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.
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!
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The problem being discussed is extremely common and working as a technician I see it almost weekly. Thank gos there is someone with sense on here (Sephiroth). The fix posted by this user will work as its the same fix I use everytime. It's on the first page of replies about 2/3rds of the way down, containing a link
Any yeah how would the HDD be damaged by light as im assuming no-one is taking the drive out, then taking it apart, and even if it was that it wouldn't just corrupt the odd reg entry!
++++++111111!!!!!!!!
This fix worked perfectly!!!
Try this one first before the windows fix!!
Windows one did not work for me but this one was flawless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
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\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
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 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.
The problem I am having is that when the Win CD's runs and it attempts to give me the option to press 'R' I get a blue screen telling to me to check my Hard Drive, disconnect any new hardware I installed etc and try again.
Million thanks mate. Updated my XP Windows to SP3 and then could no longer boot as I lost my boot manager. Tried everything for 3 weeks - nothing. Tried the above A1 formula and at least I've got Safe Mode back. Now there's hope and can see definites improvement. Thank you so much for sharing.
i try to reformat my windows becoz it always say that I have to press "r" to repair but it still the same it always says press "r" and it just the same the same and the same
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.
every ones saying that you need to use the Windows CD, but when I use the CD and boot it from the DVD Rom, the setup page starts loading or checking the files, but I never get to a menu of any kind, it just checks all the drives then takes me to a blue screen telling me that my computer has crashed to stop damage. I cant get any where to type any thing. im useing Windows Xp Home edition on a Dell Pc.
I can confirm that this method did enable me to boot my system to windows, but with some drawbacks. The good definitely out wieghts the bad, I would rather let the system update itself and wait that out than having to reinstall all my previous programs, backup and restore data, and reinstall drivers. "yuk"
1. The operating system appears to have not recollection of any of my updates. I was updated above and beyond service pack 3. As I type I am downloading and installing XP Service Pack 1A. I was unable to just click the windows update button in my start menu. I had to go through internet explorer.
2. None of my prevous restore points are charted. Which is reasonable because of the short method used.
help help help.aftr entring the cd whn I clicked on R my system askd for ?1:C:\WINDOWS?WhiCH WINDOWS INSTALLATION WOULD U LIKE TO LOG ONTO.?I TYPED 1 AND THN IT GOT STUCK .I TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES BT IT DIDNT WORK.
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.
ok for most of you it seem that you do not understand the windows repair console .
if you can get the pc or laptop to boot into the windows repair console from the install disc. then u want to type the word "help" that will give you a list of all the commands .
the command you want to use will be "fixboot" and if that one does not work then try "fixmbr"
now follow the steps needed to do these then type "exit" to reboot the system.
now my question is what could be causing this to happen? old hardware ? wires or jumppers placed wrong ? what I need answers I keep fixing my wifes dads pc tihs way ands its getting on my nerves to do it once a week.
Good morning, I have repair disk I got from a friend its not the original I can't even get to the step were it promps you to push r at first window and suggestions thanks so much Joe
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654 This link should help How to use the recovery console from microsoft. I ran chkdsk /p command after start 1: C:\WINDOWS. Then typed exit and hit enter after chkdsk was finished. Computer booted up fine. Then I downloaded COMODO Registry Cleaner Free and ran that to clean up the accumulated junk in the registry. And then ran Defrag on C drive from Win XP system tools. C drive was 28% fragmented. The junk and fragmented drive caused my problem with the system32 config'sys. And I thought I was through with DOS commands with XP PRO. Glad I didn't have to do the full batch of commands to replace the system files. ugh!
Computer is now fast again and boots like a champ. Also XP pro has the Automated System Recovery as a last resort. But The Backup has to be done before there is a problem. Ugh Maintenance Ugh
Dave
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\tmp\lsass.ex_
e:\> c:
c:\windows> ren c:\windows\tmp\lsass.ex_ c:\windows\tmp\lsass.exe
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\tmp\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\tmp\lsass.ex_
e:\> c:
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\system32\config\lsass.exe c:\windows\tmp\lsass.old
c:\windows> ren c:\windows\tmp\lsass.ex_ c:\windows\tmp\lsass.exe
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\tmp\lsass.exe c:\windows\system32\config
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.
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
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
Wow...lots of people who don't write English well. Excellent.
What I did was once in the command prompt (Recovery Console), copied files from windows\system32\repair into the directory the corrupted files were, and it allowed me to ATLEAST boot Windows. Then I copied some files I needed and reformatted the HDD. For some reason, when you first launch XP (before the reformatting), it erases your "users" from being selected, but it is still available in the c:\documents and settings folder. So I was able to get my things and start a fresh install.
I just want an easy way to prevent this from occurring. Really blows.
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).
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.
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\ntoskrnl.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.
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
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
I have a PC 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 to fix it with the xp cd but.. I don't know how to fix it.. I mean the procedure can you please
guide me what to do on how fix it.... i've tried the "cd command" but I system is not accessible. it's until
C:\windows\system32\cofig................can you direct me what to do. Hope you can write the step by step procedure for me..
I owe you one..
How can I fix my dell windows xp? I am getting \windows\system32\config\system and I can not come up with the right code to fix it. I don't want to wipe everything out and redue the whole computer, that is a pain. So can you help? I do have the recovery cd to use. Thanks
Hi, don2
if u still have the problem then try this if u satisfied with my answer and got u r problem solved then please let me know reply me to Email Id removed for security
Manual steps to recover a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
The procedure that this article describes uses Recovery Console and System Restore. This article also lists all the required steps in specific order to make sure that the process is fully completed. When you finish this procedure, the system returns to a state very close to the state before the problem occurred. If you have ever run NTBackup and completed a system state backup, you do not have to follow the procedures in parts two and three. You can go to part four.
Part one
In part one, you start the Recovery Console, create a temporary folder, back up the existing registry files to a new location, delete the registry files at their existing location, and then copy the registry files from the repair folder to the System32\Config folder. When you have finished this procedure, a registry is created that you can use to start Windows XP. This registry was created and saved during the initial setup of Windows XP. Therefore any changes and settings that occurred after the Setup program was finished are lost.
To complete part one, follow these steps:
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\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
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 Recovery Console. Your computer will restart.
Note This procedure assumes that Windows XP is installed to the C:\Windows folder. Make sure to change C:\Windows to the appropriate windows_folder if it is a different location.
If you have access to another computer, to save time, you can copy the text in step five, 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 batch command in Recovery Console, you can process all the commands in a text file sequentially. When you use the batch command, you do not have to manually type as many commands.
Part two
To complete the procedure described in this section, you must be logged on as an administrator, or an administrative user (a user who has an account in the Administrators group). If you are using Windows XP Home Edition, you can log on as an administrative user. If you log on as an administrator, you must first start Windows XP Home Edition in Safe mode. To start the Windows XP Home Edition computer in Safe mode, follow these steps.
Note Print these instructions before you continue. You cannot view these instructions after you restart the computer in Safe Mode. If you use the NTFS file system, also print the instructions from Knowledge Base article KB309531. 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 Startup menu.
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 part two, you 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:
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.
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 Microsoft Knowledge Base article to gain access to this folder and continue with the procedure:
309531 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/ ) How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder
8. Open a folder that was not created at the current time. You may have to click Details on the View menu to see when these folders were created. There may be one or more folders starting with "RPx under this folder. These are restore points.
9. Open one of these folders to locate a Snapshot subfolder. The following path is an example of a folder path to the Snapshot folder:
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{D86480E3-73EF-47BC-A0EB-A81BE6EE3ED8}\RP1\Snapshot
10. From the Snapshot folder, copy the following files to the C:\Windows\Tmp folder:
o _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT
o _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY
o _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE
o _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
o _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM
11. Rename the files in the C:\Windows\Tmp folder as follows:
o Rename _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT to DEFAULT
o Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY to SECURITY
o Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE to SOFTWARE
o Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM to SYSTEM
o Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM to SAM
These files are the backed up registry files from System Restore. 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 part one. Therefore, it is important not to use the most current folder, especially if the time stamp on the folder is the same as the current time.
The current system configuration is not aware of the previous restore points. You must have a previous copy of the registry from a previous restore point to make the previous restore points available again.
The registry files that were copied to the Tmp folder in the C:\Windows folder are moved to make sure that the files are available under Recovery Console. You must use these files to replace the registry files currently in the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder. By default, Recovery Console has limited folder access and cannot copy files from the System Volume folder.
Note The procedure described in this section assumes that you are running your computer with the FAT32 file system. For more information about how to access the System Volume Information Folder with the NTFS file system, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
309531 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/ ) How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder
Part Three
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 Recovery Console.
2. At the command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
del c:\windows\system32\config\sam
copy c:\windows\tmp\default c:\windows\system32\config\default
Note Some of these command lines may be wrapped for readability.
3. Type exit to quit Recovery Console. Your computer restarts.
Note This procedure assumes that Windows XP is installed to the C:\Windows folder. Make sure to change C:\Windows to the appropriate windows_folder if it is a different location.
If you have access to another computer, to save time, you can copy the text in step two, and then create a text file called "Regcopy2.txt" (for example). To use this file, run the following command when you start in Recovery Console:
batch regcopy2.txt
Part Four
1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.
2. Click Accessories, and then click System Tools.
3. Click System Restore, and then click Restore to a previous RestorePoint.
happens to me regularly every 6 weeks or so.i keep rolling back to factory settings which work but only temporarily.getting windows re-installed on my pc soon.hope this sorts it once and for all cos im sick of setting it up every few weeks.seems like a common problem with windows,did lots of searches and lots of people got the same issues.i'd suggest re-installing windows because if it happens once it will more and likely happen again.good luck .
i thought it was just me I does the exact same thing to me so I ran test on it my self but it still dont work Wat r they doing to these laptop these days
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.
When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.
When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
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\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
It may be a long way around yet when I had that problem I downloaded the "linux desktop" .iso and ran the copy and repair from inside the cd window that it created.
This worked for me, prior to doing this, the pc wouldn't even boot, everything is working like normal again.
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\tmp\lsass.ex_
e:\> c:
c:\windows> ren c:\windows\tmp\lsass.ex_ c:\windows\tmp\lsass.exe
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\tmp\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\tmp\lsass.ex_
e:\> c:
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\system32\config\lsass.exe c:\windows\tmp\lsass.old
c:\windows> ren c:\windows\tmp\lsass.ex_ c:\windows\tmp\lsass.exe
c:\windows> copy c:\windows\tmp\lsass.exe c:\windows\system32\config
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.
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.
Please help I don't want to lose important information and I will make sure I keep it back up from now on!!
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.
Please help I don't want to lose important information and I will make sure I keep it back up from now on!!
i have the same error with my desktop. Nothing works. Will not start in safe mode. Will not read repair desk. It's 4.5 years old. Will buy new computer
Check your CD rom and Startup options and set to CD-ROM 1st and boot with windows xp cd donot enter on 1st repair option when it come on second time than you enter on repair your windows will be repaired by this for more help you can call me for assistance +923218901280.
\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.
[Quote] 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. [/Quote]
I've been having the same problem on a weekly basis. Iv'e formatted and repaired over and over. I've come to the conclusion my hard drive is faulty.
Until I get my new drive I found a fantastic solution that worked without losing any data and not having to format or re-instal windows.
There is a tutorial on this page that is easy to follow.
Make sure you follow each step carefully and triple check your typing while in DOS (its very particular, one typo and it wont work)
http://www.schrockinnovations.com/preventsys32config2.php
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.
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.
Any yeah how would the HDD be damaged by light as im assuming no-one is taking the drive out, then taking it apart, and even if it was that it wouldn't just corrupt the odd reg entry!
This fix worked perfectly!!!
Try this one first before the windows fix!!
Windows one did not work for me but this one was flawless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11