Windows XP Crash - SYSTEM file missing

[XPCrashed!]

Cannot boot my laptop!!

Reports \windows\system32\config\system file is missing or corrupted.

What can I do??

[Newbie]

Tried this?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

Also, if you have a missing system.bak file .. you might be able to recover it from \windows\repair

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how...ng_or_cor1.htm

[kilo64]

Ok,i am haveing the same prob. i have check'd all the self repair mumbo jumbo....and nothing... this is wher i am at ...looking at my comp.screen i have the repair console screen up and type in the only option i have #1...after doing so.. i get no other options nada/notheing.... comp.just sits their i have even download'd a help program that is suppose to run after i type in my #1 promp. (nothing) i have even taken out the HD and ran it as a slve to another HD(nothing) other comp.refuse'd to star at all. can anyone think of another trick or something rather then me going to comp.store and buying a new HD ??thanks

[emergc]

Try to boot from a Windows XP setup cd. Choose repair, use recovery console and run chkdsk /p on your boot drive. A problem with your file system can prevent Windows from reading files that are required to run or start Windows properly.

Reboot and try to boot normally if chkdsk found and fixed disk errors. You will need to restore the affected file or files if this fails to work.


For free info on various topics, visit http://freeboxofinfo.com

[JoeW1982]

^ as mentioned above, repairing is the best option !

[Serato]

Use the Bootable CD of windows XP and try to repair. Repair option will not let you loose any of your data and what ever the file system which are missing under your operating system will be restored.
But if you try to re-install the OS then all your data will be lost and you have employee data recovery software to get back your data.
I did a stupid mistake some time back and for that I have to pay the price of $99 for getting Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery Software.
Resultant I got back all of my data.