XP Won't Boot Missing 1- sytem File

[angeejay48/]

Computer won't boot into XP Home Edition says it's missing
C:\Windows\System32\Config\System

How can I restore this system file. Person the computer belongs too lost XP disk. Could I use my and re-install from my disk the system files??? HELP!!

[Midknyte]

Don't assume that the problem is just 1 file. It could be a bad hard drive or a spyware/virus that is causing the problem.

Do you basic ram and hard drive diags first, then you can concentrate on software. You could use an XP Home disc to do a repair, but it makes a difference if it's OEM vs retail. You should also use a slipstreamed disc with the same SP level as the current installation.

[angeejay48/]

How do I do a repai? And where do I get a slipstream disk??

[angeejay48/]

Couldn't I just do a re-install in the same system folder and when it gets to a certain point pull the disk out without doing a full installation??

[Midknyte]

You can try copying the one file from the CD via recovery console, but I don't think that's the real problem. You're just looking at a symptom.

You can't just reinstall to the same folder if you expect to keep the same system settings. That's what a repair install is for.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

You need to MAKE a slipstreamed disc if you don't have one already.
http://www.simplyguides.net/guides/u...ostreamer.html

[Ol'Tunzafun]

That particular file cannot be copied from an installation disk because it is a dynamic file that records everything that is unique to your particular computer: it is your registry. You can try doing a System Restore from Safe Mode if you can get that far. Otherwise your best bet is the Repair Install that Midknyte has linked to.

[angeejay48/]

I have 2 Drives. the C: Drive is 40 GB with the non-working OS
the D: has nothing on it. Can I install a Refresh XP on it and retrieve the files from the C: and maybe try and repair the C: while I on the D: drive????

[Midknyte]

That doesn't make sense. If anything, a repair install would be your best bet.

Did you run the hardware tests like I said? I've seen the same kind of errors caused by bad sectors. Don't waste time fixing software if it could be a hardware issue.

[angeejay48/]

I don't know how...

[Midknyte]

You should have said so in the first place.

Download UBCD from the link in my sig. You'll need to burn the iso to a cd. In case you don't know how to do that:
http://ubcd.sourceforge.net/faq.html
http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_write_iso_files_to_cd.htm

Run Memtest+86. I usually let it go through 2-3 passes, but some people will run it overnight. Then run the hard drive diagnostic corresponding to the manufacturer of the drive. ex. Seagate/Maxtor - run seatools.

[angeejay48/]

Thanks!! .... I'll try This.....

[BipolarBill]

If the person who owns this PC lacks a Windows CD, they need to get one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116511

If they are not entitled to one from the PC maker, they have to buy it.

If you repair their PC with *your* Windows CD, you will have to enter the product key and possibly activate. That means that your product key will be activated on two PCs. If you ever have to reactivate on yours, there will be a problem. Do not use your CD to repair other people's problems.

Simple answer - they should buy a Windows CD. Newegg can get it there in a day.

Remember to push a backup plan. You should be using one too!

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/db-express/

[angeejay48/]

Thanks for the advice....My major concern was to retrieve the files on this computer....That's what I mainly wanted to do was recover important data. I wanted to do this and worry about the OS later. It won't let me retrieve it even in Safe Mode.....

[BipolarBill]

The best way to do that is to take the hard drive out and slave it on another PC or install it in an external enclosure.

MK mentioned UBCD. UBCD also allows you to transfer data once you boot up with it. It's a full-fledged operating system. You can transfer to a USB drive or burn a CD once you're in.

This is all "by-the-way". This person needs their own Windows CD any way you look at it. They also need to backup their data so that "little things" like this don't cripple them in the future. An ounce of prevention...

[Rocketmech]

You may find using "UBCD for Windows" easier to use to backup the data on the bad drive. Its a simple XP booted from a CD, not the hard drive. You can copy and paste to a usb drive , burn to CD or even image a drive . It includes antivirus and antispyware programs and other tools. You can also attempt to repair the registry on the non working drive if there is a good restore point available.
You really need to run diags on the drive and memory first as everyone has clearly recommended. Then, if they are good try to repair the registry if you don't have a XP CD . If that doesn't work then someone will need to buy an XP CD.

http://www.ubcd4win.com/index.htm