...missing or corrupt "system"

franklyfrankly
edited April 2009 in Science & Tech
Just tried the 8 simple steps to resolving all XP problems, but to no avail. In windows\system32\config\ system there is no system file. Is there another place I can find this or can I use the system.log file. Ultimate goal is to get all the users data off before wiping and reinstalling.

Comments

  • Cliff_ForsterCliff_Forster Icrontian
    edited April 2009
    frankly wrote:
    Just tried the 8 simple steps to resolving all XP problems, but to no avail. In windows\system32\config\ system there is no system file. Is there another place I can find this or can I use the system.log file. Ultimate goal is to get all the users data off before wiping and reinstalling.

    Have you attempted to boot from CD? Could you attempt to do a repair install with the OS media?
  • franklyfrankly
    edited April 2009
    Cliff_Forster wrote:
    Have you attempted to boot from CD? Could you attempt to do a repair install with the OS media?

    Yes, in recovery mode only. If I do a repair install will any data be lost? or does it wipe all and reinstall? Or better yet is there a system file that can be copied from the OS cd?
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited April 2009
    A repair install will rebuild Windows around your files and settings. You may have to reinstall drivers and a few applications, and here's why:

    The error you're seeing means a <i>very</i> important file has been toasted in WIndows. The SYSTEM registry hive holds all the hardware information so Windows can read it and make use of it. It's also the location of all your driver information. Windows no longer has any idea how to talk to what you've got in your PC. You can try to fix it with this article, but it's hit or miss depending on how your SYSTEM file is damaged.

    I recommend a repair install if this fails.
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