  window xp setup disk and then put it on a flash drive and then 
expand (like expand F:\i386 or something like this ) it from my flash drive in to windows to make it work again  

or is there another way to boot form start or safe mode which I  can not ( reach or click ) under normal circumstances (I have a black screen with 

or is there another way to go back into restore points or date without start or safe mode(black Screen)

if God create everything out of blackness, sure w can create a problem to go to safe mode  or  restore a system back to an earlier time from a black screen I just don know the steps. 

                                           thank you

anonymous · Answer

error messages:
"XP cannot boot, the c:\windows\system32\config\system file is corrupt or missing"

LSASS.EXE error
when attempting to update a password the reutrn status indicates that the value provided as the current password is no correct


use windows recovery console with xp reinstallation cd
Verify if the LSASS.EXE file is missing
c:\windows> cd c:\windows\system32\config
c:\windows\system32\config> dir
(look in the directory and see if the lsass.exe file is there if not perform the following steps:

(will need to know drive letter for cd)
c:\windows> e:
e:\> copy e:\i386\lsass.ex_ c:\windows	mp\lsass.ex_
e:\> c:
c:\windows> ren c:\windows	mp\lsass.ex_ c:\windows	mp\lsass.exe
c:\windows> copy c:\windows	mp\lsass.exe c:\windows\system32\config

If the lsass file is there it may be corrupt - perform the following steps:

(will need to know drive letter for cd)
c:\windows> e:
e:\> copy e:\i386\lsass.ex_ c:\windows	mp\lsass.ex_
e:\> c:
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\system32\config\lsass.exe c:\windows	mp\lsass.old
c:\windows> ren c:\windows	mp\lsass.ex_ c:\windows	mp\lsass.exe
c:\windows> copy c:\windows	mp\lsass.exe c:\windows\system32\config

Replace the system and security files:

c:\windows> copy c:\windows\system32\config\system   c:\windows	mp\system.bak
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\security\system32\config\security c:\windows	mp\security.bak
c:\windows> del c:\windows\security\system32\config\security 
c:\windows> del c:\windows\system32\config\system  
c:\windows> copy c:\windowsepair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
c:\windows> copy c:\windowsepair\security c:\windows\system32\config security

Reboot computer to xp reinstallation disk (hit enter to install xp)
hit R to perform a repair installation of the xp os

Turn off system restore to remove bad restore points, created a new restore point
Run a malware scan and a sasser worm scan. (to verify there is no malicious software on pc
Install all windows updates.

Jithu · Answer

Boot from the Windows CD and press R to get into the recovery mode. Once you get the command prompt, type in the following commands with pressing Enter after each line.

md tmp
copy C:\windows\system32\config\system C:\windows	mp\system.bak
delete C:\windows\system32\config\system
copy C:\windowsepair\system C:\windows\system32\config\system

Be very careful when you are typing in these commands, one wrong move, and you have, broken Windows XP.

Also, change the C in the commands to whatever your Windows XP drive letter is.

Attempt to boot the system, if it doesn't boot, get back into the Recovery Console and do the following commands.

md tmp
copy C:\windows\system32\config\software C:\windows	mp\software.bak
delete C:\windows\system32\config\software
copy C:\windowsepair\software C:\windows\system32\config\software


Cheers,
Jithu

sss · Answer

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us

Merzee · Answer

All you need is Recovery Console and Safe Mode

You are going to copy the missing and corrupted files from an OS disc.

Do this:

 A-1. Insert the Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
      Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.
   2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
   3. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, 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 command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
      md tmp
      copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows	mp\system.bak
      copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows	mp\software.bak
      copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows	mp\sam.bak
      copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows	mp\security.bak
      copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows	mp\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epair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
      copy c:\windowsepair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
      copy c:\windowsepair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
      copy c:\windowsepair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
      copy c:\windowsepair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default
   6. Type exit to quit Recovery Console. Your computer will restart.


B-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.
   3. Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate Safe mode option, and then press ENTER.
   4. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, use the arrow keys to select the installation that you want to access, and then press ENTER. 

In step B, you are going to copy the registry files from their backed up location by using System Restore. This folder is not available in Recovery Console and is generally not visible during typical usage. Before you start this procedure, you must change several settings to make the folder visible:

This is for preventing the damage of the system32.
C-1. Start Windows Explorer.
   2. On the Tools menu, click Folder options.
   3. Click the View tab.
   4. Under Hidden files and folders, click to select Show hidden files and folders, and then click to clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.
   5. Click Yes when the dialog box that confirms that you want to display these files appears.
   6. Double-click the drive where you installed Windows XP to display a list of the folders. If is important to click the correct drive.
   7. Open the System Volume Information folder. This folder is unavailable and appears dimmed because it is set as a super-hidden folder.

Merzee · Answer

To Frustrated: 

Windows NT could not start because the 
C:\Winnt\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe file is missing or corrupt.

Cause:

   1. Keyboard issue
   2. Miscellaneous corruption
   3. Corrupt boot.ini file.
   4. Missing boot.ini file.
   5. Missing or corrupt ntoskrnl.exe file.
   6. Windows NT installed on a partition bigger then 7.8GB
   7. Corrupted hard disk drive or severely corrupted Windows.

Solution:

Keyboard issue

This issue has also been known to be caused by a short in the ground wire in the keyboard cable. Make sure this is not the cause of your error by replacing the keyboard with a different keyboard or simply just disconnecting the keyboard from the computer.

Miscellaneous corruption

Before trying any of the below recommendations it's recommend that you attempt to load the last known good configuration. Additional information about doing this can be found on document CH000626.

Corrupt boot.ini file

This issue is often caused when the boot.ini is missing or improperly configured. This issue often arises after a user has recently added or removed an operating system on the computer or added or removed hard disk drives in the computer.

Make sure the line pointing to the operating system and its drive and partition is properly configured in the [boot loader] and [operating systems] section. Additional information about boot.ini can be found on document CH000492.

Missing boot.ini file

Microsoft Windows XP users:

If the boot.ini is severely corrupted or missing a user running Microsoft Windows XP can rebuild the boot.ini to resolve this issue. Additional information about rebuilding the boot.ini can be found on document CH000648.

Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 2000  users:

To restore the original boot.ini file in Microsoft Windows NT or Windows 2000 you will need an ERD and follow the below steps. If you do not have an ERD you will be unable to follow these steps.

   1. Boot the computer with your Windows NT three setup diskettes or the Windows 2000 setup disc.
   2. In the setup menu, type R to start the repair.
   3. When prompted for the ERD diskette insert the diskette and inspect the startup environment.

Missing or corrupt ntoskrnl.exe file

If the ntoskrnl.exe file is corrupt or missing this can also generate the error. To restore this file follow the below steps.

   1. Insert the Microsoft Windows XP CD. Note: If you have a recovery CD or a restore CD and not a Microsoft Windows XP CD it is likely the below steps will not resolve your issue.
   2. Reboot the computer, as the computer is starting you should see a message to press any key to boot from the CD. When you see this message press any key.
   3. In the Microsoft Windows XP setup menu press the R key to enter the recovery console.
   4. Select the operating system you wish to fix, and then enter the administrator password.
   5. Type expand d:\i386
toskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32
   6. You will then be prompted if you wish to overwrite the file type Y and press enter to overwrite the file.
   7. Type exit to reboot the computer.

Windows NT installed on a partition bigger then 7.8GB

If you are running Microsoft windows NT 4.0 on a partition larger than 7.8GB this issue can occur if the boot files are located outside this limitation. When this error occurs your computer will have the error message as shown below.

OS Loader v4.01
Disk I/O error status=00000001
Windows NT could not start because the below file is missing or corrupt: winnt\system32\Ntoskrnl.exe
Please reinstall a copy of the above file.

If your system partition is larger than 7.8GB you will need to delete the partition and recreate the partition to 7.8GB or less. Additional information about this issue can be found on Microsoft KB Q224526. 

Corrupted hard disk drive or severely corrupted Windows

Attempt to check the hard disk drive for any errors by running the chkdsk program. To do this follow the below steps.

   1. Insert the Microsoft Windows XP CD. Note: If you have a recovery CD or a restore CD and not a Microsoft Windows XP CD it is likely the below steps will not resolve your issue.
   2. Reboot the computer, as the computer is starting you should see a message to press any key to boot from the CD. When you see this message press any key.
   3. In the Microsoft Windows XP setup menu press the R key to enter the recovery console.
   4. Select the operating system you wish to fix, and then enter the administrator password.
   5. Once at the recovery console type chkdsk /r
   6. Once completed type exit and see if issue is resolved.

If after trying all of the above steps you are still encountering the same issue it's likely that Windows is severely corrupted and it is recommended you attempt to reinstall Windows. Additional information about erasing the computer and starting over can be found on document CH000186.

Finally, if during the Windows installation you encounter errors it's likely that your hard disk drive is bad.

Nixon · Answer

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into the top CD drive
2. Turn the computer off
3. Turn the computer on and setup the computer to boot from CD by pressing F2, F9 or Delete to go in BIOS or by pressing F12 on Dell computers to launch the Boot Device Menu, save and exit form BIOS
4. As soon as you get the message Press any key to boot from the CD hit enter.
5. Wait ~3 minutes for the Windows Setup to initialize
6. At the Welcome to Setup screen press R to repair windows using recovery console.
7. Wait a couple of minutes while setup examines the hard drive.
8. You will be prompted to choose a Windows installation. Press 1 on the top of the keyboard and then 
9. You will be prompted to enter the Administrator password. Press Enter if no password was set. 
10. Perform a disk check:

chkdsk /p
fixboot

11. Type exit to restart the computer
12. As soon as the computer starts hit F8 every second to bring up the Advanced Options Menu. 
13. Choose the Last Known Good Configuration. 
14. If these steps didn't resolve then select Normal Start

\windows\system32\config\system is corrupt

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