\windows\system32\config error- can anyone help?

[rage4order]

My brother's getting this error that the file is missing or corrupted. Can anyone give me some good instructions on how to repair this? I've found a couple of webistes, even the Microsoft one, but none have helped. Anyone have a good fix?

 

[criccio]

You're brother is getting this error.... when? Doing what? In a Windows error message?

...you can see now how you didn't give nearly enough information for anyone to help.

 

[rage4order]

sorry, when he tries to boot his laptop.

 

[rage4order]

When he starts up he gets this message: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system .

 

[criccio]

Boot the XP install disk and follow the instructions for a repair. Been awhile since I did that but it should be relatively straight forward.

 

[rage4order]

Boot the XP install disk and follow the instructions for a repair. Been awhile since I did that but it should be relatively straight forward.

Yeah, done that. I get to the recovery console and to the DOS prompts but nothing works from there.

 

[criccio]

Honestly I don't know where to go from the DOS prompt so the best thing I can do is tell you to read this: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

EDIT, I just quickly skimmed through that and it says NOT to hit "R" to start the recovery console. Follow this guide, seems like it might work.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Not a good one...that one, and the hive....yuck.

Can try chkdsk.....doing a repair install sometimes can work....guessing safe mode 'n system restore isn't functioning..but see if you can do a manual restoration of your XP system restore files.

 

[loss4words]

Try this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545