Fixing XP corrupt file

OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when I set
up my computer several years ago.

We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying that the
windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.

If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot up
without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting on the hard
drive>

"SusanCA" wrote:

> OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when I set
> up my computer several years ago.
>
> We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying that the
> windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
>
> If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot up
> without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting on the hard
> drive>

You can do this in two ways;
1- Call the Vendor and get a recovery CD for modest price and try the
Steps/instructions below or
2- Buy a full version XPCD (Home Edition or XP Professional) and try the
instructions below.

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from
starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;307545
HTH.
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk

No guarantee can be given re not losing data.
Before doing anything:

1. Slave your Hard drive in another computer, and try to read/copy the files.

2. http://www.knoppix.net/
If (1) unsuccessful, download the Knoppix Live CD ISO file, and make a
Bootable image on disk.
Reboot with it, and copy your Data to Flash Drive.

--
Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia


"SusanCA" wrote:

> OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when I set
> up my computer several years ago.
>
> We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying that the
> windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
>
> If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot up
> without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting on the hard
> drive>

By vendor do you mean HP (maker of my computer) or Best Buy where we bought
it several years ago?

I did print out those instructions and I thank you for your time!

"nass" wrote:

>
>
> "SusanCA" wrote:
>
> > OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when I set
> > up my computer several years ago.
> >
> > We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying that the
> > windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
> >
> > If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot up
> > without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting on the hard
> > drive>
>
> You can do this in two ways;
> 1- Call the Vendor and get a recovery CD for modest price and try the
> Steps/instructions below or
> 2- Buy a full version XPCD (Home Edition or XP Professional) and try the
> instructions below.
>
> How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from
> starting
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;307545
> HTH.
> nass
> ---
> http://www.nasstec.co.uk
>

SusanCA wrote:
> OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when
> I set up my computer several years ago.
>
> We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying
> that the windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
>
> If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot
> up without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting
> on the hard drive>

First off the hard drive may be dying on you, but, try this.....

It is easier than it looks... :-)
All you need is an OEM XP disc, home I assume, but could be Media or Pro (to
do the repair function in Console you can use any XP CD) which is different
than a repair install.... by the way..

if you have a friend that has a CD that states XP OEM , your all set just
follow the steps from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

First enter the recovery console, depending on your PC, you need to boot to
your CD, with the XP disk in it
this link has a slide show and text to walk you through it..
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...s/rconsole.htm
In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.

Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.

Type dir system , and then press ENTER.

If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is
missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding command successfully,
type ren system system.bak , and then press ENTER.

NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you
would type ren software software.bak (instead of ren system system.bak ),
and then press ENTER.

Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.

NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you
would type copy c:\windows\repair\software (instead of copy
c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.

You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For additional
information about how to use Recovery Console during startup, click the
article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP


IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding commands,
you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd ) one folder at a time
before you run the preceding commands. For example, type cd system32 , press
ENTER, type cd config , and then press ENTER.

Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and restart the
computer.


Clark...

--
Don't you have Google in your part of the world?

thank you thank you. I have a friend who has the CD's and I will give this a
try. Hopefully I can get it booted so I can get all my photos and files if it
is the hard drive.



"Clark" wrote:

> SusanCA wrote:
> > OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when
> > I set up my computer several years ago.
> >
> > We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying
> > that the windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
> >
> > If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot
> > up without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting
> > on the hard drive>
>
> First off the hard drive may be dying on you, but, try this.....
>
> It is easier than it looks... :-)
> All you need is an OEM XP disc, home I assume, but could be Media or Pro (to
> do the repair function in Console you can use any XP CD) which is different
> than a repair install.... by the way..
>
> if you have a friend that has a CD that states XP OEM , your all set just
> follow the steps from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
>
> First enter the recovery console, depending on your PC, you need to boot to
> your CD, with the XP disk in it
> this link has a slide show and text to walk you through it..
> http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...s/rconsole.htm
> In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
>
> Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.
>
> Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
>
> If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is
> missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding command successfully,
> type ren system system.bak , and then press ENTER.
>
> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
> replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you
> would type ren software software.bak (instead of ren system system.bak ),
> and then press ENTER.
>
> Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
>
> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
> replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you
> would type copy c:\windows\repair\software (instead of copy
> c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
>
> You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For additional
> information about how to use Recovery Console during startup, click the
> article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
> Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP
>
>
> IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding commands,
> you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd ) one folder at a time
> before you run the preceding commands. For example, type cd system32 , press
> ENTER, type cd config , and then press ENTER.
>
> Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and restart the
> computer.
>
>
> Clark...
>
> --
> Don't you have Google in your part of the world?
>
>
>

Note You will need a CD the same Specs as your Operating system.
You can call Best Buy and get a recovery CD to repair the System by folowing
the instructions being given earlier on the KB.

Also you can Hook the Hard Drive as Slave to another PC and Rescue the data
you want then Reinstall or Repair to be safe.
HTH.
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk


"SusanCA" wrote:

> thank you thank you. I have a friend who has the CD's and I will give this a
> try. Hopefully I can get it booted so I can get all my photos and files if it
> is the hard drive.
>
>
>
> "Clark" wrote:
>
> > SusanCA wrote:
> > > OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc when
> > > I set up my computer several years ago.
> > >
> > > We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying
> > > that the windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
> > >
> > > If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to boot
> > > up without losing the files and photos that I currently have sitting
> > > on the hard drive>
> >
> > First off the hard drive may be dying on you, but, try this.....
> >
> > It is easier than it looks... :-)
> > All you need is an OEM XP disc, home I assume, but could be Media or Pro (to
> > do the repair function in Console you can use any XP CD) which is different
> > than a repair install.... by the way..
> >
> > if you have a friend that has a CD that states XP OEM , your all set just
> > follow the steps from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
> >
> > First enter the recovery console, depending on your PC, you need to boot to
> > your CD, with the XP disk in it
> > this link has a slide show and text to walk you through it..
> > http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...s/rconsole.htm
> > In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
> >
> > Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.
> >
> > Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
> >
> > If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is
> > missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding command successfully,
> > type ren system system.bak , and then press ENTER.
> >
> > NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
> > replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you
> > would type ren software software.bak (instead of ren system system.bak ),
> > and then press ENTER.
> >
> > Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
> >
> > NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file,
> > replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you
> > would type copy c:\windows\repair\software (instead of copy
> > c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
> >
> > You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For additional
> > information about how to use Recovery Console during startup, click the
> > article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
> > Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP
> >
> >
> > IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding commands,
> > you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd ) one folder at a time
> > before you run the preceding commands. For example, type cd system32 , press
> > ENTER, type cd config , and then press ENTER.
> >
> > Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and restart the
> > computer.
> >
> >
> > Clark...
> >
> > --
> > Don't you have Google in your part of the world?
> >
> >
> >

nass wrote:
> Note You will need a CD the same Specs as your Operating system.
> You can call Best Buy and get a recovery CD to repair the System by
> folowing the instructions being given earlier on the KB.

Nass, why would anyone order from Best Buy when they could order the CD
directly from the manufacturer ?
HP, Dell, etc, all offer a replacement CD for only $20.00 or so.
And what the heck is the same specs as your OS? same version same type ?
for instance if you had a Dell disk OEM XPsp1 you still can do a full repair
install with an OEM XPsp2 as long as you keep with the proper type,
I, E, Home, Pro, Media, or Pro Corp

Clark..



> Also you can Hook the Hard Drive as Slave to another PC and Rescue
> the data you want then Reinstall or Repair to be safe.
> HTH.
> nass
> ---
> http://www.nasstec.co.uk
>
>
> "SusanCA" wrote:
>
>> thank you thank you. I have a friend who has the CD's and I will
>> give this a try. Hopefully I can get it booted so I can get all my
>> photos and files if it is the hard drive.
>>
>>
>>
>> "Clark" wrote:
>>
>>> SusanCA wrote:
>>>> OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc
>>>> when I set up my computer several years ago.
>>>>
>>>> We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying
>>>> that the windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
>>>>
>>>> If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to
>>>> boot up without losing the files and photos that I currently have
>>>> sitting on the hard drive>
>>>
>>> First off the hard drive may be dying on you, but, try this.....
>>>
>>> It is easier than it looks... :-)
>>> All you need is an OEM XP disc, home I assume, but could be Media
>>> or Pro (to do the repair function in Console you can use any XP CD)
>>> which is different than a repair install.... by the way..
>>>
>>> if you have a friend that has a CD that states XP OEM , your all
>>> set just follow the steps from
>>> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
>>>
>>> First enter the recovery console, depending on your PC, you need to
>>> boot to your CD, with the XP disk in it
>>> this link has a slide show and text to walk you through it..
>>> http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...s/rconsole.htm
>>> In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
>>>
>>> Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.
>>>
>>> Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
>>>
>>> If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the
>>> file is missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding
>>> command successfully, type ren system system.bak , and then press
>>> ENTER.
>>>
>>> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software
>>> file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.
>>> For example, you would type ren software software.bak (instead of
>>> ren system system.bak ), and then press ENTER.
>>>
>>> Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
>>>
>>> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software
>>> file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.
>>> For example, you would type copy c:\windows\repair\software
>>> (instead of copy c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
>>>
>>> You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For
>>> additional information about how to use Recovery Console during
>>> startup, click the article number below to view the article in the
>>> Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the
>>> Recovery Console for Windows XP
>>>
>>>
>>> IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding
>>> commands, you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd )
>>> one folder at a time before you run the preceding commands. For
>>> example, type cd system32 , press ENTER, type cd config , and then
>>> press ENTER.
>>>
>>> Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and
>>> restart the computer.
>>>
>>>
>>> Clark...
>>>
>>> --
>>> Don't you have Google in your part of the world?

--
Don't you have Google in your part of the world?

Clark

i've got the disc and i've made it as far as the copy
c:\windows\repair\system part. When I hit enter after that command I get
system cannot find the file specified. Ideas?

Thanks for the help!

"Clark" wrote:

> nass wrote:
> > Note You will need a CD the same Specs as your Operating system.
> > You can call Best Buy and get a recovery CD to repair the System by
> > folowing the instructions being given earlier on the KB.
>
> Nass, why would anyone order from Best Buy when they could order the CD
> directly from the manufacturer ?
> HP, Dell, etc, all offer a replacement CD for only $20.00 or so.
> And what the heck is the same specs as your OS? same version same type ?
> for instance if you had a Dell disk OEM XPsp1 you still can do a full repair
> install with an OEM XPsp2 as long as you keep with the proper type,
> I, E, Home, Pro, Media, or Pro Corp
>
> Clark..
>
>
>
> > Also you can Hook the Hard Drive as Slave to another PC and Rescue
> > the data you want then Reinstall or Repair to be safe.
> > HTH.
> > nass
> > ---
> > http://www.nasstec.co.uk
> >
> >
> > "SusanCA" wrote:
> >
> >> thank you thank you. I have a friend who has the CD's and I will
> >> give this a try. Hopefully I can get it booted so I can get all my
> >> photos and files if it is the hard drive.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "Clark" wrote:
> >>
> >>> SusanCA wrote:
> >>>> OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc
> >>>> when I set up my computer several years ago.
> >>>>
> >>>> We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying
> >>>> that the windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
> >>>>
> >>>> If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to
> >>>> boot up without losing the files and photos that I currently have
> >>>> sitting on the hard drive>
> >>>
> >>> First off the hard drive may be dying on you, but, try this.....
> >>>
> >>> It is easier than it looks... :-)
> >>> All you need is an OEM XP disc, home I assume, but could be Media
> >>> or Pro (to do the repair function in Console you can use any XP CD)
> >>> which is different than a repair install.... by the way..
> >>>
> >>> if you have a friend that has a CD that states XP OEM , your all
> >>> set just follow the steps from
> >>> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
> >>>
> >>> First enter the recovery console, depending on your PC, you need to
> >>> boot to your CD, with the XP disk in it
> >>> this link has a slide show and text to walk you through it..
> >>> http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...s/rconsole.htm
> >>> In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
> >>>
> >>> Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the
> >>> file is missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding
> >>> command successfully, type ren system system.bak , and then press
> >>> ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software
> >>> file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.
> >>> For example, you would type ren software software.bak (instead of
> >>> ren system system.bak ), and then press ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software
> >>> file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.
> >>> For example, you would type copy c:\windows\repair\software
> >>> (instead of copy c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For
> >>> additional information about how to use Recovery Console during
> >>> startup, click the article number below to view the article in the
> >>> Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the
> >>> Recovery Console for Windows XP
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding
> >>> commands, you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd )
> >>> one folder at a time before you run the preceding commands. For
> >>> example, type cd system32 , press ENTER, type cd config , and then
> >>> press ENTER.
> >>>
> >>> Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and
> >>> restart the computer.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Clark...
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Don't you have Google in your part of the world?
>
> --
> Don't you have Google in your part of the world?
>
>
>

SusanCA wrote:
> Clark
>
> i've got the disc and i've made it as far as the copy
> c:\windows\repair\system part. When I hit enter after that command I
> get system cannot find the file specified. Ideas?
>
> Thanks for the help!
>


did you do a chkdsk /r command yet? that will scan and repair any corrupt
files in the system , (try that later)?
try this

In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.
Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.

If the message that you received referred to the software file, replace
"system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you would
type copy c:\windows\repair\software (instead of copy
c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.

You should receive a "One file copied" message.

OR
Boot Recovery Console

At the command prompt type:

ren c:\windows\system32\config\system system.old
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config

Reboot

If all else fails and your CD and your OS license are the same, example XP
home,

you can try a repair install, boot the PC like you are to the CD but, when
you get to recovery or install choose install, then at the next prompt, the
computer will tell you it is looking for previous installs of windows, then
you can choose repair install at that prompt..
The CD and the license DO need to be the same type at that point but not the
same service pack, and you will need to call Microsoft, no doubt, to re-
activate the product..
just answer Yes to one computer and yes to is this the first time you are
activating it...(if those are the questions)

Clark...









> "Clark" wrote:
>
>> nass wrote:
>>> Note You will need a CD the same Specs as your Operating system.
>>> You can call Best Buy and get a recovery CD to repair the System by
>>> folowing the instructions being given earlier on the KB.
>>
>> Nass, why would anyone order from Best Buy when they could order the
>> CD directly from the manufacturer ?
>> HP, Dell, etc, all offer a replacement CD for only $20.00 or so.
>> And what the heck is the same specs as your OS? same version same
>> type ? for instance if you had a Dell disk OEM XPsp1 you still can
>> do a full repair install with an OEM XPsp2 as long as you keep with
>> the proper type,
>> I, E, Home, Pro, Media, or Pro Corp
>>
>> Clark..
>>
>>
>>
>>> Also you can Hook the Hard Drive as Slave to another PC and Rescue
>>> the data you want then Reinstall or Repair to be safe.
>>> HTH.
>>> nass
>>> ---
>>> http://www.nasstec.co.uk
>>>
>>>
>>> "SusanCA" wrote:
>>>
>>>> thank you thank you. I have a friend who has the CD's and I will
>>>> give this a try. Hopefully I can get it booted so I can get all my
>>>> photos and files if it is the hard drive.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Clark" wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> SusanCA wrote:
>>>>>> OK first off YES I am one of those who didn't do a recovery disc
>>>>>> when I set up my computer several years ago.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We get back from vacation and the computer refused to boot saying
>>>>>> that the windows/system32/config was missing or corrupted.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If I buy the XP discs can I fix the error and get the system to
>>>>>> boot up without losing the files and photos that I currently have
>>>>>> sitting on the hard drive>
>>>>>
>>>>> First off the hard drive may be dying on you, but, try this.....
>>>>>
>>>>> It is easier than it looks... :-)
>>>>> All you need is an OEM XP disc, home I assume, but could be Media
>>>>> or Pro (to do the repair function in Console you can use any XP
>>>>> CD) which is different than a repair install.... by the way..
>>>>>
>>>>> if you have a friend that has a CD that states XP OEM , your all
>>>>> set just follow the steps from
>>>>> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
>>>>>
>>>>> First enter the recovery console, depending on your PC, you need
>>>>> to boot to your CD, with the XP disk in it
>>>>> this link has a slide show and text to walk you through it..
>>>>> http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...s/rconsole.htm
>>>>> In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
>>>>>
>>>>> Type cd system32\config , and then press ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the
>>>>> file is missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding
>>>>> command successfully, type ren system system.bak , and then press
>>>>> ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software
>>>>> file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.
>>>>> For example, you would type ren software software.bak (instead of
>>>>> ren system system.bak ), and then press ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software
>>>>> file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command.
>>>>> For example, you would type copy c:\windows\repair\software
>>>>> (instead of copy c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For
>>>>> additional information about how to use Recovery Console during
>>>>> startup, click the article number below to view the article in the
>>>>> Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the
>>>>> Recovery Console for Windows XP
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding
>>>>> commands, you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd )
>>>>> one folder at a time before you run the preceding commands. For
>>>>> example, type cd system32 , press ENTER, type cd config , and then
>>>>> press ENTER.
>>>>>
>>>>> Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and
>>>>> restart the computer.
>>>>>
>>>>>