How to fix this problem ?

Damien. · 15 Oct 2008 at 15:00

Starting windows up on one of the work computers and it says;

Windows cannot startup, this following file is missing or corrupt.
C:\windows\system32\config\system

How to i fix this, the only option i have from booting from the install disc is to go into the recovery console.

Help please !

Its windows XP pro.

Sp00n · 15 Oct 2008 at 15:03

run a chkdsk /f from the recovery console.

sounds like the pc's hard drive is dieing. possibly.

Damien. · 15 Oct 2008 at 15:09

Ive run the CHKDSK, it says the HDD appears to be fine.

EDIT: tell a lie, it says CHKDSK has found one or more errors !?

Sp00n · 15 Oct 2008 at 15:22

did you run it with the /f switch? Did it repair the errors or did it say they are unrecoverble?

bledd · 15 Oct 2008 at 15:34

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

Nix · 15 Oct 2008 at 17:30

Try a full Windows repair (the one through the installation screen). Although, as Sp00n said; it does sound as if your hard-drive is dying. There is also the possibility that your RAM might be slightly faulty causing corruption and errors on your hard-drive.