\windows\system32\config\system error message

[David]

i get file is missing or corrupt \window\system32
\config\system at start-up. Tech support from warranty
company said i have to use recovery cd to correct problem.
i do not have the original setup cd-rom. We tried F8 at
startup of computer but this process would not fix the
problem. HELP ! - Do i have any other options before
running recovery cd and loosing all my saved files?
Thanks

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry that Prevents Windows XP from
Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

To investigate the root cause(s) of the problem:

How to Troubleshoot Registry Corruption Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705


Bruce Chambers

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"David" > wrote in message
...
> i get file is missing or corrupt \window\system32
> \config\system at start-up. Tech support from warranty
> company said i have to use recovery cd to correct problem.
> i do not have the original setup cd-rom. We tried F8 at
> startup of computer but this process would not fix the
> problem. HELP ! - Do i have any other options before
> running recovery cd and loosing all my saved files?
> Thanks

[dev]

David said:

> I get file is missing or corrupt \window\system32
> \config\system at start-up. Tech support from warranty
> company said I have to use recovery cd to correct problem.
> i do not have the original setup cd-rom. We tried F8 at
> startup of computer but this process would not fix the
> problem. HELP ! - Do I have any other options before
> running recovery cd and loosing all my saved files?

Try a boot into Safe Mode, by hitting F8 just before the "Starting
Windows" screen would appear (takes a bit of practice).
Choose LAST GOOD.

If that does nothing, use a working PC to read this first...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q823614
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

Related info is here...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q307545
describes a three-step process to extract a copy of the registry
from the System Restore SVI folder.

Info on dealing with corruption issues...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822705

Reinstall/repair tutorials (if needed) are here...
http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/
http://michaelstevenstech.com

After your system is restored, the ERUNT utility available here may
make it easier to fix the problem if it recurs...
http://HOME.T-ONLINE.DE/home/lars.hederer/erunt

If the problem persists, try swapping current RAM (even if it checks
good) for a single, high-quality 512Mb chip. XP reportedly is sensitive
to memory timing.

--
For most XP answers and tweaks... http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
http://dougknox.com http://aumha.org http://support.microsoft.com