Windows XP startup problem: corrupt or missing system file (vanity)

11/11/2003 | self

[calvin sun]

We have a home computer than runs XP home edition. All of a sudden we get a message that the file Windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt.

The suggested remedy, however, is puzzling. The system suggests that we start Windows Setup using the "original Setup CD-ROM."

Are they talking about the Windows REINSTALLATION CD? That CD, however, doesn't seem to be bootable.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[GeronL]

My XP tells me that I need to make my own reinstallation discs, it'll take 6 CD's. I haven't done it yet though.

[WTSand]

In your bios make sure the boot sequence is 1.cdrom 2.hd0 (harddrive) and 3.floppy The default is normally 1.floppy and that's why the cd won't boot.

[Jean S]

It's bootable. You need to go into your bios (setup) and set your cd drive as the first bootable drive.

[GeronL]

Hear that. in the bios, make the CD bootable.... got that?? (not me... =o)

[calvin sun]

Thanks. How can I get into setup mode? I believe there is some keystroke sequence to use at startup time ?f1? but I can't remember exactly.

[Jean S]

F1

[Nateman]

Have you changed the computer in any way (like adding memory perhaps)? It has to be at the original factory settings for the cd to work.

[calvin sun]

Ok, I checked again.

The computer IS checking the CD ROM drive at bootup time. It tries the diskette drive, then the CD ROM drive, then (apparently) the hard disk. Then I get the "corrupt/missing file" message.

The CD I am trying to use is purple, and is labeled "Operating System / reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition". The computer and CD are from Dell.

Is this CD the right one for recovery purposes? Thanks.

[Spruce]

It sounds like your registry is toast. Can be perilous.

[Spruce]

Have you set any "Restore Points"?

[WTSand]

The boot sequence is wrong. It's got to be cdrom first. Did F1 get you in Setup? If not try Delete.

[Nateman]

Could be the right CD, I don't know. But I do know this, in order to prevent the recovery disk being used as a way to put Windows onto other computers, it will only reboot onto the system that is at the original factory settings that the computer came with. If you added memory, another hard drive or just about any kind of hardware the CD reboot disk will notice the differance and prevent the boot.

[yonif]

In your bios make sure the boot sequence is 1.cdrom 2.hd0 (harddrive) and 3.floppy The default is normally 1.floppy and that's why the cd won't boot.,/i>

bttt

[yonif]

Try to use a startup floppy disk.

[Common Tator]

IT is not hte registry It is a file that contains the configuration of the sytem.

It typically gets trashed if the computer is shut down during a boot.

I think this file is generated on the fly when windows is originally installed. At least I could not find the file or a compressed version of the file on the install disk.

I ended up reinstalling windows.

ON a Dell, to boot from the CD one must press a key on the keyboard when the 'Press any key to boot from CD.' message appears on the screen.