File Corrupted Help

[ymNA]

I am trying to figure this out for a friend. She got a screen saying the c:/windows/system32/config/system blabla bla got corrupted and can not log into windows and say you can fix this problem by using the windows xp cd-rom and use the 'fix' option.

First question, how do I use this option, everytime I go in there, it gave me the command promt, what do I do with this? what to type in there?

Second question, why does the file corrupted? they said they shut it down properly, I think they did anyway, there was no way they didn't shut it down properly, even if the power button is used.

please help.....

edit: here is her system (i built it)

windows xp (with all the critical updates)
xp 1600+
ak31 3.1
seagate 40g 7200 ata100
512mb of crucial 2100
Liteon dvd
Aopen 20x10x40x

[Wa11y]

Why is it corrupted? BECAUSE IT'S MICROSOFT!

If you boot from the XP CD-ROM, there should be three options on the very first screen after it loads all the drivers: Press "Enter" to Install Windows, "R" to repair an existing copy of Windows, and "F3" to exit. I'm not 100% sure, since I don't have my copy here in front of me.

I think it should also auto run, and give you the opportunity to repair the copy. But you can't get into Windows, so that probably won't do you too much good.

[el]

you have to reinstall. unless you have a backup you are screwed. it happened to me too. couldn't figure it out so i reinstalled. I wonder how this is happening. do a back up that is the only way. back up the registry too.

[It_The_Cow]

I'm not sure if you can do this in WinXP, but in 2000, you could just install the system files. That way, your files would still be there, but your computer wouldn't recognize any of the programs that you've installed. You should try that first

[el]

yeah but I couldn't find the file to reinstall! the disk is different for xp not like the 2k where you can just grab the file. system32 folder isn't even there. trust me I tried everything.

[ymNA]

this suk, this is the second time xp is installed on that system in 3 weeks...:mad: winxp works perfectly on mine. I guess win2000 is a better choice

[el]

run a chkdsk /r that should find the bad sector adn repair it/mark it bad. then reinstall and you should be fine. I did it only once but I am seeing this problem more and more here in teh forums but we OCers tend to mess with the registry and tweak until it breaks more then the average bear.

[stenchhunt]

I have had this prob a few times!! can sort it in 45 mins now!!

I reckon (don't quote me on this) its to do with dodgy ram, I have had no probs with my pc and then a short while back I bought 256 of cheap n nasty ram, can run xp for weeks and then suddenly it wont boot, tried all the repair option still no joy!!

it has something to do with the shutdown procedure of xp, I have had this fault, pagefile faults etc, ms reckons its a memory issue and I amtempted to go with that (ordered some crucial)

if this happens just reinstall xp on the same partition etc same folder, it will delete the old one before install, so all documents are saved, but you need to install all your old progs and apps etc

not a total fix but better than losing everything!!!:mad:

[flaming gerbil]

don't know about xp but in 98 (i would think xp has these features) you can run the system file checker, if it finds corrupt files, windows will prompt you for the proper cd to repair the damaged file. go START>RUN then type "SFC". aslo you should be able to restore an old registry. xp have a boot disk? i think dos is gone. if it does boot with it then type "scanreg.exe" find and older registry and click on "restore"

[stenchhunt]

I wish it was as easy as 98!!! unfortunately it wont boot at all, and you are limited in the repair console

can do chkdsk (like the old scandisk) but not any type of scanreg (to my knowledge)

from what I have seen and read on various forums and websites this is definitely a hardware issue!! I have tried 3 versions of xp and so I know it is something xp doesn't like

if anyone knows what causes these boot issues, I'd be very, very grateful!!:beer:

[jw50]

What Wally said to do is the way to fix the problem. But you have to make sure that you are booting to the CD and not to the HD. You need to go into the BIOS and change the boot sequence to boot from the CD first. This will let you do the repair. After you do the repair go back into the BIOS and change the boot sequence back to the default.

[stenchhunt]

I have tried all of the above and still get the same start up error, I can live with it until I upgrade (very soon!!) but I feel it must be an issue with xp!!

maybe I am missing something, I have booted from cd and done the repair etc, still no joy for me, may work for others, who knows

it seems there are a few of us who experience this issue so there must be a common cause for it

any more takers welcome

[el]

well I couldn't figure it out maybe emailing the folks at M$ would be a good idea or posting in a M$ forum might find somebody who can do it. I am scared cuz happened to me once too!

[BigPimp]

This is easy to fix:

boot using the the windows xp cd:

Use the Repair option "R"

A DOS looking screen will pop up. Type 1 and hit enter. Go to c:\windows\system32\config\ and rename system to sytem.old Then go to c:\windows\repair and copy the file system to c:\windows\system32\config\. Type exit. Your computer should reboot and you will need to reinstall your video driver and maybe a couple of other things.

Hope this helps...

[el]

If this works then you are a BigPimp thanks!