repair winXP pro how?

[thrashertm]

Got a major problem with XP Professional.

When I try to boot up, before I see the XP splashscreen, I get an error message saying:

There's a missing or corrupted system file: (it doesn't list the name of the file)
windows\system32\config\system

And the computer won't go any further. I'd like to remedy the problem so I can get back into windows.


I've tried booting off my WindowsXP cd but the only option I can find for repairing XP puts me into the Repair Console which is basically a DOS prompt. As far as I can tell there isn't a way in my WindowsXP Pro setup to run a repair installation over my current WinXP and replace all the damaged and missing files; as we could do back in Win98SE and Win2K.

I looked around on the web and I came across instructions for how to run the repair installation but when I ran my cd's setup program I didn't have the options to do the repair installation, just the Repair Console.

Thanks for your assistance!

WinXP Professional
FAT32
BE6-2 with HighPoint370 RAID

 

[Derango]

When it asks you if you want to try and repair an install, act like you want to do a fresh install. Keep going like that (If you're about to format, you've gone too far ), untill you see an option to repair the install. Use that, and it will begin the repair process. Too bad they had to practicly hide this option. It's incredibly useful.

be warned, it WILL act as if its completly reinstalling, even going through that "welcome to windows XP" thing that happens when you first install. However, all of your settings and files are still there.

 

[thrashertm]

Are you certain it won't destroy my windows settings?

I navigate to where it gives me formatting options and I choose to leave the file structure intact. Then...
It's giving me a message that says the following:

"CAUTION: A WINDOWS folder already exists that may contain a Windows installation. If you continue, the existing Windows installation will be overwritten.

All files, subfolders, user accounts, applications, security and desktop settings for that Windows installation will be deleted. The "My Documents" folder may also be deleted.

To use the folder and delete the existing windows installation in it , press L.
To use a different folder press ESC."

That sounds to me like it's going to wipe my Windows installation clean.
The only time setup offers the option of repair as far as I can tell is the first option to enter the Repair Console.

Any other ideas/comments?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Arthur2K]

Do exactly as derango said. When it boots from CD it should ask you if you want to install (you have to hit enter) and then it will say in the bottom line something like "looking for previous windows installations". After it does that, it will display any found installations (c:\windows for example) and ask you is you want to install anew or repair the current installation (you must push R at that point). Voila.

 

[kursplat]

just had the same problem. was trying a 256mb stick of kingman ram along with my regular 512 stick. took it out and good to go.
good luck