Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM - fixing this without the OAM disk?

Anonymous
2012-08-21T14:04:35+00:00

There is microsoft windows XP Professional version 2002  Service pack 3 installed on the computer

I tried to turn on the computer  but this came up.

I don't have the original disk to install and fix the problem.

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup

Using the original Setup CD-ROM

Select ‘r’ at the first screen to start repair.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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Anonymous
2012-09-18T00:40:52+00:00

I would hold off on a the Repair Install that Elizabeth23 suggested for now.

I think it is time for you to create a bootable Hiren's CD and boot into it Mini XP Mode and choose the Registry repair Wizard.

You already ran chkdsk /r, which is the first thing you should do anyway. Since it didn't work, you may very well need to "go back in time," as it were. Wunders published great instructions for this. Look at his reply in this thread:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-system/error-missing-or-corrupt/a1cf7ecf-e6c8-4546-ab88-f0e5abde7a13?msgId=52ff9278-5721-4b37-8887-700e274493b8

Let us know how you fare.

For simplicity's sake, here are those instructions:

On another machine, create a "Hirens Boot CD":  You must burn this with the "Burn Image" feature of a CD Burning program.

  Hirens Download:  < http://www.hirensbootcd.org/download/ >

[don't get fooled. The actual download link is in light green at bottom next to a disk icon with arrow]

  Burning Instructions:  <http://www.hirensbootcd.org/burning/>

Once you create the disk, boot your laptop from this disk.  At the first screen, select "Mini Windows XP" and let it continue to boot.  After it boots, go to the "HBCD Menu" and select:

   Programs -> Registry -> Registry Restore Wizard

Follow the prompts in the registry restore wizard, selecting the last restore point before your problem to restore from.  When done, shut down your computer, remove the CD, and reboot.  If all goes well, you will be back in Windows.

To make sure everything is copacetic, you should perform a "System Restore" using the same restore point you picked using the Restore Wizard:

   "How to restore Windows XP to a previous State"

    < http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084 >

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-09-05T14:15:21+00:00

    So I typed 1 when it asks the following - 

    Which Windows installation would you like to log onto

    (To cancel, press ENTER)? 1

    I typed one and this came up

    C:\WINDOWS>

    I'm assuming I'm now in the****C:\WINDOWSfolder

    I use the chkdskcommand like you said by typing it beside****C:/WINDOWS>

     then this came up

    Volume created 08/16/07 12:230

    The volume Serial Number is 583d - 72f3

    The volume appears to be in good condition and was not checked.

    Use /p if you want to check the volume anyway.

    20972824 kilobytes total disk space.

    5780456 kilobytes are available.

    4096 bytes in each allocation unit.

    5243206 total allocation units on disk.

    1445114 allocation units available on disk.

    C:\WINDOWS>

    then I typed this beside C:\WINDOWS>

    chkdsk C: /r

    Then this came up.

    C:\WINDOWS>chkdsk C: /r

    Volume created 08/16/07 12:23p

    The volume Serial Number is 583d-72fe

    CHKDSK is checking the volume....

    CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovery...

    CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovery...

    CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovering

    meanwhile the HD D light  on the harddrive is flashing on and off, indicating that its slowly checking through the hardrive, so it seems to be working so far

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-09-05T14:27:29+00:00

    You are on the right track. Be advised the scan may take several hours to complete depending on the size of your hard drive and the amount of damage, if any, has been done to your file system. Also be advised you may need to run check disk several times to get positive results.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-09-05T14:43:43+00:00

    thanks  I think its finished, it says

    CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovery...

    CHKDSK is performing additional checking or recovering

    CHKDSK  found and fixed one or more errors on the volume.

    20972824 kilobytes total disk space.

    5780452 kilobytes are available.

    4096 bytes in each allocation unit.

    5243206 total allocation units on disk.

    1445113 allocation units available on disk.

    So I guess I can restart the computer now?

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