Missing Windows\system32\config\system

[jankohrasko]

Windows XP cannot start

When starting my computer with Windows XP PRO operating system I get a message
“ Windows cannot start because following file is missing or corrupted : windows\system32\config\system ”. So I tried to repair it with original installation CD chosing REPAIR at the first screen and I got a list of commands. The I used CHKDSK/R but it didn’t help. Is there any possibility how to repair OS without loosing any usefull data? Should I try to install OS as a new installation on existing partition? Is it safe? Thanks for any idea.

jankohrasko

[GaryRouth]

Try the repair again, this time let it repair the boot files

If that doesn't work, see this article at the MS Knowledge Base http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q307545

If this is a random problem (works OK sometimes, sometimes not), try entering the Bios Setup of your computer and checking the memory timings. If they are set to Turbo or Fast, try Normal or "by SPD"

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[ . . . and Welcome to the Pc Mechanic forums . . . ]

[jankohrasko]

Thanks for help. Memory timing was set to SPD, so I went to Microsoft link you wrote about and the problem is solved.

Thanks.