Since the error message says that it is a corrupt or missing system file, restore may not help you. WinXp would have already tried to use the backup system file that it keeps in the installation so restoring probably isn't going to get you a good file. You need to repair.
There are two ways to do this. If you know the file which apparently you do in this case, you can repair from the recovery console by using the copy command to replace the missing file with one from your cd. This is the first repair option when you boot from the WinXP cd. On the first set of options choose the repair using the recovery console. The command at the prompt would be copy source [destination] ... something like copy D (cd drive letter) :\"path and file name" C:\window\system32\config\system\"file name" Typing help at the recovery console prompt will give you a list of available commands. Another way is to boot from the WinXP cd. You'll get the first menu. Select the setup option, NOT the repair using the recovery console. It will analyze your system and then show you previous versions of windows that are already installed. It will give you an option there to repair or do a new install. Highlight your WinXP installation and choose repair. It will then check every system file in your installation and repair as necessary. This repairs your WinXP installation and keeps all your data and installed programs intact. I'd try the first way and if that doesn't work, try the second. As long as the file is on the cd either way should work and not harm you system any more than it already is. Ben Moore -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of mike Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 9:21 AM To: pcworks Subject: PCWorks: windows Xp restore? When I start Windows Xp I am getting this message. " Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt. /windows\system32\config\system you can try attempt to repair this file by starting the windows setup using the original setup CdROM . Select "r" at the first screen to start repair.". I have tried to start at the safe mode, the last known configuration but still getting the same message. When I tried to use the repair mode stated above, I arrive at the Dos mode with limited commands of which i have no idea what to do next. I do now want to format the drive and load Win Xp from the beginning, so I will be glad if anyone can tell me how to use the repair mode in XP. I am using a multi booting system with windows 2000 and windows XP. machine configuraion is P4 300 HT , 512 RAM . 80 GB hard disk on intel mother board. Thanks ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
