\windows\system32\config\system

Hello

I have a Packard Bell iXtreme Gold MC 2107 and yesterday I had the message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first screem to start repair.

I don't have the original setup CD-ROM so cannot do anything, and the only displays you can get up is the BIOS.

Does anyone know how I can fix this problem without the CD? or link me to where I can download the CD online if that is possible!

Thanks in advance!

 

Hello, Jamiemk6, welcome to NBR.
It's possible that your hard drive may have a recovery partition if it was never formated.

Turn on your system and press the [ALT] [F10] key combinations (multiple times to make sure) to access the recovery menu.

You should backup your data first!

 

That problem is due to a corrupt windows xp registry.

you can find out more information about what the problem is by searching "windows xp hive".

Basically there are 5 parts that make up the xp registry (system, software, sam, security, default).
It looks like your system file has been corrupted.

at this point you have a few options:
- reinstall xp (or win7, etc..)
- try what Katalin said and see if you have a recovery partition that will reinstall xp)
- fix the problem yourself by typing commands into the windows xp recovery console. (you will need a windows xp cd)

I have fixed this problem a couple times using the recovery console. it works, however its a tedious process.

this link will walk you through the steps:
Windows XP Crashed? Here's Help - BroadcastNewsroom

Basically its 2 parts:
the first part will have you replace all 5 registry files with new ones that were created and saved when XP was first installed. this allows you to boot up xp.
the second part has you restoring the registry back to the way it was by manually copying system restore files.

you will need a windows xp cd to boot into the xp recovery console. if it asks you for an administrator password in the recovery console, try just hitting enter (no password).

Note, if you cant get a hold of a xp cd, you could in theory try using a linux cd. Honestly all you doing is creating a temp directory to move your broke registry files to, then copying the fresh files from /windows/repair/ to /windows/system32/config/
you would have to learn how to download a linux .iso and burn it to CD. then just boot your computer with the linux CD.
I would recommend using a linux such as Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or Knoppix.