file missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system

[Sjaak]

My Windows XP Home edition doesn't boot anymore :file
missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system. I
think the corruption was caused by the uninstall of an
unwanted Internet Plugin. This caused some error messages
and the problems gradually started after this.

My main problem is that I want to avoid a clean install
due to some files not being fully backupped. If I run the
XP Setup in Repair mode, I only end up in DOS mode on the
C drive. I cannot copy files even to floppy since the A
drive cannot be accessed. Reverse problem with the boot
disk: cannot go to C drive from A drive.

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Sjaak,

Try this first:

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry [Q307545]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=3D307545

If it doesn't help (it should), do a repair installation. Follow these =
steps to do a repair install which should preserve your data, settings, =
and programs:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM =
drive.
2. Restart your computer. If you have to, change the BIOS settings to =
start from
the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer again.
3. At the "Welcome to Setup" page, press ENTER.
4. Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement.
5. Use the arrow keys to select the installation of Windows XP that you =
want to
repair, and then press R to start the automatic repair process.
6. When Setup is completed, activate Windows XP.

Note that you will need your Product Key for this procedure, so have it =
handy before you begin.

--=20
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Win98 Help - www.rickrogers.org

"Sjaak" > wrote in message =
...
> My Windows XP Home edition doesn't boot anymore :file=20
> missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system. I=20
> think the corruption was caused by the uninstall of an=20
> unwanted Internet Plugin. This caused some error messages=20
> and the problems gradually started after this.=20
>=20
> My main problem is that I want to avoid a clean install=20
> due to some files not being fully backupped. If I run the=20
> XP Setup in Repair mode, I only end up in DOS mode on the=20
> C drive. I cannot copy files even to floppy since the A=20
> drive cannot be accessed. Reverse problem with the boot=20
> disk: cannot go to C drive from A drive.