missing windows\system32\config\system file - help!!!

[ncogngro]

I had loaded XP several weeks ago and it's been working fine. I went to start XP on Saturday and I received "the following files are missing or currupt windows\system32\config\system file. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, is there a fix. I really don't want to do a reinstall.
Thanx

 

[ddiccico]

your registry is corrupt. if you have that file backed up, you should be able to replace it. or look for one called system.alt - in the same directory

 

[ncogngro]

Would that file still be in my system if I didn't back it up?

 

[bacillus]

you could try going to cmd prompt & typing SFC. you'll get a list of options like sfc/runonce to use.
you'll need your XP cd for the program to run!

 

[Insidious]

I hozored mine up similarly when I was messing around.... start in safe mode and use the system restore thing. it worked for me (then I slapped my hand and promised not to meddle until I had a clue........ )

 

[ncogngro]

Unfortunately, I can't start in safe mode.

 

[Insidious]

If your comp will let you, try booting to the XP CD. That should be independent of any files on your hard drive. If you might have a choice of safe mode there.

 

[Insidious]

OK, I just tried it here.

first I got the blue screen and at the bottom it asked about the scsi drivers (F6). Then it (the info line at the bottom of the screen) asked me to press F2 if I wanted to perform an automatic system recovery! I think this is what you need. It will do the same thing as restoring from within windows!

Good Luck

 

[Mr.Mike]

ncogngro, Are you using RAID???

 

[ncogngro]

Thanx everyone for the imput. I was able to fix problem by locating the the system file in the system32\config folder and renaming the file. Then I went to the windows\repair folder and copied the system file from there back to the default location. I was able to open windows. However, after the third boot, the same problem happened. I did the same fix but this time, I get the windows xp splash screen then a "quick" BSOD and then a restart. I'm starting to get very FRUSTRATED!!! at this box.:|

 

[ddiccico]

<< Thanx everyone for the imput. I was able to fix problem by locating the the system file in the system32\config folder and renaming the file. Then I went to the windows\repair folder and copied the system file from there back to the default location. I was able to open windows. However, after the third boot, the same problem happened. I did the same fix but this time, I get the windows xp splash screen then a "quick" BSOD and then a restart. I'm starting to get very FRUSTRATED!!! at this box.:| >>

This used to happen to me when I had 2k on a hardware RAID setup. The computer would shut down too quickly, and not finish writing all the data to the drives. Try disabling ACPI to see if the problem goes away.

 

[ncogngro]

How would I do that? I can't boot into Windows.