Only Partially Recoverd from ...config.system error -- need help

I am new to Major Geeks, and placed this message inside another thread two days ago -- this was apparently not a good idea. I need to try to fix my computer soon and will have to try without advice shortly -- so I have reposted this message. Ignore references to the other thread if you will -- I'd put a link to the original thread, but can't figure out how to do it. Basically, I could not start my system, and followed advice from another source which left me with an operating, but messed-up system. Thanks for your help! Original post:


Thanks for looking at this. Maybe I should have posted a new topic -- but I found this thread when I googled about Windows XP registry problems and "config.sys" problems. My case isn't the same, but I had the same problem starting up with the error message ending in ..config/system. I want on Dell forums and found your advice here. I got the system running, but haven't been able to fix the problems caused by the reboot. I am not sure if running the Microsoft support recovery console plan mentioned in these posts (and the Dell posts) is the right thing to do.

My system:

Dell Dimension 4400
Windows XP Home 2002
Service packs 1&2 (before restoring at least)
Upgraded to 768 RAM at least a year ago, no known problems
Disk Defrag says: 74.53 GB Capacity with 39.39 GB Free for the C drive (updated over year ago) -- old D drive 18.58 with 4.32 Free (just put more on D drive as back-up in case recovery does not work)

What advice (from a link at Dell) I used to recover: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
This worked in starting XP. The main problem was display and computer running slowly -- the ATI Radeon display driver could not be reinstalled -- it would not allow it "The RPC server is unavailable." Everything seems slow -- I can get on Word -- but usually after an error -- and going through webpages is slower -- maybe just because of lack of ATI driver and "hydravison" driver for it -- but maybe more. The disk defrag will not allow defragmentation on either drive (nothing happens.) The Stand-by option is not offered when I log-out. Is this a version of running in a Safe Mode? I think the McAfee from AOL was taken off, although that may have happened when I downloaded your recommended Avast!. The Avast did find one bad file in the downloaded files -- I'm sorry I didn't write it down. My instinct is that this had nothing to do with current problem, but can't be sure.

I have my system restore set up to maximum, but (again) it is useless -- it offers me a chance to restore only after I recovered though it should have had point(s) on file, I think.

I did not go right to the Microsoft XP "How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting" (and am not sure I should now) because of its warning at the top of the article not to use if your windows was installed OEM because of administration access problems and I dimly remember in the early days of my computer having problems with the administration password. I've found that the default is supposed to be blank, but I was/am not eager to risk getting locked out of the data on my C drive which I can't really back-up all of it cost/time effectively. I also don't know if running that will make any difference.

This is running on too long, so I'll hope for some good advice before trying (soon) to fix it the Microsoft way. Thank you very much!

 

I really need help, and have not even gotten a comment -- please reply and/or send a message to me if you can. Also, if there is any confusion, my copy of Windows XP is fully legal and was installed by Dell -- the person in the thread I mentioned had the same system error, but also had an illegal copy of windows. Mine is legal...if that has prevented anyone from commenting, please comment away!

 

Ok...this becomes a little more challenging due to it being OEM.

Bascially what we have are mismatched registry hives. Generally not a great position to be in.

In regards to what you followed, it helps, but is not a fix. System.bak is a default hive file, with no drivers or anything.

Your only real hope at this point is that System Restore was running and working prior to this problem.

Go through this:


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/

Then post back how many restore folders you see once you open it. Also, open them up, and see which one has a lot of RP folders.

 

Thanks for looking into the problem. I followed the Microsoft instructions, but could not gain access to the system volume folder. A Windows explorer pop-up tells me access is denied. Actually, the hide protected operating system files box was already unchecked. How do I get past this?

The system restore should have been working, but I can't find one by normal channels, so we'll see...

I have gathered from Dell that they recommend that I use the Windows fix -- they imply (but maddeningly never state) that their system password is blank and that I could use that fix; but, instinctively, I feel that might totally screw up the drive.

Thanks, again.

 

Thats article explains hwo to change the permissions to do it...

If you are having trouble, do it from Safe Mode, and follow the section for XP Pro.

 

Windows XP Professional using the NTFS File System on a Workgroup or Standalone Computer
1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
3. On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders.
4. Clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the change.
5. Clear the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) check box.
6. Click OK.
7. Right-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder, and then click Properties.
8. Click the Security tab.
9. Click Add, and then type the name of the user to whom you want to give access to the folder. Typically, this is the account with which you are logged on. Click OK, and then click OK again.
10. Double-click the System Volume Information folder in the root folder to open it.

NOTE: The System Volume Information folder is now accessible in normal mode to users of Windows XP Home Edition.

 

Thanks. I think this points to another problem I have when trying to fix my computer -- problems with system access. It may or may not have something to do with my computer being connected to another in the house for broadband access. In any case, I have tried those measures supposed to give me access to the Volume files and and do not have access.

I will try the safe mode approach tonight -- I must leave now (though I am eager to try to fix the whole thing in one go now that you're helping me.) I'll check back here when I return just in case you have any comments. If not, I'll try the safe mode approach. Thanks, again.

 

No problem. I'm not here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, just an FYI. Other days are spotty. I'll help when I can.

 

I was unable to work on the computer since last week. Your last message gave me little hope, and following your instructions has reduced even that:

There is only one restore folder in the system volume folder. It was 4 RP folders corresponding to the 4 (I assume) useless restore points created since restarting with the basic files from the console. System Restore was surely on before that, but there is no record of restore points. I knew there were no visible restore points when I restarted the system. Next move?

Thanks

 

Note: When I say no restore points, I mean no points since problem -- when I restored I saw the restore point created the minute I restored from console.

 

Game over, actually. Without those extra registry backups, there is no real way to get the system back to what it used to be. They only get deleted if a system cleanup program does it, the service is shut off, or its not functioning.

Sorry. That was the only chance you had left.

 

What about getting the system working properly...not back to what it was exactly? Can't the drivers be reinstalled? I know they must be able to be installed. The main problem seems to be the display driver -- ATI and Hydravision program with ATI driver. Simply trying to reinstall doesn't work. I assume something must be deleted, and then reinstall. Do you know why it doesn't install to begin with?

Seperate questions:

Why doesn't the disk defrag function now? What can be done?

Why did this happen at all?

Can't I try the official Microsoft solution as passed on by you and others -- the Dell people say the admin password is blank, so why wouldn't that work? I didn't/don't want to do it recklessly, but want to know why it would or wouldn't work.

Mainly, I can't give up hope -- this is the only computer I have, or will have. It has effected my ability to print, use my camera, and slowed things down (particularly the display, start-up and AOL, and Microsoft Word complain that documents can't be linked but works.) I was waiting for a global fix, but if the Microsoft things is not viable and there is nothing else, I need to try to fix things one at a time -- and I need help. I can't give up -- if you or anyone else can help, I would appreciate it.

Right now, I'm going to try to get the printer to work -- I was scared off reinstalling things by my display driver failure and was waiting for a global fix. If you can answer the above questions, great! As far as priority, reinstalling drivers is first. I tried several times with the display driver and failed as described in earlier posts, and am now going to try the printers.

Thank you!

 

Well...official MS solution would be to back up and format, clean install.

You have a mismatched registry. Its tough to recover from something like that.

As for drivers, you can try this:

Motherboard drivers first.

Then video drivers.

 

Why is this happening? I don't think I ran any strange programs -- definitely not anytime near before it happened. Mcafee caught nothing, and Avast didn't seem to come up with anything that would explain this. Hardware error?

For drivers -- I have no idea what/where my motherboard driver is -- would this be located through Dell?

Something just occured to me. I used to run the computer off of what is now the D drive about 2 years ago. Can something be found from the D drive to repair the C drive registry?

 

Registry problems happen. Part of the beauty of system restore, but like anything else, you need to make sure things are working properly. When disaster hits--its too late.

Its probably an Intel based motherboard, I'd go to intel.com for drivers. Look up your specs on the Dell site, to be sure.

As for a 2 year old registry?

--Thats two years behind the times. Not likely to help anything at all.

 

Skip the patronizing.

Still can't get video drivers in -- to get motherboard drivers I have to open up the computer (Dell can't tell me) Is it worth it?

Can reinstalling Windows help?

What would would happen if I use the earlier mentioned Microsoft instructions?