Corrupted Registry totally kills XP

Me tinks me Vaio is dead...:

Windows could not start b/c da following file is missing
Or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system

You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup
Using the original set-up cd-rom
Select ‘r’ at da 1st screen to start repair

I don't have the setup disk, I see I can d/l it from Microsoft, but I have Media Center on a Sony Vaio desktop, their 1st generation of dual core processor models.

A little while ago when I started up, I got the message that there was no drive, but I thought that was b/c of where I had it at the time and it was overheating, so I moved it and it was fine, til now.

I got the setup disks all loaded up, but at the command prompt I either get "access denied" or unrecognized command

are there suppossed to be spaces in the command lines?

I'm at this step:
5. 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

whats mdtmp?
is "copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak" one whole line?
how do I copy and paste this text?

XP Media Center
Intel D Processor 2.9ish (the one below 3.0)
1gb ram
250 GB HD
256 mb video card ATI
Sony Vaio desktop

Thanks lots

 

sire011886,

Since yours just says that "system" is corrupt I would try this first just so it won't wipe all of your settings.

Type as shown below...
(There are spaces where you see the YELLOW lines so be careful or this will not work)

If you get an error on any line after pressing enter, just continue and reboot.

md_tmp
(Press Enter)

copy_c:\windows\system32\config\system_c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
(Press Enter)

delete_c:\windows\system32\config\system
(Press Enter)

copy_c:\windows\repair\system_c:\windows\system32\config\system
(Press Enter)

After the last line type EXIT and reboot. This should take care of your problem and let you go on into Windows.

 

md_tmp
(Press Enter)

I get access denied here :-(

 

Leave out the underscore _, I added this to show you where to put a space.

 

I understand that much, but when I type in "md tmp" (w/o quotations) I get Access is denied even though there isn't a password for my sole admin profile.

 

Can't say I've heard that before, try to proceed and let me know how it goes.

 

still denied

could my comp be so messed up that I can't even replace the registry?

 

Do this, restart your computer, boot from the Windows XP disc, go back into the recovery console and try it again. I will be back in about 30 minutes.

 

XP came pre-installed, I d/l the setup disks onto 6 floppies from microsoft.com

take ur time, bjgarrick, I appreciate the help

 

Dang, so you do not have an XP disc?

Can you reboot and get back into the Recovery Console and try the whole process again?

 

yeah and I have, but same results

 

Let me get a brief history, when did this occur?

Did it just come up after a reboot?

Was there something new installed or ran?

Have you recently ran any registry utilities or drive cleaners?

 

Okay, the only other thing I can suggest if you can't run that recovery is to Repair the OS. Without a XP disc I am not sure how this can done.

I will request someone else check this but at this time I have no further ideas.

 

Looks like you have only don part of the Restrore Corrupt Registry.

Try this procedure it uses a couple of batch files instead of you having to type the commands yourself.

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Download and save [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]regcopy1.txt[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]regcopy2.txt[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] to Floppy[/FONT]
[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Part one[/FONT]

[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]In part one, you start the Recovery Console, create a temporary folder, back up the existing registry files to a new location, delete the registry files at their existing location, and then copy the registry files from the repair folder to the System32\Config folder. When you have finished this procedure, a registry is created that you can use to start Windows XP. This registry was created and saved during the initial setup of Windows XP. Therefore any changes and settings that occurred after the Setup program was finished are lost.

To complete part one, follow these steps: [/FONT]
[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]1. 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. [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console. [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]3. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console. [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]4. When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]5. At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following commands and press ENTER after each line:[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]copy a:\regcopy1.txt c:\[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]copy a:\regcopy2.txt c:\ [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]batch regcopy1.txt[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]DO NOT run regcopy2.txt at this time, it is needed latter in Part three of this article.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]6. Type [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]exit[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] to quit Recovery Console. Your computer will restart.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]NOTE: This procedure assumes that Windows XP is installed to the C:\Windows folder. Make sure to change C:\Windows to the appropriate [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]windows_ folder[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] if it is a different location.[/FONT]
[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Part two[/FONT]

[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]To complete the procedure described in this section, you must be logged on as an administrator, or an administrative user (a user who has an account in the Administrators group). If you are using Windows XP Home Edition, you can log on as an administrative user. If you log on as an administrator, you must first start Windows XP Home Edition in Safe mode. To start the Windows XP Home Edition computer in Safe mode, follow these steps.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]NOTE Print these instructions before you continue. You cannot view these instructions after you restart the computer in Safe Mode. If you use the NTFS file system, also print the instructions from Knowledge Base article [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]KB309531[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif].[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]1. Click Start, click Shut Down (or click Turn Off Computer), click Restart, and then click OK (or click Restart).[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]2. Press the F8 key. [/FONT]
[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]
On a computer that is configured to start to multiple operating systems, you can press F8 when you see the Startup menu.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]3. Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate Safe mode option, and then press ENTER.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]4. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, use the arrow keys to select the installation that you want to access, and then press ENTER. [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]In part two, you copy the registry files from their backed up location by using System Restore. This folder is not available in Recovery Console and is generally not visible during typical usage. Before you start this procedure, you must change several settings to make the folder visible: [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]1. Start Windows Explorer.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]2. On the Tools menu, click Folder options.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]3. Click the View tab.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]4. Under [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Hidden files and folders[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif], click to select [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Show hidden files and folders[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif], and then click to clear the [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] check box.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]5. Click [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] when the dialog box that confirms that you want to display these files appears.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]6. Double-click the drive where you installed Windows XP to display a list of the folders. If is important to click the correct drive.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]7. Open the System Volume Information folder. This folder is unavailable and appears dimmed because it is set as a super-hidden folder.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]NOTE This folder contains one or more _restore {GUID} folders such as "_restore{87BD3667-3246-476B-923F-F86E30B3E7F8}".

NOTE You may receive the following error message:[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]C:\System Volume Information is not accessible. Access is denied. [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]If you receive this message, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article to gain access to this folder and continue with the procedure:[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]309531[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/)[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]8. Open a folder that was not created at the current time. You may have to click Details on the View menu to see when these folders were created. There may be one or more folders starting with "RP[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]x[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] under this folder. These are restore points.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]9. Open one of these folders to locate a Snapshot subfolder. The following path is an example of a folder path to the Snapshot folder:[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]C:\System Volume Information\_restore{D86480E3-73EF-47BC-A0EB-A81BE6EE3ED8}\RP1\Snapshot[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]10. From the Snapshot folder, copy the following files to the C:\Windows\Tmp folder: [/FONT]

• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]_REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM[/FONT]

[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]11. Rename the files in the C:\Windows\Tmp folder as follows: [/FONT]

• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Rename _REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT to DEFAULT[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY to SECURITY[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE to SOFTWARE[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM to SYSTEM[/FONT]
• [FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Rename _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM to SAM[/FONT]

[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]These files are the backed up registry files from System Restore. Because you used the registry file that the Setup program created, this registry does not know that these restore points exist and are available. A new folder is created with a new GUID under System Volume Information and a restore point is created that includes a copy of the registry files that were copied during part one. Therefore, it is important not to use the most current folder, especially if the time stamp on the folder is the same as the current time.

The current system configuration is not aware of the previous restore points. You must have a previous copy of the registry from a previous restore point to make the previous restore points available again.

The registry files that were copied to the Tmp folder in the C:\Windows folder are moved to make sure that the files are available under Recovery Console. You must use these files to replace the registry files currently in the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder. By default, Recovery Console has limited folder access and cannot copy files from the System Volume folder. [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]NOTE The procedure described in this section assumes that you are running your computer with the FAT32 file system.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Part Three[/FONT]

[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]In part three, you delete the existing registry files, and then copy the System Restore Registry files to the C:\Windows\System32\Config folder: [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]1. Start Recovery Console (or by using a Windows 98 Boot Disk).[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]2. At the command prompt, type the following command and press ENTER after you type the line: [/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] batch regcopy2.txt[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]3. Type [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]exit[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] to quit Recovery Console. Your computer restarts.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]NOTE This procedure assumes that Windows XP is installed to the C:\Windows folder. Make sure to change C:\Windows to the appropriate [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]windows_folder[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif] if it is a different location.[/FONT]
[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Part Four[/FONT]

[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]2. Click Accessories, and then click System Tools.[/FONT]


[FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]3. Click System Restore, and then click [/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif]Restore to a previous RestorePoint[/FONT][FONT=Bitstream Charter, serif].[/FONT]

 

So I'll have to save these batch text files to the 6th setup disk, b/c its only at that step of the recovery that I can use dos.

 

No, save them to a blank floopy. XP does not do 'DOS'. XP uses a Command Console, that is similar in appearance to DOS.

 

well I dont have a good floppy drive to use, so if I don't have this fixed by Monday, I'll ask my Uncle to help me.

I don't think making batch files out of this text will help though, Shadow_Puter_Dude, because when I manually type -without quotations-"md tmp", I get "Access is denied."

So unless I can gain access, I can't do anything.

 

That should work. Do you have more that 1 OS installed?

 

Just one OS in stalled.

 

My Uncle just informed me he has an XP disk I can use and my product key is on the back of my tower, so we'll see what happens...

 

As long as his is an OEM disk your product key will work.

 

If you run a repair you should be ok as SPD stated previously, however if you do an install you may have some issues with activation and WGA.

 

you can run error check from my comp/disk in safe mode and see what happen.

 

I don't think that will work....

 

I have now an XP Pro disk, but will this delete my MC software, or will it just fix what's broken?

MC software meaning the interface Media Center comes with including the TV tuner.

What's WGA?

Thanks

 

No. Home, Professional, and Media Center are different OSes. You need a Media Center Edition CD.

 

Yeah I realize that now after going to the Sony support website.

I can buy a replacement disk for $18, so I'll just do that.

Is it possible to install XP Pro as a seperate OS so that I can use that until I get my replacement MC disk?

 

You can configure for dual-boot, MCE & Pro. The OS can be selected at system startup. You'll need a vaid license for XP Pro.

 

I found bootdisk.com and paid the $4 for the software

I'm trying to use the ntfs boot .iso, but getting no where

The disk should have a check disk utility, but the computer cant id it...

 

chkdsk will not repair the registry, it checks the physical disk.

 

CCCCCCCCRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAPPPPPP:

I got some repair software with which I could get some functionability, but as far as I can tell I have no HD, therefore it can't work on the OS at all :-(

that must be why I kept getting "Access is denied," the HD isn't being recognized by the system

I guess I'll do a physical check and see if the cable if off...

If its not that

I'm really lost now (and screwed)

 

I think I overreacted,

Sony said my HD isn't fried

My only bet, apparently, is to slave my HD to another, save any data I need, and format it.

Someone suggested that a while ago, but it was too complicated at the time...

Thanx everyone for your help, esp. Shadow_Puter_Dude

 

Dumb ?:

How do I physically disconnect my HD from my Sony Vaio desktop?

I'm gonna take it out and copy important files to the HD on my HP.

Will that work?

How should I do it?

Would it be better to wait and copy my files to my Mom's Vaio desktop?

 

Laptop Harddrives and Desktop Harddrives aren't the same. A Laptop HDD is smaller. You will need to get a special enclosure that will either connect to a USB port or connect to a free IDE Channel.

 

Looks like this: http://store.mycableshop.com/mmMCS_STORE/Images/IDE4044A.jpg

 

I never said anything about a laptop, I have a desktop and so does my mom.

I've got my HD connected to her tower now and am running check disk, which is proceeding realllllly slow, but proceeding.

I have access to my HD, except for My Documents -my most important folder.

In addition to check disk, what kind of programs and utilities should I run?

I'll update when check disk finishes.

 

No errors found after a rather extensive, i.e. long, disk check.

I still don't have access to My Documents, though.

I also think that the patch I d/l for F.E.A.R. is what did me in, so how do I go abput completely whipping any files from it off my HD?

 

Ack!

I ran back up and it listed the files I have in My Documents, but it didn't backup.

 

The disk manufacturers tools would be the best way to repartion and format the drive.

 

If it slaved to another drive just copy and paste.

 

Copying and pasting works fine for every folder except My Documents, the most imp.

It says the folder is inaccessible, that it has 0 kb, but when I run certain recovery software (can't remember which) it shows the folders are still there, but contain nothing. When I run Recover My Files, it tells me the files themselves are still there, but that I have to buy the software in order to recover my files.

Does anyone know of reallllllllly good recovery software for free or at least a trial version that actually does more than say my files are there without giving them to me?

This whole issue is getting critical now, I'm on the verge of throwing up my hands and whipping the drive.

Then again, is there software that might have a better chance of recoverying my files post-formatting?

Thanks for the help, again.

 

Could it be an ownership issue? http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Steve

 

UPDATE!!!

I have access to the drive (don't ask me how).

I'll try to replace registry files...

 

Bad news: it was an ntfs disk from bootdisk.com

it worked well enuff so that I had more functionality with the c drive than I did with the Recovery Console, but the drive is so messed up, I'm basically back at square one...

I was able to use software from ntfs.com that allowed me to actually go into my corrupted My Documents folder and copy my files to a floppy, but when I previewed them, they were all copprupted...

My uncle said I should try to repair the master boot record.

What is some good software for that?

Are there any that I can use on my unbootable comp?

 

If the files are corrupt repairing the MBR will do nothing to fix the problem. It could actually make things worse. By repairing the MBR you are running the risk of corrupting the Partition Table, which is part of the MBR. If the Partition Table is already corrupt fixmbr may not fix the problem.