Repair - \windows\system32\ config\system

Sunday, August 20, 2006

windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system

This is a nasty little greeting that has appeared on my Windows XP machine a couple of time recently, it's also popped up at work and on a friends computer.

Thankfully, it has a fairly simple solution. During the last 4 times of fixing it, I have streamlined the solution which cuts out a few unnecesary steps I've seen mentioned in the first few articles I looked to for help.

The Solution:

1. Turn your computer off

2. Insert your Windows XP CD and reboot from the CD drive

To boot from CD, press DEL on startup and enter into the system BIOS setup and select your CD drive as the first boot drive, press F10 to save your settings and exit

Your computer will reboot from the XP disc

3. Press 'R' when offered the option of using the Windows Recovery Console

(Note: there are lots of articles telling you NOT to do it this way, but from my recent experience this is the quickest and easiest way.)

4. The Recovery Console

At the prompt type the following:

C:\WINDOWS >cd system32\

this changes the current directory to C:\Windows\System32

ren config configold

This renames the config folder to configold

mkdir config

this makes a new directory called config

cd config

changes the current directory to c:\Windows\System32\Config

then type the following lines pressing enter after each one

copy c:\windows\repair\system

[EDIT added 17/04/2007] If the system file is the only one missing / corrupted, it may not be necessary to continue with the other 4 lines of code. The reason they are here is that the second tme it happened to me, when I rebooted after replacing the system file, it then asked me for the next, then the next etc.[end EDIT]

copy c:\windows\repair\software

copy c:\windows\repair\sam

[EDIT added 17/04/2007] Be warned, replacing the SAM file can overwrite your current windows password - if you have changed your password since installing windows you may not be able to get access to your computer.

A safe way of doing this is to replace all other files but ONLY replace the SAM file if you get an error message on startup saying it is missing or corrupted.

A few people on here have had this issue and I apologise for not realising this was possible.[end EDIT]

copy c:\windows\repair\security

copy c:windows\repair\default

after each line it should say:

1 file copied

type:

exit

5. Reboot

(you will have to go back into the BIOS setup and change the boot drive back from CD to your primary Hard Disk)

When your computer boots, it will probably run CHKDSK and show lots of orphaned files which it will automatically repair [EDIT added 17/04/2007] It would make sense to run check disk after your first successful reboot.[end EDIT]

Windows should boot normally and everything should be fine!

If this article has helped you out of a sticky spot, please feel free to make a donation


posted by webechodesigns  # 12:24 AM
Comments:
My friend tried your method but when he types the lines...

ren config configold

mkdir config

cd system32\config

It then says the folder doesn't exist.

Even though after retyping the first 2 lines it tells him they already exist.

Jason
# posted by Blogger Jason : 7:00 PM
 
sorry a silly typo on my part
cd system32\config

should be replaced with
cd config

I will edit the post to reflect the change
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 7:59 PM
 
Hi,Thanks for your help...

After I type copy c:\windows\repair\system

I get THE SYSTEM CANNOT FIND THE FILE SPECIFIED...

But it can copy all the others e.g. software,sam,security etc..

I tried spelling errors but to no avail

Any way around it?
Thanks
Brian.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 2:44 AM
 
i`m having the exact same problem as above, system cannot find the file specified,
if anyone has a solution please email me at p_guenther

thanks in advance
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 5:41 AM
 
Sorry for the delay in replying, I've moved house and lost ADSL for 2 weeks.

First thing to do is make sure that
the system file is there, try:

dir c:\windows\repair

If it's not, the easiest option is to copy them from a friend and pop them on a USB drive or CD then access it on there.

Let me know how you go

Webecho
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 12:08 AM
 
Hi, just try this tutorial and it worked a charm....you are a star, thanks.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 4:46 AM
 
I downloaded and installed the system file you provided, but now it asks me for the password associated with that file.

Any help will be much appreciated as I'm completely locked out of my PC because of this.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 11:05 PM
 
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 7:26 AM
 
locked out - email me quote[at] writers-centre.org
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 7:28 AM
 
I had the "missing system file" problem.
I just changed directory to C:\windows\repair and found a file called repair.bak.
From the system32\config folder I typed "copy C:\windows\repair\system.bak",
then renamed the file to "system" with "ren system.bak system".
Computer booted after that.

You'll probably have to change some of your vga settings and such back to normal, but it works.
# posted by Anonymous Jason : 5:01 AM
 
Doh, not "repair.bak", I meant "system.bak".
Sorry for that, not thinking clearly :)
# posted by Anonymous Jason : 5:03 AM
 
Thanks a lot.
It save a lot of my time.
Simply explained, better them MS.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 2:50 AM
 
Thank you. A real time saver. Just remember that going back to old SAM file will set your passwords to the old values. My backup files were from 3 years agao and I had to download a tool to rest the Admin passord. Other than that. it worked fine. I wonder if this process can be performed without replacing SAM.

Thanks!!!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 8:32 AM
 
There isn't really a need to replace anything other than the offending mising file i.e system or software etc.

I included all the files that you could copy as on my second attempt at replacing the SYSTEM file, I rebooted only to find the SOFTWARE file was corrupted as well.

Replacing the SAM file is you choice, it may be unecessary and worst comes to the worst, when you reboot you have to complete the process again.
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 12:37 PM
 
when booting up my sons computer it automatically takes me to the screen that says safe mode and last known config. page
i try to select every one and so far all it does is reboot and goes to the safe mode options page over again and again
# posted by Anonymous jannie : 1:11 AM
 
How do you change back to c:windows\system 32> ?
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 2:00 PM
 
Im getting \windows\system32\ config\system but when i put my windows disc in it starts an then starts the load for the menu and freezes left over night an no change put a new hard drive in to put windows on and does the samething with 3 different versions of windows stops in the same place, the motherboard an cpu (Intel Pentium D820
2 x2.8 Ghz CPU
Asrock 775-i65
Motherboard) are brand new is this a hardware fault any help would be great because im lost!! could you plz e-mail me at d.dw.worgan
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 5:42 AM
 
hi there i had that system32 error did all the steps as u said rebooted fine but didnt boot to here my old name was and where i use to put password i see my old name and files in explorer is there away to fix so i can boot up in my old name agian and be able to open them files
# posted by Blogger harley6490 : 7:46 AM
 
I can do all of this and have to ren the system.bak to system as others have but always get the blue screen of death. I've even tried copying the system file off another PC but get the same result. I'm at the point where a reinstall is the only option :-( unless someone has an idea why this might be happening.
# posted by Anonymous Dominic : 1:32 AM
 
I followed the instructions and renamed the system.bak to system and now when I boot up windows it stops after the loading screen on just a blank screen. And when I try to go in to the repair console now it won't accept my password and it won't accept no password. Anyone have any suggestions cause I really don't want to lose all of my school work.
# posted by Anonymous Danielle : 10:50 AM
 
Hi Danielle
Just follow the instructions in the main article, the system.bak idea might work for some but obviously not you tonight.

Boot from windows CD and take it from there.
If you're still stuck, email me using any email link on the rest of the site and I'm happy to help.

We'll get that schoolwork back for you!
Webecho
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 11:03 PM
 
hi,
my boss computer was totally corrupted, can't go to windows (stupid bsod prevented him to enter) nor safe mode.
i've tried everything i know, but with no luck.
then i tried your tips, and...just in some seconds, his computer returned to normal!
thanks for your help!

faizal, indonesia
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 2:03 PM
 
any ways to correct this nasty message when you have lost the original xp disc??? help!
# posted by Blogger rach74 : 6:22 PM
 
Rach74
You will need to get hold of a WinXP disc.
To fix this problem, borrowing one is fine, it doesn't have to your original disc but it does have to be the same version i.e. WinXp Home or WinXP Professional.

Webecho
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 8:00 AM
 
I did your tutorial and windows still did not load. now it says that hal.dll is bad, but when I go into recovery console, It doesn't allow me to change the directory away from c:\. It keeps telling me "access is denied". HELP! PLEASE!!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 11:22 AM
 
Not an issue I've come across, try this link
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm

Let us know how you go


Webecho
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 4:47 PM
 
I have done all the direction for the repair of windows\system32\config\system took our windows cd and booted - windows logo comes up and hangs then after a minute or so goes to a black screen - any suggestions
# posted by Blogger trishica : 9:35 AM
 
Thanks alot, finally some progress.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 3:56 AM
 
It got me going but i lost alot of stuff
and system restore isn't showing a calender...so i guess im screwed...but its better then starting fresh

thank you for your help ;)
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 3:06 PM
 
Big help thanks
# posted by Anonymous d1truhstlr : 12:08 AM
 
I am having a very similar issue as Brian, when I renew the files, System will not work, because it does not exist in the repair folder. I have attempted to steal it from other computers, but it just gives me a blue screen right after the windows boot screen. It flasheds so quickly that nothing is legable and reboots. I tried using the system.bak, but it boots us as if it were the first day I owned the computer with no programs or docs......any suggestions?

Thx,
Joe

P.S ->Never buy a Toshiba....EVER
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:54 AM
 
I am having the exact same problem as Joe....I would also appreciate any help. However, rather then using Windows Recovery to modify files, I am using BartsPE. I use A43(part of BartsPE that displays computer in a explorer view) to make the changes, could that by my issue? But then again Joe is also having a similar problem.

I would appreciate any help
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:59 AM
 
I am experiencing a very odd problem concerning the system file. I replaced it, but know I get a blue screen that flashes so fast you cant read it and the computer reboots. Kinda like the last entry befor me. I dunno what to do, I have been working on this problem for 2 days and am geting frustrated with microsoft. This apears to be the only blog that I have comme across that has an idea of what is going on and what to do. So, I am open to any suggestion concering this issue.

Thanks:
Dean
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:15 AM
 
I started out having the issue everyone here has had. I was able to switch those files, but when I boot, I have no mouse control? Keyboard works, and I tried loading the mouse driver, got nothing. Does anyonw know if there is a reason for this?
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:21 AM
 
I work at a Computer Repair Shop, and am facing a problem of the comptuer not booting due to registry_error, which is linked to the problem everyone here is having. Well, this user tried to fix the problem their self, and accidently deleted all files titles system in both repair folder and config folder. They deleted everything, including the .sav and .bak(if they made one). They have 20/20 on the computer, a program that will not work unless a back-file is created and restored to save their data. And, of course they didnt back it up. So I read you can steal any system file, I did and I get a blue screen that flashes so fast you cant read it(as several users before me have mentioned). So, is it possible to still save the computer? I would greatly appreciate any help and am willing to try any suggestions.
Oh, BartsPE is just as effective as Recovery Console, shouldnt have anything to due with the problem you have.

Thanks
George
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:34 AM
 
Dean, Joe and othe blue-screeners.

Firstly, If the system file doesn't exist in the repair folder you can get a copy from the Win Xp cd.

Make sure it it the same edition as your Windows Xp i.e. Home or Professional.

I'm pretty sure it needs to come off an XP CD - do not steal it from other computers - inevitably they have different hardware configurations and i think this might be why your blue screens are appearing
# posted by Blogger webechodesigns : 12:34 PM
 
try using Barts PE builder and using the remote regedit tool, I have and it fixs the problem when you load the hive.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 2:16 PM
 
DUDE IVE TRied everything to get this to work and i came across ur method and it worked
THANK YOU SOO MUCH

you have been bookmarked :D
# posted by Anonymous Joel : 6:46 AM
 
Hi WebEcho

I have tried all the procedures you mentioned above about renaming the configold folder and copying all the files. However after I rebooted and changed my first boot device to my Hard drive, all I get is a gray progress bar at the bottom of a black screen, that reboots the computer automaticaly when it is at 100%. It starts over again after it reboots on its own.(grey progress bar). The progress bar at the bottomw of the screen kinda looks like this:

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

is there anything else I can do? Please any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
# posted by Anonymous Val : 12:06 AM
 
hi
i followed ur steps and it worked perfectly, after i restarted my computer the user name came up as Administrator, and i dont seem to remember that password. did it restore my computer?can i still get my old settings back?like my folders and stuff.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 8:16 AM
 
For those who dont want to loose all their programs. add these steps after doing the above.

boot to safe mode then.....

Start Windows Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder options.
3. Click the View tab.
4. Under Hidden files and folders, click to select Show hidden files and folders, and then click to clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.
5. Click Yes when the dialog box that confirms that you want to display these files appears.
6. Double-click the drive where you installed Windows XP to display a list of the folders. If is important to click the correct drive.
7. Open the System Volume Information folder. This folder is unavailable and appears dimmed because it is set as a super-hidden folder.

Note This folder contains one or more _restore {GUID} folders such as "_restore{87BD3667-3246-476B-923F-F86E30B3E7F8}".




then




Open a folder that was not created at the current time. You may have to click Details on the View menu to see when these folders were created. There may be one or more folders starting with "RPx under this folder. These are restore points.
9. Open one of these folders to locate a Snapshot subfolder. The following path is an example of a folder path to the Snapshot folder:
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{D86480E3-73EF-47BC-A0EB-A81BE6EE3ED8}\RP1\Snapshot
10. From the Snapshot folder, copy the following files to the C:\Windows\Tmp folder: • _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM

11. Rename the files in the C:\Windows\Tmp folder as follows: • Rename _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT to DEFAULT
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY to SECURITY
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE to SOFTWARE
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM to SYSTEM
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM to SAM

1. Start Recovery Console.
2. At the command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
del c:\windows\system32\config\sam

del c:\windows\system32\config\security

del c:\windows\system32\config\software

del c:\windows\system32\config\default

del c:\windows\system32\config\system

copy c:\windows\tmp\software c:\windows\system32\config\software

copy c:\windows\tmp\system c:\windows\system32\config\system

copy c:\windows\tmp\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam

copy c:\windows\tmp\security c:\windows\system32\config\security

copy c:\windows\tmp\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

then if your still missing stuff.


1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.
2. Click Accessories, and then click System Tools.
3. Click System Restore, and then click Restore to a previous RestorePoint.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 6:33 AM
 
You, on Windows Master, rock my socks.
# posted by Blogger James : 10:04 AM
 
Okay... All sounds good. and I have the same error as everyone else except When I select r for repair after bootng from xp cd, it doesn't allow me any further than this, saying windows prevents me from causing furher damage??
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 7:28 PM
 
Hi Guys,

Wasn't as lucky as you! Since my original disk was in chinese (bought laptop from China), I lost all my files after inserting the disk and pressing 'R'. How do I recover my lost files if possible?
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 6:35 PM
 
I am getting the same error message on my machine. I have the xp disc in the Cd-Rom, as well as my XP disc loaded onto a USB key so that windows can be accessed two different ways. I get the same message about repairing Windows by pressing "r," however, when I push R nothing happens, and it keeps rerouting me to the same message. Do you have any ideas? Do this seem like a motherboard issue...or something else? I want to this laptop up and running but I don't want it to cost a lot. Is there any hope?

Please email me at casse_boss
# posted by Anonymous Ashley : 3:55 AM
 
Hi Webecho, quick question.

I'm dealing with the same startup error with Windows 2000. I've booted with 4 floppys and got to the recovery console, but the cursors at "c:\winnt" and it won't let me type "C:\WINDOWS >cd system32\". It keeps saying invalid command.

I'm new at the dos thing, any help? And should I be typing anything different since I'm using a floppy and not a cd?

Thanks in advance, Jeff "jeffc2112"
# posted by Blogger CenturionRudolph : 12:18 PM
 
works well in win 2000, just had to go to in safe mode the first time.
# posted by Blogger Alexandru : 3:11 PM
 
I TRIED YOUR SOLOUTION BUT WHEN I TRY TO RESTART AFTER A FEW MOMENTS I GET A BLANK SCREEN.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 12:38 AM
 
I did all the steps but when my computer boots up after the windows xp loads the screen stays black , any tips ??? thank you
eldaddyvip
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 3:40 AM
 
tnx mate.. very simple and usefull
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 3:31 PM
 
I too have the blank screen problem first mentioned by Danielle, then Trishica and now by anonymous.

In my case I know what has caused the problem but I don't know what to do about it!

The original instructions say that you don't have to copy all the registry hives from REPAIR, but only the ones needed to replace the ones that have been corrupted. So without giving the matter any thought I just went ahead and copied SYSTEM (the one that was reported as missing) and rebooted!

Oh dear! I now realise that the CONFIG directory has only this one registry hive in it, because the instructions didn't tell me to copy all the other ones from CONFIGOLD!!! So naturally enough, on rebooting things look promising at first .... but then the black screen appears when the remaining registry hives are not found.

The problem now is that on going back to Recovery Console in order to fix the problem, the password doesn't work because the SAM hive is not there! If only I could get past this I am sure everything would now be fine!

Is there a default password for use under these circumstances?

Any help would be most appreciated!

Rovert
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 3:49 AM
 
rovert.. too bad i didnt read ur comments before i did EXACTLY what u did and now im in the same boat...
did u ever find a solution? thanks


sasha
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 6:24 PM
 
You legend! It worked and not data lost!

Cheers mate
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:14 AM
 
You just saved me having to sit here the whole night, thanks so much.

Chris from South Africa
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 1:16 AM
 
Please Help!

When I put my XP Disc in, it will not read the disc. I have tried other disc also. Is there another way to fix the problem with out using the disc.
The CD drive looks as if it is working properly, and says it is working properly.

I have tried everything many times over and I just keep getting the same screen and same message (windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system)
# posted by Anonymous Empress : 12:55 AM
 
Many thanks for your clear instruction. It resolved the problem easily.
Best wishes
Behdad from London
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:16 AM
 
I made the same mistake as rovert and sasha! I rebooted after copying only the system file and all i have is a blank screen. pls help, totally desperate! fola
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 11:35 PM
 
Dear Webecho,
First, I am a fan and I appreciate all the help you provide for others and myself.Now that I have showed my appreciation perhaps can can get some additional help from Webecho. My computer suffers from system32/ config/system and I am trying to repair it as you instruct, but I am stuck at the AMIBIOS setup window. You mention that one must select the CD drive as the first boost;however, this is where I am stuck. I don't have that option (or at least I don't think I do), but I have the following selections: (1)Standard CMOS Setup, (2)Advenced Setup, (3)Power Management Setup, (4)PCI/Plug and Play Setup, (5)Load Optimal Settings, (6)Load Best Performance Setings, (7) Features Setup, (8)CPU PnP Setup, (9)Hardware Monitor, (10)Change Password, And (11)Exit. Is any of these the one I am suppose to selcet or am I suppose to find the CD drive selection (if so, how do I get the CD drive selection active).Please help a fan in need,Thank you!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 1:52 AM
 
Hello,
I have a CD copy of Windows XP giving to me by an associate, can I still use it to repair a System32/Cinfig/System problem on my desktop or do I need an original CD of Window XP(Operating System)? Please Help!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 2:04 AM
 
Dear Webecho,
First, I am a fan and I appreciate all the help you provide for others and myself.Now that I have showed my appreciation perhaps I can get some additional help from Webecho. My computer suffers from system32/ config/system and I am trying to repair it as you instruct, but I am stuck at the AMIBIOS setup window. You mention that one must select the CD drive as the first boost;however, this is where I am stuck. I don't have that option (or at least I don't think I do), but I have the following selections: (1)Standard CMOS Setup, (2)Advenced Setup, (3)Power Management Setup, (4)PCI/Plug and Play Setup, (5)Load Optimal Settings, (6)Load Best Performance Setings, (7) Features Setup, (8)CPU PnP Setup, (9)Hardware Monitor, (10)Change Password, And (11)Exit. Is any of these the one I am suppose to selcet or am I suppose to find the CD drive selection (if so, how do I get the CD drive selection active).Please help a fan in need,Thank you!
# posted by Blogger OwlMyth : 3:04 AM
 
Hello,
I have a CD copy of Windows XP giving to me by an associate, can I still use it to repair a System32/Cinfig/System problem on my desktop or do I need an original CD of Window XP(Operating System)? Please Help!
# posted by Blogger OwlMyth : 3:06 AM
 
ok..really desperate..I followed everything mentioned here and I had a black screen after opening the laptop and no system file..I renamed the system.bak to system file and now it requires password in the beginning (it's not ENTER anymore)..getting desperate to reach my files, pls. help!!
# posted by Blogger Yannis : 12:11 AM
 
Hi there!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 12:33 AM
 
Hey, I have followed your method smoothly and it boots up to windows... but when I go to my D drive which is another partition of my hard disk, it says, my D drive is not formatted and ask me to format it! I can't lose my data in my D Drive and hope you can help me on this, plse!! Also I can't surf net anymore. What happen?
# posted by Anonymous starduzz : 12:36 AM
 
Hi Webecho...I TOO have received the same error message "Windows cannot start due to a missing or corrupt file"...I have a laptop computer. I am not technologically blessed...however...I am not afraid to try. After reading over all of the postings...I am not sure if it is best to buy an xp cd or try with out it. I must be able to save my files...a full blown recovery is not an option for me. Can you please help? Thank you!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 12:54 PM
 
I have looked at this teerrific post with great interest as my Intel based MAC has a similar problem.

It wont boot into windows...

with the message"...missing file or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to fix..."

I can boot into MAC system and insert the original XP Pro CD and choose a boot from that however after attempting that I get the same windows, I cant find a way into the screen that allow 'r' (repair) so cant get past setpe one in your guide.

I have tried pressing teh DELETE key (on the MAC keyboard) on an attempted boot into both the CD and windows Hard drive to no avail.


Any suggestions much appreciated, otherwise I am stuck with a renistall on XP from MAC, probably with the loss of all data and programs...Ouch!

Thanks a lot in advance.

rgds
Colin
# posted by Anonymous Colin : 1:53 PM
 
you can use my cd and it will repair your windows installation without using recovery console. The cd will look for previous windows installation and it will prompt you whether you want to repair your previous windows...just call me and i will upload my copy of xp with repair option..red pogi...+639205587792...
# posted by Anonymous redpogi : 4:03 AM
 
I have the same problem as Rovert and many others. after renaming system.bak I forgot to copy de rest of the files and now I am afraid i should reinstall windows which means all my data is gone?
please help help
# posted by Anonymous dizzy : 10:50 AM
 
I'm about to attempt this repair tonight as I am a recent victim. Just curious, what usually is the cause of this error. I recently have installed new RAM, a Kodak AiO 5300 printer and a new hard drive with Windows XP SP2 fresh install (with all the updates). Any likely suspects on the cause?

Thanks
# posted by Anonymous brewirish : 6:49 AM
 
Dear Webecho: I was able to get my computer started once I followed your advise in a (Windows XP) System32/Error computer malfunction. Now, I am having an after-affect in that Windows XP will not open or run any applications except AOL. Note: When I try to open any application or software Windows gives me the following message: This product is only active because it is not install. I try installing the CD, but my Windows will give me a message stating: The Windows Instaler service could not be accessed.This can occur if you are running Windows in safe mode, or if the Windows Installer is not correctly installed...please help me with this problem!
# posted by Blogger OwlMyth : 6:27 AM
 
i have done everyhting that is site says to do but i still get the same error if anyone can help please email me { at } ab
cheers
# posted by Anonymous sir huminahut : 8:35 AM
 
hi, my problem is when i am at the recovery console and it ask which windows installation would you like to log onto? i type "1" and press enter and then it just stuck there for ages... whats going on? :S help please
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:22 PM
 
When I press R to go to the recovery Console I get an error saying "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed on your computer" The drive shows up in the BIOS and I've spent the entire day trying to fix this. I just got this computer from a friend yesterday until I moved it and plugged in a wireless router into it. I think that might have messed it up since it worked before hand. Please help me. I really want this gaming computer to work.
# posted by Blogger Supercrazyinsane : 9:14 AM
 
For those who dont want to loose all their programs. add these steps after doing the above.

boot to safe mode then.....

Start Windows Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder options.
3. Click the View tab.
4. Under Hidden files and folders, click to select Show hidden files and folders, and then click to clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.
5. Click Yes when the dialog box that confirms that you want to display these files appears.
6. Double-click the drive where you installed Windows XP to display a list of the folders. If is important to click the correct drive.
7. Open the System Volume Information folder. This folder is unavailable and appears dimmed because it is set as a super-hidden folder.

Note This folder contains one or more _restore {GUID} folders such as "_restore{87BD3667-3246-476B-923F-F86E30B3E7F8}".




then




Open a folder that was not created at the current time. You may have to click Details on the View menu to see when these folders were created. There may be one or more folders starting with "RPx under this folder. These are restore points.
9. Open one of these folders to locate a Snapshot subfolder. The following path is an example of a folder path to the Snapshot folder:
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{D86480E3-73EF-47BC-A0EB-A81BE6EE3ED8}\RP1\Snapshot
10. From the Snapshot folder, copy the following files to the C:\Windows\Tmp folder: • _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM
• _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM

11. Rename the files in the C:\Windows\Tmp folder as follows: • Rename _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT to DEFAULT
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY to SECURITY
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE to SOFTWARE
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM to SYSTEM
• Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM to SAM

1. Start Recovery Console.
2. At the command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
del c:\windows\system32\config\sam

del c:\windows\system32\config\security

del c:\windows\system32\config\software

del c:\windows\system32\config\default

del c:\windows\system32\config\system

copy c:\windows\tmp\software c:\windows\system32\config\software

copy c:\windows\tmp\system c:\windows\system32\config\system

copy c:\windows\tmp\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam

copy c:\windows\tmp\security c:\windows\system32\config\security

copy c:\windows\tmp\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

then if your still missing stuff.


1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.
2. Click Accessories, and then click System Tools.
3. Click System Restore, and then click Restore to a previous RestorePoint.



to the person that originally posted this: THANK THANK THANK YOU. IT WAS A COMPLETE AND TOTAL LIFESAVER. YOU HAVE NO IDEA.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:16 AM
 
HI
I have the system 32 error message, the only disc I can find that I have is Microsoft works. Is this the same as windows XP?
Sorry for the daft question.
Anyway if I get this computer to work again I wont have lost all my photos and files would I???
Thanks for your help
cornwell1
# posted by Anonymous mark : 7:39 PM
 
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