[Caseyb]

Hello,

Today, after my computer was off overnight, I turned on my computer and a message came up saying "windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system" I tried using the repair option that is listed on this site, but I was not able to select repair when I got to the screen asking which partition I would like. Is there any way to correct this problem. I have a dell windows xp cd.

Thanks.

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THE CD loaded, you pressed enter first, F8 for the license agreement then it won't let you choose R?

There is this, but it's involved

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

[Retired Tech]

THE CD loaded, you pressed enter first, F8 for the license agreement then it won't let you choose R?

There is this, but it's involved

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

[Caseyb]

Yes, that's exactly what I did. I also tried the link that you supplied, but I wasn't successful at that either. I put my CD in, hit r after it loaded everything, and then it asked which partition I wanted to repair. I have no idea. I chose 1 for the heck of it, it loaded a little bit, the it prompted me with a C:/Windows again and nothing else.

[Retired Tech]

Does it ask which operating system or which partition?

Boot the PC using the XP CD and look for a prompt to 'Press any key to boot from CD' (some systems may not ask).

Press any key on the keyboard and Windows Setup will launch

After a few minutes you will be presented with the following choices:

To setup Windows® XP now. press Enter

To Repair a Windows® XP installation using Recovery Console, press R

To quit setup without installing XP, press F3

Press R to repair the Windows® XP installation

The next screen will ask you which Windows® installation you would like to log on to. Normally the following will be listed:

1: C:\WINDOWS

Press 1 and then Enter to continue.

You may now be asked for the Administrator password. If you know this type it and press Enter. If you don't know the Administrators password it may be blank. Just press Enter

At the command prompt type:

chkdsk /r

Press Enter

Chkdsk will now check the hard drive for errors, and will attempt to repair any it finds.

This process may take a while, but when finished will go back to the same command prompt as before.

Turn off and restart the computer.

[Caseyb]

I did exactly what you told me and everything is fine! I had to run a chkdsk twice, but I got it. Thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate it.

[Retired Tech]

Thank You for letting me know

System Mechanic 6 Free at the moment, form to fill in then wait for the serial key to be sent before downloading and installing

http://www.iolo.com/...BC-D3DA7F5208DF

Download here

http://sm.iolo.com/o...emMechanic6.exe