Urgent! D: C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\system corrupt

Cythx · 21 Apr 2011 at 11:56

Okay so I turned off my computer last night and installed 2 updates before shutting down, everything was as usual and running fine.

I woke up this morning to find that my computer wouldn't get past POST and the reason it said it couldn't boot up was because:

'C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\system corrupt or missing'

I really need to get this computer up and running because I have a very important file for a client on it that was due today. I've tried connecting the HDD on it to my better computer but they're not compatible, the computer I need to work uses PATA HDDs whereas my better computer only has SATA connections, so I would need a converter, however I don't think I'll find one in store and I need to fix this ASAP.

What I think I may be able to do is, boot my system with a Windows XP Install CD, let the system boot into the Setup. Once in the Setup, choose to run the Recovery Console and go from there.

However I'm not sure if this method will wipe everything on my HDD, which would be devastating.

BDEE · 21 Apr 2011 at 12:01

AFAIK Recovery does not affect your user files, but tbh even if it does it doesnt sound like there is much other option.

Will it boot in safe mode?

Hagar · 21 Apr 2011 at 12:06

Another option to recover file(s) is to use a linux live CD to boot and copy file(s) to a flash drive before you start to repair.

backtothefuture · 21 Apr 2011 at 12:08

Use the repair option, windows won't wipe data without telling you...repair option should sort it..

paradisiac · 21 Apr 2011 at 12:14

recovery console and chkdsk /r c: would be my first option, failing that go to the screen after the terms and conditions and press r for the full recovery. it wont remove your data, but if you have ie7 or ie8 installed then it might not open the activation screen if required on completion. so you will have to uninstall them from safemode with cmd prompt once repair has finished.

Tonester007 · 21 Apr 2011 at 14:38

Press F8 and then try "Last known good configuration" first.

SeeKified · 21 Apr 2011 at 14:41

Tonester007 said:
Press F8 and then try "Last known good configuration" first.

This. "Last known good" actually works more often than one might think. Failing that though, a system repair should sort you out without touching your own things.

Cythx · 21 Apr 2011 at 14:58

Thanks everyone

I've resolved the issue now, it was actually for my dad.

nkata said:
Another option to recover file(s) is to use a linux live CD to boot and copy file(s) to a flash drive before you start to repair.

Thanks for this especially, I chose to do this because my dad didn't keep the Windows XP installation CD. I retrieved the files successfully and now the only problem is to find a spare CD or just buy one to fix the rest of the system.