Recovery Console Questions

[Aidoscuz]

Hey all

I'm going to be heading to an office tomorrow to fix a problem with one of the computers there. Windows won't boot up, and it's giving the following message:


Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

windows\system32\config\system


I know the solution is to either run chkdsk or restore the file from the recovery console, but unfortunately the owner of the PC can't find the original setup disk.

I was wondering if I'd be able to use my own Windows XP disk to run the recovery console, or whether it only works from the original one? My original XP disk had no service packs built in, but I've got a slipstreamed version with SP2 built in. I'm guessing the service packs have to match for it to work?

Also, since it's an office PC, I presume it has XP Pro. Will an XP Home disk work or will I have to find an XP Pro one somewhere?

Thanks

 

[m4cc45]

Only use XP Pro so can't comment on XP Home CD.

You can use any recovery console so any XP disk will be fine. It doesn't have to be the original one you installed it with. It also doesn't have to have any SP's on there. When you go through the Windows setupi you will see it detect Windows once it's dont that it will give an option for you to go into the recovery console.



M.

 

[Aidoscuz]

Thanks for the reply. I got an XP Pro disk off a friend so I should be covered.

 

[GWillow]

Hey all


Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

windows\system32\config\system

I get this error on a fairly regular basis (every 2 or 3 weeks).

I use the XP install disk to get to the recovery console but then don't actually do anything, I just reboot the machine and it seems to fix it.