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\windows\system32\config\system is corrupt

Last answer on Oct 30, 2009 1:22:15 am GMT Cav, on Sep 6, 2008 9:55:13 am BST 
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Hello,

I have an IBM thinkpad T23 and suddenly when i turned it on it came up with an error message saying: \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing. I've tried reboot from cd using home xp edition but it still comes up with \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing. I cant access bios because i cant remember the password for it.

Please help.

Cav

Configuration: Windows XP Home edition  
Internet Explorer 6.0 
Ibm Thinkpad T23

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1

dhlexp, on Sep 6, 2008 11:59:43 am BST
  • +7

Hello cav,

just clear the bios it wont ask you for the password you can do that by removing the battery form the motherboard for at least two minutes and after that just set your boot sequence onto your dvd rom and boot the windows cd from there.

after windows has been launched use the recovery console on the cd to reapir the windows but be sure that there isnt any password in the administrator account but nevertheless if there is then type the password

hope you succeed

   
Reply to dhlexp

2

don2, on Oct 13, 2008 8:15:05 am BST
  • +83

I have a PC and suddenly when i turned it on it came up with an error message saying: \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing.
i've tried to fix it with the xp cd but.. I don't know how to fix it.. I mean the procedure can you please
guide me what to do on how fix it.... i've tried the "cd command" but i system is not accessible. it's until
C:\windows\system32\cofig................can you direct me what to do. Hope you can write the step by step procedure for me..
I owe you one..

thanks so much....

don2

   
Reply to don2

6

cnu, on Nov 23, 2008 6:27:41 am GMT
  • +71

\windows\system32\config\system

   
Reply to cnu

31

musha, on Apr 11, 2009 8:35:03 am BST
  • +33

How can remoove error message in xp
c:windows sysyem 32\config\system

   
Reply to musha

39

Lika, on Jul 18, 2009 4:27:45 pm BST
  • +1

How

   
Reply to Lika

23

gaz, on Feb 26, 2009 6:24:51 pm GMT
  • +2

Happens to me regularly every 6 weeks or so.i keep rolling back to factory settings which work but only temporarily.getting windows re-installed on my pc soon.hope this sorts it once and for all cos im sick of setting it up every few weeks.seems like a common problem with windows,did lots of searches and lots of people got the same issues.i'd suggest re-installing windows because if it happens once it will more and likely happen again.good luck .

gaz

   
Reply to gaz

35

mohammed yahya, on May 15, 2009 10:10:20 am BST
  • +23

Evey time i swich on my computer the massage given below is apeering

\windows\system32\system is corrupt

   
Reply to mohammed yahya

51

Soc, on Oct 14, 2009 2:52:27 am BST

I have the same problem with mohammed yahya as stated below
\windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing

   
Reply to Soc

37

azhar, on Jun 24, 2009 5:20:39 am BST
  • +2

Please help me

   
Reply to azhar

38

Lika, on Jul 18, 2009 4:26:48 pm BST
  • +1

I thought it was just me i does the exact same thing to me so i ran test on it my self but it still dont work Wat r they doing to these laptop these days

   
Reply to Lika

47

sri, on Sep 8, 2009 6:13:35 pm BST
  • +12

Insert the Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.
When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.
When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:
md tmp
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

Type exit to quit Recovery Console. Your computer will restart

   
Reply to sri

48

windows config problem, on Sep 21, 2009 8:00:48 pm BST
  • +11

I have the problem and I want to fix it but I don't have the disk to use. Where can I get one?

   
Reply to windows config problem

55

 Ay, on Oct 30, 2009 1:22:15 am GMT
  • +2

How can i repair the corrupt file in my OS sp2

   
Reply to Ay

28

chris, on Apr 4, 2009 5:52:10 pm BST
  • +34

Hey thanks for the info it fixed iit right away

   
Reply to chris

41

puro, on Jul 25, 2009 8:16:25 am BST
  • +3

\windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing

   
Reply to puro

43

justrightman, on Aug 31, 2009 5:05:34 am BST
  • +1

Yes I have this problem with my window xpsp2 dimension 2350 , whne i stated it it now says windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt windows\system32\config\system

!. i tried to boot from my windows xp setup disk bu get the same message over and over

2. also I tried bootcfg / rebuild

Can I download this file from my window xp setup disk and then put it on a flash drive and then
expand (like expand F:\i386 or something like this ) it from my flash drive in to windows to make it work again

or is there another way to boot form start or safe mode which i can not ( reach or click ) under normal circumstances (I have a black screen with

or is there another way to go back into restore points or date without start or safe mode(black Screen)

if God create everything out of blackness, sure w can create a problem to go to safe mode or restore a system back to an earlier time from a black screen I just don know the steps.

Please help I don't want to lose important information and I will make sure I keep it back up from now on!!

thank you kind sir or madam


justrightman

   
Reply to justrightman

45

justrightman, on Aug 31, 2009 5:15:42 am BST

Yes I have this problem with my window xpsp2 dimension 2350 , whne i stated it it now says windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt windows\system32\config\system

!. i tried to boot from my windows xp setup disk bu get the same message over and over

2. also I tried bootcfg / rebuild

Can I download this file from my window xp setup disk and then put it on a flash drive and then
expand (like expand F:\i386 or something like this ) it from my flash drive in to windows to make it work again

or is there another way to boot form start or safe mode which i can not ( reach or click ) under normal circumstances (I have a black screen with

or is there another way to go back into restore points or date without start or safe mode(black Screen)

if God create everything out of blackness, sure w can create a problem to go to safe mode or restore a system back to an earlier time from a black screen I just don know the steps.

Please help I don't want to lose important information and I will make sure I keep it back up from now on!!

thank you kind sir or madam


justrightman

   
Reply to justrightman

53

mmmmmmmm, on Oct 27, 2009 12:15:26 pm GMT
  • +1

The floustration of light is not to be underestimated. You must take precautions against this by installing a UPS.

   
Reply to mmmmmmmm

3

ANTI-VIRUS, on Oct 30, 2008 8:25:49 am GMT

The problem is from the hard disk is spoilt it has been corrupt due to floustration of light. the solution is that you need to change the hard disk and get uninterrupted power supply (UPS).

   
Reply to ANTI-VIRUS

4

Sephiroth, on Oct 30, 2008 2:59:25 pm GMT
  • +2

Try this one:
http://www.myfixes.com/articles/system

ANTI-VIRUS: what is "floustration of light"? XD Also, a UPS has nothing at all to do with random registry corruption.

Your hard drive may be having issues. If your HDD is more than three years old, you might consider a replacement. Run "chkdsk /p" or "chkdsk /f". If you see a lot of errors or bad sectors, it's time to go shopping. Otherwise, let chkdsk fix the problems and go on your merry way. Good luck!

   
Reply to Sephiroth

40

Mohd. Quran, on Jul 22, 2009 7:45:09 am BST
  • +1

Thank very much...the link to MYFIXes it worked .

   
Reply to Mohd. Quran

46

Anonymous, on Sep 4, 2009 2:56:52 pm BST

The problem being discussed is extremely common and working as a technician i see it almost weekly. Thank gos there is someone with sense on here (Sephiroth). The fix posted by this user will work as its the same fix i use everytime. It's on the first page of replies about 2/3rds of the way down, containing a link
Any yeah how would the HDD be damaged by light as im assuming no-one is taking the drive out, then taking it apart, and even if it was that it wouldn't just corrupt the odd reg entry!

   
Reply to Anonymous

5

Drew, on Nov 1, 2008 12:03:24 am GMT
  • +7

Unfortunately i ran into the same issue on my windows xp 64 bit machine. I got the same exact error and do not have the Instali lation CD, any ideas on how to get to command prompt to run chkdsk ? its not a startup option when i press f8. I can access the bios and have tried all possible startup options.. any ideas before i dig into my wallet to give microsoft some more money?!

   
Reply to Drew

7

b, on Nov 24, 2008 8:46:00 pm GMT

What u need to do is take out the cmos battery and then insert it again and thebios password would be reset automatically

   
Reply to b

8

shivabhishek, on Nov 29, 2008 10:16:48 am GMT

Whwn i open it a line comes then it is fixed there and does not blinks and there is no action

   
Reply to shivabhishek

9

DseanD, on Dec 19, 2008 1:33:58 am GMT
  • +5

I have the same issue here.

I followed someones steps and removed the MB battery for 2min. Didnt work and the Windows XP CD is not repairing. Any other suggestions here, I need step by step if possible. Willing to get on some sort of Chat if needed too.

PS, I get to the part in the Setup and press "R" then i come to a DOS prompt that says:

Type EXIT to quit the recovery Console and restart the computer.

1: C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows would you like to start...blahblah blah

I type 1 and now i dont know what CMD to use. I DO NOT want to Format if I dont have to. Redownloading everything will be a pain.

SCRATCH THAT, IT FIXED ITSELF. I JUST NEEDED TO TYPE EXIT AFTER I DECIDED TO GO BALLS OUT WITH CHKDSK. EXCELLENT RESPONSES, I USED ALL THE PREVIOUS POSTS FOR THE HELP. I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO RETURN, BUT IF I DO NEED HELP THIS IS WHERE I WILL COME.

THANK YOU,
SEAN

   
Reply to DseanD

11

tindoin, on Dec 22, 2008 5:26:25 pm GMT
  • +2

Ok for most of you it seem that you do not understand the windows repair console .

if you can get the pc or laptop to boot into the windows repair console from the install disc. then u want to type the word "help" that will give you a list of all the commands .

the command you want to use will be "fixboot" and if that one does not work then try "fixmbr"

now follow the steps needed to do these then type "exit" to reboot the system.


now my question is what could be causing this to happen? old hardware ? wires or jumppers placed wrong ? what i need answers i keep fixing my wifes dads pc tihs way ands its getting on my nerves to do it once a week.

i hope what i typed will help

   
Reply to tindoin

12

builderdude, on Dec 26, 2008 12:30:40 pm GMT

Good morning, I have repair disk I got from a friend its not the original I can't even get to the step were it promps you to push r at first window and suggestions thanks so much Joe

   
Reply to builderdude

49

malika, on Oct 12, 2009 1:19:55 pm BST

What does it mean to press r i did but nothing happens please help me!

   
Reply to malika

13

golddy, on Dec 27, 2008 6:00:25 pm GMT

Y have the same fkin` problem:

y think it`s from a wrong placed wire :) it`s black..

yes my hdd is old:)
yes is a wrong wire
but y want to fix it dorks...not to say me what`s wrong ofc...

   
Reply to golddy

14

helper, on Jan 2, 2009 2:52:56 pm GMT

Get one hammer and strike it 13 times hope this works

   
Reply to helper

54

alex, on Oct 29, 2009 3:27:07 pm GMT

Needs to be tapped many times with a light ballpeen hammer....banging on it a few times with a heavy claw hammer helps, but does not guarantee restoration.....how about some specificity?

   
Reply to alex

15

geet, on Jan 12, 2009 9:09:00 am GMT

Sir ,

i have a problem in dns ip address entering. unwanted ip addess r still there, i can't edit or remve it because i want to enter a new ip but it is no perform what to do please reply me step by step

   
Reply to geet

21

Devendra singh, on Feb 13, 2009 12:45:52 pm GMT

Hi geet,
this problem is coming due to administrator right.just login system from administrator then u can change up system IP.

   
Reply to Devendra singh

16

pemasaran1, on Jan 13, 2009 3:50:45 am GMT
  • +5

I have problem Windows\system32\is eror

   
Reply to pemasaran1

17

pemasaran1, on Jan 13, 2009 4:40:48 am GMT
  • +1

I have problem Windows\system32\ APLCATION is eror

   
Reply to pemasaran1

18

Scoob, on Jan 21, 2009 12:56:42 am GMT
  • +1

Wow...lots of people who don't write English well. Excellent.

What I did was once in the command prompt (Recovery Console), copied files from windows\system32\repair into the directory the corrupted files were, and it allowed me to ATLEAST boot Windows. Then I copied some files I needed and reformatted the HDD. For some reason, when you first launch XP (before the reformatting), it erases your "users" from being selected, but it is still available in the c:\documents and settings folder. So I was able to get my things and start a fresh install.

I just want an easy way to prevent this from occurring. Really blows.

   
Reply to Scoob

50

malika, on Oct 12, 2009 1:22:55 pm BST

How do u even get to that point

   
Reply to malika

20

Anti Spam, on Feb 4, 2009 6:35:49 pm GMT

Get a Mac mate. Only way...

   
Reply to Anti Spam

22

uniquer, on Feb 21, 2009 9:58:28 pm GMT

Turn your pc (intel or AMD) into a hackintosh. I use iDeneb http://ideneb.net/ or just go to http://www.hackint0sh.org and find the one for your pc! This is a lot cheaper than buying a mac.

   
Reply to uniquer

24

salvin18, on Mar 11, 2009 4:28:52 pm GMT
  • +1

Can any of you guys explain how the same error comes on BOTH my machines ???

faulty HDD ??? :)


seems like a virus to me

   
Reply to salvin18

25

eddg, on Mar 13, 2009 5:44:03 am GMT
  • +2

Hi guys, ive got the exact same problem. Ive got a Seagate hardrive. 1st i could not format my drive( always bombed out) the i did a low level format. so now i can format my drive. when i installed a fresh copy of xp i got that message. So i reformated the drive and tried again but i'm still getting the problem. I then put one of my older drives in and did the installation again and it worked.. So my question is: IS IT MY HARDDRIVE? (by the way its got no bad sectors and everything passed using seagate tools)

How do i fix it? please help

   
Reply to eddg

26

Harish, on Mar 15, 2009 8:04:22 am GMT
  • +1

Hi guys,

I have just encountered the same problem on my laptop and yes, the Repair utility seems to be the best option available on hand.

But to throw some light on *WHY* this is happening in the first place - I have seen the mention of faulty wires(!) and bad hard drives. But in my humble opinon, the most probable cause for this could be the Automatic Updates that Windows keeps downloading by itself. Or in the case of a hot fix which you download from Microsoft without taking a back up.

When I was downloading a HotFix for my laptop yesterday, it warned me with this note:

IMPORTANT:

* A hotfix is intended to correct a specific problem.
* Apply the hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the specific problem.
* Installing the incorrect hotfix can cause damage to your system.
* If you are not sure whether the hotfix is the correct one for your system, do not install it.
* Hotfixes are included in subsequent service packs that are safer to install through Microsoft Update.

It also mentioned that I should take a back up of my registry, etc.

I conveniently ignored the warning, failing to give MS enough credit for knowing its own (in)abilities. And now I need to wait till I get my hands on a CD before I can "Repair" Windows. For the number of users worldwide who "Repair" Windows, I am sure MS can proudly claim to have the largest service network in the world!

Anyway, hope this helps this discussion. Just my 2 pences worth.

   
Reply to Harish

27

user, on Mar 25, 2009 5:16:55 am GMT
  • +2

Thanks tindoin

you fixboot suggestion worked

i can boo again


ciao

   
Reply to user

29

robert, on Apr 6, 2009 5:55:53 pm BST
  • +1

What messages come out when you install windows?

   
Reply to robert

30

navnath, on Apr 7, 2009 1:39:59 pm BST

Answer

   
Reply to navnath

32

mervingry, on Apr 29, 2009 11:55:41 pm BST

I have the same error with my desktop. Nothing works. Will not start in safe mode. Will not read repair desk. It's 4.5 years old. Will buy new computer

   
Reply to mervingry

33

Covey, on May 4, 2009 2:27:52 am BST
  • +2

\windows\system32\config\file missing or corrupt (something to that effect)

I had this problem. My operating system is Win XP Professional Ed. I followed a number of advice in using the original CD to solve this problem but to no avail. Recovery console did not work. CHDSK did not work - CHDSK told me that a section of my hard drive is corrupt and cannot be repaired.

I tried all sorts of things until I was tired and frustrated. So I press the restart button to reboot the system. I press F11 and a pop-up gave me the booting options. I choose boot from hard drive and then enter. (You can F2 to enter the BIOS and set the boot option - Warning - make sure you have experience or knowledge of the BIOS). I power off the computer before it reboots.

I then turned off the power supply at the back of the machine. Then I opened the casing of the machine. I disconnected the hard-drive cables from the motherboard. After about 2 mins I reconnected the cables. I closed back the casing. Turn back on the power-supply at the back of the machine. I powered on the machine and BINGO!! It Worked!! The system run its first page and then I see the Window logo and it boot all the way up to the desktop. Yes my system came back.

My next move was to restore and back up my files and as soon as I got the chance I defrag the system. My system has been working since.

Try the above suggestion and see if it works for you too.

   
Reply to Covey

34

Cam, on May 12, 2009 5:18:45 am BST
  • +1

[Quote] I power off the computer before it reboots.

I then turned off the power supply at the back of the machine. Then I opened the casing of the machine. I disconnected the hard-drive cables from the motherboard. After about 2 mins I reconnected the cables. I closed back the casing. Turn back on the power-supply at the back of the machine. I powered on the machine and BINGO!! It Worked!! The system run its first page and then I see the Window logo and it boot all the way up to the desktop. Yes my system came back. /Quote




This worked!!!!! Thanks heaps!

Cam

   
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