windows\system32\config\system missing Redux

gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
edited January 2011 in Science & Tech
All-

I posted a question on the original named thread above and got some good advice- including starting my own thread.

So, my situation is this:

1- computer went down in Afghanistan and displayed the title of the thread and would not boot
2- I don't have the original boot cd or any cds for that matter
3- I went to the link provided on another computer and burned a disk with the ultimate boot cd v5.0.3
4- I am now trying to learn how to use the cd
5- I think I am going to go with the list provided in this link: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm - provided in the original thread

Any suggestions at this point would be appreciated, and I'll report back the progress I am making.

Thanks!

Comments

  • gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
    edited December 2010
    Wups-

    I meant this link:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545
  • gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
    edited December 2010
    It seems that all the instructions have to do with getting to the recovery console. I have yet to figure out how to get to the "recovery console" or get a command prompt- which means I can't follow the instructions so far on the link I posted above.

    I have the "parted magic" tool up and running now. Am currently playing with the "test disk" function.
  • RyderRyder Kalamazoo, Mi Icrontian
    edited December 2010
    Recovery console is reached by booting from an XP, Vista, or Windows 7 disk.

    XP has a selection when it boots to select the recovery console.

    Vista and Windows 7 will both do an automatic assessment of the problem.
  • gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
    edited December 2010
    Thanks- but I don't have any of those disks. I downloaded the UBCD from this link: http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/. Now trying to figure out where to go from here.
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited January 2011
    Go to HDD, then there is a testing section, use DFT and you can also check the actual HDD in your laptop to see what manufacturer it was and use their test also.
  • gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
    edited January 2011
    Thanks! I went to HDD and used the DFT. I ran all 4 diagnosis tools in the DFT and it identified errors. I fixed just those error locations. After all that, I rebooted normally without the disk in, but got the same blue screen of death with the notice of a physical dump of memory, etc.

    Not sure what to do with that ultimate boot disk cd- mainly because there seems to be so many things to do! But, also because I'm not really sure if I even did the right thing with the DFTs.
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited January 2011
    I don't remember DFT being used to "fix" errors, unless perhaps they were chkdsk fixable. Make sure you run the advanced test (~40 mins) and write down any details of errors so that I can make a more informed recommendation. If you are getting multiple errors, you probably have a bad HDD and need to purchase a new one (and if you do not have one available, a USB-SATA adapter to transfer data from your existing HDD to new one). Did you open to hdd cover and see who actually manufactured the drive? Run their test also, but I imagine it will find the same thing.

    If the drive is still good, which I doubt, you will probably need to find a windows disk that matches your installed version and run the recovery console by booting from that disc. They all have a form of automated repair, but ymmv.
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited January 2011
    DFT can fix (sector remapping), but it does a shitty job because it doesn't resolve the underlying mechanical issues. The disk still needs to be replaced.
  • gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
    edited January 2011
    Tushon wrote:
    I don't remember DFT being used to "fix" errors, unless perhaps they were chkdsk fixable. Make sure you run the advanced test (~40 mins) and write down any details of errors so that I can make a more informed recommendation. If you are getting multiple errors, you probably have a bad HDD and need to purchase a new one (and if you do not have one available, a USB-SATA adapter to transfer data from your existing HDD to new one). Did you open to hdd cover and see who actually manufactured the drive? Run their test also, but I imagine it will find the same thing.

    If the drive is still good, which I doubt, you will probably need to find a windows disk that matches your installed version and run the recovery console by booting from that disc. They all have a form of automated repair, but ymmv.

    Sorry- probably used the wrong language. I ran the advanced tests- which took awhile and didn't write down the errors. It gave me a choice each time of rewriting (and thus losing all data) or just "fixing" (can't remember the exact word used) the problem areas. I chose just the problem areas.

    I didn't open the HDD "cover"- will try to do that, but don't remember that as an option- although there were a lot of options.

    THanks!-
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited January 2011
    By open the HDD cover, I mean on the physical laptop, there is a cover over the HDD. Unscrew it and look at the actual HDD. I still think it is a bad HDD, especially after Thrax's info on what the "fixing" does.
  • gmartinrtt1gmartinrtt1 EST
    edited January 2011
    Ah- got it! lol!

    Will do it. Thanks--
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