[thomrd]

Got the dreaded ""windows/system32/config/system file is missing or corrupt. You can attempt to repair this file be starting windows setup using origional setup CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair." I have followed other posts here but I have what appears to be a unique problem in the repair process.

Specifically, when I select r in the repair module it then asks me to select the installation and only gives me space to input one letter. Previous posts have suggested entering a 1 but when I do this I get an error message and have to reboot.

Is there a workaround for this or possibly entering another number?

Any help much appreciated.

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Hello thomrd. Can you tell me what exactly you see on your screen after you select "r" to enter the Recovery Console and what exact version of Windows you are using please?

Thank you,

[NexRad]

Hello thomrd. Can you tell me what exactly you see on your screen after you select "r" to enter the Recovery Console and what exact version of Windows you are using please?

Thank you,

[thomrd]

Here is what I get when I enter the Recovery Console of Windows Setup:

1: C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows Installation would you like to log onto
(to Cancel, press ENTER)?

I am running Windows XP. If I type in a 1 and hit enter I get a blue screen error message and I have to reboot.

Thanks

[NexRad]

It sounds like the XP disk you are using isn't an OEM XP disk. According to Microsoft, in order to recover from a registry error that prevents XP from starting you cannot use your Recovery Disk(s) supplied with or made from your system. At this point, we have 2 options:

• Do a complete reformat with the disk(s) that you have or
• Purchase an OEM copy of Windows XP and use it to do the Recovery

[thomrd]

I am using a Dell disc with Windows XP on it (Not a recovery disk). I am not going to purchase a new version of XP. What does the disk reformat entail?

[NexRad]

The reformat is using the disk (needs to be the one that came with the computer or it will not have all of your drivers) to erase the HD completely and restore it to the original factory settings.

[thomrd]

Am using the system disk that came with the system. Have tried to reinstall Windows but this too brings up the error screen. How do I reformat without logging into Windows?

Thanks

[NexRad]

Let me ask this, is your BIOS set to boot from your CD-rom drive?

If you are unsure just put the disk into the CD-rom drive and restart your computer. If your BIOS are set to boot from CD first then you will get a black screen and white text saying press and key to boot from CD.

Edited by NexRad, 06 August 2009 - 02:41 PM.

[Broni]

What does the BSOD say?

[thomrd]

Am booting from the disc but same problem.

Any ideas on how to reformat the drive?

Thanks