Missing/Corrupt windows\system32\config\system

I've been getting this error "Missing/corrupt "\windows\system32\config\system" when I try to start my computer. This is what I've tried:

- Rebooting (gives me this error)
- Recovery console with the XP Disk (gives me an error about a stop or something)
- Reinstalling XP (gives me the same stop error)

This is what those errors say exactly:

The stop error I get from the XP cd says this:

I'm really lost in what to do now...There are files that I need in this computer. I greatly appreciate any help

 

Have you tried starting in Safe Mode, and then trying to roll back to a Restore Point prior to when this problem started (assuming you have the Restore feature running)?

Or, have you recently installed new hardware and/or drivers on the machine? If so - some of the hints here might be of use to you:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545


Also, I'm not sure from your description if you have tried the following, or are even able to try it - but if you can boot from the XP CD:

Boot from the XP CD, but DO NOT select the Repair Console (R) . . . instead choose to install Windows. The set-up program should search the hard-drive for existing installations of Windows, and if it finds one it will display it. Set-up will offer you the option of repairing the displayed installation . . . select this option. Doing it this way should preserve all your files on the hard-drive - it has always worked for me. You will, however, have to down-load and install all the security updates that came out after your particular version of windows was released. I'm can't recall for sure, but you may have to re-input your Windows key as well.

Hope some part of this helps

 

Unfortunantly when I try to either go to safe mode, I get that same stop error and yeah I've tried the reinstall windows repair but I still get that same stop.

I haven't installed any hardware nor played with the drivers in a while. I do know that this all started with a game that crashed my computer.

 

I did some research at Microsoft's knowledge base. This error could be related to just about anything... including faulty RAM. Run a diagnostic on your memory (check the Diagnostic section here at MG) and see if that's the problem. You said a game crashed your PC... what game???????????

hopperdave2000

 

I don't think it's faulty RAM because I ran Memtest-86 and it passed. The game was Roller coaster Tycoon 3 but I think it was just a really bad crash.

 

Have you tried to reset factory defaults or fail safe setting in the BIOS?
And change the start order to CD first then HDD then floppy if you have one?

 

Are you able to see the "START" button?

If yes, insert your XP disk, when it starts the XP window, choose "EXIT"
With the XP disk still in the cd rom go to "START", "RUN", type in without the quotes "sfc scannow" (note the space between sfc & scannow)
This works on some computers to re load missing files dll's etc.

 

I can't even get to the desktop. When I boot normally, I get the missing/corrupt error.

 

Slave the drive, get the data. Or install Windows to a new folder. Your OS is destroyed, you should have never done a repair.

 

Moosh,

What is your Computer experience.
Your profile shows no contact info.

 

I don't have much technical experience with computers especially when it comes to problems like these :\

 

Were you removing services to increase your game speed?
Were you attempting to overclock for more game speed?

 

I don't think so....It was like a normal crash restart.

 

when booting up try F8 and try using last known good Configuration

 

Nope.

The repair removed that possibility.

 

I tried that but I still get the stop error.

 

There is no other solution than the one I gave. You can wait as long as you want, but you will not find results. You had registry corruption. You made it permanent by doing a repair. There is no fixing it anymore.