ERROR:

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Subject: C:\windows\system32\config\SYSTEM
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i reformatted and everything! maybe 2 months later it did the same thing. all my drivers were updated, my avg 7.0 was up to date (no viruses that i knew of, and no drastic changes to my hardware/software that i can remember...

i did this...

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( http://www.pcquest.com/content/handson/103111002.asp )

Corrupt or Missing \Windows\System32\config
You sometimes get an error that your system could not be started because some files, such as \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ CONFIG\SYSTEM, were missing or corrupted. This is a common problem faced when any device driver or a software component gets corrupted. To solve this, boot the system with Win XP bootable installer and follow the same steps as in the first problem. Now, give the following commands at the command prompt: For \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE error, type the commands

cd \Windows\system32\config
ren software software.bad
copy \Windows\repair\software

For \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ CONFIG\SYSTEM error, type the commands

cd \Windows\system32\config
ren system system.bad
copy \Windows\repair\system

Then exit from the Win XP installer CD.

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did that, it worked and brought me to the xp boot up screen. but right before it was supposed to log me in, it restarted again. now it just keeps restarting! arghhhhhhhhh!!! somebody please help!!! THANKS SO MUCH :)

dTx
www.cebunightcap.com : Cebu's Official Party Website!!!

HEY I GOT IT TO WORK AFTER DOIN THIS...

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Q: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM is corrupt. HELP! (#3546)
A: Your system displays the error message.

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

That means the System Registry Hive has become corrupted.

There are two ways to get back up and running. The easy way which doesn't always work, and then there is the hard way.

Easy Way --- Note that this doesn't always work.
When you are booting your system, press the F8 key during the start of the bootup sequence, meaning after it does the Power On Self Test.

Once you press the F8 key, you will be taken to a Menu. Select "Boot Using Last Known Good Configuration".

It will now attempt to load Windows XP using a past set of configuration files.

If that doesn't work, there is the next step....the hard way.

Hard Way
Boot your system with the Windows XP Install CD, let the system boot into the Setup. Once in the Setup, choose to run the Recovery Console.

You will now be presented with a screen similar to good old DOS.

First, we will recover the System Hive.

Now, type in the following commands with pressing Enter after each line.

md tmp
copy C:\windows\system32\config\system C:\windows\tmp\system.bak
delete C:\windows\system32\config\system
copy C:\windows\repair\system C:\windows\system32\config\system

Be very careful when you are typing in these commands, one wrong move, and you know, broken Windows XP.

Also, change the C in the commands to whatever your Windows XP drive letter is.

Attempt to boot the system, if it doesn't boot, get back into the Recovery Console and do the following commands.

md tmp
copy C:\windows\system32\config\software C:\windows\tmp\software.bak
delete C:\windows\system32\config\software
copy C:\windows\repair\software C:\windows\system32\config\software

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all my stuff got reset tho, like my registry n desktop stuff, but it worked! i went into the services.msc and noticed alot of errors, and said my volume was dirty and it deleted tons of files... what do i do? someone help me before i get impatient again and do something to make it worst.. :)

dTx
www.cebunightcap.com : Cebu's Official Party Website!!!