Skip to comments.
Windows XP startup problem: corrupt or missing system file (vanity)
11/11/2003
| self
Posted on 11/11/2003 6:49:50 PM PST by 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.
TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS:
To: calvin sun
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.
2
posted on
11/11/2003 6:51:58 PM PST
by
GeronL
(Visit www.geocities.com/geronl)
To: calvin sun
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.
3
posted on
11/11/2003 6:55:49 PM PST
by
WTSand
To: GeronL
It's bootable. You need to go into your bios (setup) and set your cd drive as the first bootable drive.
4
posted on
11/11/2003 6:57:40 PM PST
by
Jean S
To: calvin sun
Hear that. in the bios, make the CD bootable.... got that?? (not me... =o)
5
posted on
11/11/2003 6:58:59 PM PST
by
GeronL
(Visit www.geocities.com/geronl................................www.returnoftheprimitive.com)
To: JeanS
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.
6
posted on
11/11/2003 7:00:03 PM PST
by
calvin sun
("Mr. Gorbachev, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL")
To: calvin sun
F1
7
posted on
11/11/2003 7:01:57 PM PST
by
Jean S
To: calvin sun
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.
8
posted on
11/11/2003 7:02:49 PM PST
by
Nateman
(Socialism first, cancer second.)
To: Nateman
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.
9
posted on
11/11/2003 7:14:23 PM PST
by
calvin sun
("Mr. Gorbachev, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL")
To: calvin sun
It sounds like your registry is toast. Can be perilous.
10
posted on
11/11/2003 7:15:13 PM PST
by
Spruce
To: calvin sun
Have you set any "Restore Points"?
11
posted on
11/11/2003 7:16:43 PM PST
by
Spruce
To: calvin sun
The boot sequence is wrong. It's got to be cdrom first. Did F1 get you in Setup? If not try Delete.
12
posted on
11/11/2003 7:25:55 PM PST
by
WTSand
To: calvin sun
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.
13
posted on
11/11/2003 8:11:47 PM PST
by
Nateman
(Socialism first, cancer second.)
To: 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.,/i> bttt
14
posted on
11/11/2003 8:25:15 PM PST
by
yonif
("If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem, Let My Right Hand Wither" - Psalms 137:5)
To: calvin sun
Try to use a startup floppy disk.
15
posted on
11/11/2003 8:26:09 PM PST
by
yonif
("If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem, Let My Right Hand Wither" - Psalms 137:5)
To: Spruce
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.
16
posted on
11/12/2003 2:28:27 AM PST
by
Common Tator
(I support Billybob. www.ArmorforCongress.com)
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson