Member Avatar for mulemike

when i start windows xp sp2 normally an alert is posted saying that \windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt and you can attempt to repair using setup cd-rom. Well is used my setup cd-rom and select "r" and it posts 1: c\windows...I select 1 and it justs sits like it's locked up for a period of time? What should i do to fix the problem? Thanks Mulemike

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As described, the “\Windows\System32\Config\System is missing or corrupt” error means the SYSTEM registry hive is unreadable. As pointed out, Microsoft documents the official registry-restore approach, but a few practical, safety-first tips are useful before attempting any repair.

First priority: preserve data. If the machine won’t boot, boot from a Linux Live CD/USB or a Windows PE/BartPE environment (or remove the drive and mount it on another PC) and copy Documents, mail stores and any irreplaceable files to an external disk. Repairs that replace registry hives can roll back recent installs and service packs, so an up-front backup avoids data loss.

Why the Recovery Console can “hang” after selecting the Windows installation: it is often waiting for the Administrator password (press ENTER if the account has no password). Other causes are a scratched or unreadable XP disc, a failing optical drive, or hardware faults on the hard disk. Quick checks: try pressing ENTER at the password prompt, try the same CD in another drive or a different retail XP CD, or burn a fresh disc at a slow speed.

If Recovery Console can be used, run a disk surface check first (for example, chkdsk /r) and then follow the documented registry-restore method. If Recovery Console won’t run, use Windows PE/BartPE or a Linux environment to rename the current hives and copy the repair-folder backups manually. If file-copy failures or repeated corruption occur, the hard drive is suspect — run SMART/diagnostics and copy data off immediately. When repairs fail, a Repair Install or clean reinstall (or a replacement drive plus clean install) is the reliable fallback.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

Hello and welcome to Daniweb ,the fix isn't an easy one for sure ,but this Microsoft site tells all .

Member Avatar for mulemike

:) looked at the resolution that you suggested...your right it's not an easy one but...we have one to work with! THANKS

Member Avatar for caperjack

good luck,I hope all goes well .

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