Member Avatar for frankge973

Windows XP SP3.
blue screen
system registry cannot load hive file: \systemroot\system32\config\...

Microsoft says to start Windows with CD and choose R for repair console, then give chkdsk /R command.. But there was not such option...strangely.

I tried to enter into the installation, the installation started and I've not stopped it because I believed it will replace corrupted files....
But it created a new installation.... the new one starts with no problems but no software installed... the other when starting asked me to check the unit C: for errors.... the process completed but again blue nag screen and automatic restart.
What I've to do for avoiding to reinstall all programs?

Thanks.

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STOP c0000218 is the registry “hive” error — Windows can’t open a core registry file (SYSTEM, SOFTWARE, SECURITY). That usually means the registry is corrupted or the disk/NTFS metadata is damaged (power loss, interrupted write, dying drive or antivirus/filter-driver interference). ’s symptoms fit that pattern; is also correct that the XP Setup repair choice won’t appear if Setup can’t detect a valid existing installation. (learn.microsoft.com)

Immediate priorities (do these first): stop trying more installs or fixes that write to C:. Make a full sector image or at least copy your user folders before anything else — that preserves every recovery option. Boot a recovery/live environment (for example Hiren’s BootCD) or use Clonezilla/another imaging tool to image the drive or copy the Windows folders and the entire \System Volume Information store. This protects you if later steps fail. Hiren’s BootCD download and Clonezilla Live include the disk and registry tools you’ll need. (hirensbootcd.org)

Recovery options to try next (least to most invasive): 1) From a bootable environment, look for the original Windows directory (Windows, Windows.0, Windows.old, Program Files) and copy program data. 2) Use an offline registry editor: load the old SOFTWARE/SYSTEM hive into Regedit (File → Load Hive) to inspect/export installed-program keys or user settings. 3) Extract product/license keys from the offline hive with a tool such as ProduKey so you can reactivate software after reinstall. 4) If you prefer the manual MS approach, KB procedures exist to restore hives from the Repair folder, but they’re risky for OEM/SP-mismatched systems — proceed only after imaging. (learn.microsoft.com)

Reality check: a repair or second install often leaves you having to reinstall many applications because installers put files and service registrations throughout the system, not just in Program Files. You can salvage data, keys and some settings, but expect some reinstalls. If this feels risky, make the image and get a local tech to do the hive inspection/restore — that preserves the most options. ’s instinct to “repair” is right in principle, but do it from a safe recovery image and follow the steps above. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for gerbil

"Microsoft says to start Windows with CD and choose R for repair console, then give chkdsk /R command.. But there was not such option...strangely."
I assume that you mean by no such option that there was no option to Repair using the Recovery Console? It is usually the second option on that screen, underneath Run Setup by pressing Enter. I say usually, because if Setup cannot find a Windows installation it will not offer the [R] Repair option.
If Setup is chosen there is another option to Repair windows; this is by reinstalling a lot of the system files over the old. I assume this is what happened? After running with this there is no way back, i am afraid, unless you have a comprehensive system restore pgm such as ERDNT.
You now must reinstall many applications plus all Security Hotfixes and Windows updates. Your data files will be untouched.
The many options placed before you by the Setup pgm can have serious repercussions; it is well worth checking your actions.

Edited by gerbil because: n/a
Member Avatar for benmar

try to repair your system.... will solve your problem/////

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