[windows] \system32\config\system missing

Hello,

I think the simplest thing is to start with the CD in console mode option "R" at the prompt, that is, c:\ type the following command: chkdsk /p/r and once finished restart it should set things right.

For more clarity, I tried to translate the previous message into French :)

Not being a pro in text language, I can't guarantee the translation 100%
but if it can help you...

You can replace your system32
boot with your installation disk
go into Dos mode
type C:
then type xcopy q:
it gives you C:\xcopy q:
it can be q or e or d or any other letter assigned by your computer to your DVD drive
After that, you type Y or O (Yes = yes) you type Y or O each time and press enter
Your computer will replace the entire system without you losing your data.

Hello,
I have the same problem, the message appears "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: c:\windows\system32\config\system".
The issue is my CD burner does not work, so I cannot insert the disc. What should I do??
Thank you for your help
jiel

Hello, let me introduce myself YOYA-HELP, I'm here to TRY to HELP you! ^^
So today my PC "crashed" (Brand: Acer Aspire T650-997Z), it's the 3rd time in 3 years that it fails, showing me:
"windows failed to start because the following file is missing or corrupted:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
you can try to repair this file by starting the Windows XP installer with the original installation CD. Choose "R" on the first screen to start the repair"
But KNOW that Acer does not provide you with the XP CD!
BUT I MANAGED TO REPAIR IT (Alhamdulillah: "Thank you my GOD")!
Here’s how to do it for Acer (I don't know if this works on other PCs, but try this method, and if it works, let me know! Thank you)!
HERE'S HOW TO MAKE YOUR ACER PC WORK AGAIN WITHOUT THE CD! Restart your PC, when the Startup window (Acer) appears, press ALT+F10, then follow the instructions, and there you go, your PC is working again!
Ps: VERY IMPORTANT: KNOW THAT ALL BACKUPS (files: music, photos, videos...) will be deleted! Next time, save files: photos, music, videos... in drive D: AND NOT in the Documents folder!

repair windows XP

SIGNED YOYA-HELP

Thank you quick157, it worked. I followed the procedure to the letter and everything is back to normal. It was better than formatting for every startup issue. Thanks again and see you soon on the Forum commentcamarche.

If you don't have the installation CD for Windows because your computer came with XP already installed (the OEM installation), as was my case, there is a way to fix it; it's a bit long but it works. First, you need to burn a copy of XP onto a CD from a sharing site, e.g., torrent411. Then, you need to start the computer and press F12 to enter the setup and choose the DVD CD option. The CD will start installing, and you need to press R to restore Windows.

Next, you arrive in the command prompt, and the fun begins; there is a series of commands to enter, which is quite tedious... but when you have a step-by-step guide, it's possible to succeed (even for people with very little computer knowledge like me).

Good luck, everyone!!

For more clarity, I tried to translate the previous message into French :)

Not being a pro at SMS language, I can't guarantee the translation 100%
but if it can help you...

you can replace your system32
start with your installation disk
go into Dos mode
type C:
then type xcopy q:
it gives you C:\xcopy q:
it can be q or e or d or any other letter assigned by your computer to your DVD drive
After that, type Y or O (Yes = oui) you type Y or O each time and press enter
Your computer will replace the entire system without you losing your data.

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your computer. It looks like you're experiencing an issue with Windows not being able to start due to a missing or corrupted file. When you try to repair it using the Windows XP CD, it seems like the installation process is not detecting your hard drive.

Here are a few potential solutions that you can try:

1. **Check BIOS Settings**: Ensure that your hard drive is properly configured in the BIOS. Look for options related to the hard drive mode (AHCI vs. IDE) and try adjusting them.

2. **SATA Drivers**: If your hard drive is connected via SATA, the Windows XP CD may not have the necessary drivers. You might need to load them during the installation process. You can usually find these drivers on your motherboard's website.

3. **Use a Different Recovery CD**: If possible, try using a different Windows XP installation or recovery CD to see if that makes a difference.

4. **Test the Hard Drive**: If you have access to another computer, you could connect the hard drive there to see if it's working properly. There might also be diagnostic tools that can help determine whether the drive is failing.

5. **Repair Options**: If you have a Windows recovery or repair disk, you might be able to use that instead of the original installation CD.

If none of these steps work, you might consider seeking assistance from a professional technician. Good luck!

Hello everyone,

last night before going to sleep I left my computer on, and in the morning when I woke up and turned on my screen, it said

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

then it asks me to insert the original installation CD and choose “R”

so I put in the HP installation CD of my computer that I had to burn onto a DVD the first time I started the PC

I insert the CD, restart the PC and it asks me to press:

R to display the standard system restore options.
F to format the hard drive and perform a complete system reinstall. All data will be erased.
Q to quit the program.

I press R and it starts the HP PC recovery installation, it opens, and it says

welcome to PC recovery

this program allows you to reinstall your PC in case of failure or instability....
I click OK
then there is an error message
restore
the section IDA_CREATE_USER_U does not contain a valid dialog template.

I cannot afford to format but rather restore without losing my files because they are very important and tomorrow I have exams and I have to present before two juries

please help me this is bad

thank you in advance :-(

Hello,

My girlfriend has this problem with the windowsystem32 config system file that is missing or damaged, which prevents Windows XP from starting up.
After browsing this forum thoroughly, I'm getting a bit lost...
She doesn't have the recovery console and will therefore need to reinstall everything (she already did it a week ago).
Moreover, a virus is likely responsible for this. WHICH ONE? And most importantly, how can it be eliminated?

Thank you
Nico

Hello,
I have the same problem on an ASUS computer, with the missing or damaged Windows\system32\config\system file. After multiple installations of Windows XP, this message keeps coming back and nothing works. Can you help me?

Good evening,

Glad to have been able to help you, that's the purpose of this forum.
Especially since we should assume that formatting should remain the last resort.

Don't forget to check "problem solved" to help others in their search.

Best regards

As I recently posted on this site, I have the same problem but on Vista.
Is there a solution?

go directly to the Microsoft knowledge base, it's at least official.
Microsoft

Pierre

Hello, I found a much simpler system because my folder c:\windows\system32\config was impossible to open.
I transferred my hard drive to another PC where I launched
the EasyRecovery log in advanced search mode (it searches everything).
I saved the config folder on a USB drive.
Then, using File Explorer, I went to the drive that wouldn’t boot (which was d:\ on the PC I used for recovery).
Then in the system32 folder, I renamed config to configg because I couldn’t delete it!
So I copied the config folder from my USB drive into the system32 folder (d:\windows\system32\ for me) and I re-installed the drive in its original PC and it started on the first try!!!!! I hope it works for you too!!
P.S.: Feel free to ask me if you need help.

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your computer. It sounds like you're dealing with a serious issue regarding the system files. Here are a few steps you could take to try to resolve the problem:

1. **Try to Repair the System**: If you have your installation CD, you can boot from it and select the "Repair your computer" option. This might allow you to fix any issues with the system files.

2. **Command Prompt**: From the recovery options, you might be able to access the Command Prompt. You can try running commands like `chkdsk /r` to check for and repair disk errors.

3. **Reinstall Windows**: If repairs don't work, you might need to consider reinstalling Windows. Make sure to back up any important data first, if possible.

4. **Check Hardware**: Sometimes, hardware issues can cause similar errors, so it's worth checking your hard drive and RAM for any potential problems.

5. **Seek Professional Help**: If you're unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps, it might be a good idea to seek help from a professional technician.

Good luck!

My computer is not working, it says that the system32 is missing or corrupted; I had an issue with the defragmentation utility and I thoughtlessly put the installation CD back in. I have locked the computer. NOTHING WORKS...
I tried safe mode,
if you know the solution, please help me! Thanks in advance

config XP

You replace your system 32
start with your installation disk
go into DOS mode
type c:
then you type xcopy q:
it gives C:\xcopy q:
it can be q or e or d or other letters depending on what letter your computer assigned to your DVD drive
then you type Y or O (yes; yes) you type check Y or O and press enter
the computer will replace the entire system, so you will lose your data.

Hello everyone

my setup: ACER E 500 CB 72 INTEL D830 DD 250 Giga SATA 7200 RPM DDR 512 K DVD Dual XP Home 1024 RAM.

When I purchased the PC from a professional, it was not delivered with a Windows XP HOME installation CD.

This afternoon when I wanted to use my PC, a message appeared:
\windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupted.
I checked my setup and found that the disk is no longer recognized:
primary ide master: no detected
primary ide slave: hard disk....................................................61.4 GB
secondary ide master: atapi cdrom
secondary ide slave: hard disk..................................................4.3 GB
third ide master: hard disk............................................ACER.250 GB
it seems to me that there has been a shift in the assignment of disks, because the undetected disk should be the ACER 250 GB!
I removed the 3rd DD of 4.3 GB and installed win 98 on the 2nd DD 61.4 GB and I was able to read the files from the ACER 250 GB DD and back them up to the 61.4 GB DD.
Configuration of the ACER DD: SATA 7200 RPM has 2 original partitions of 117 GB but, I could only access 1, why?
The connector of the ACER DD is a small black plug to slide into a connection, and a large black plug to slide into a larger connection. Nothing to do with the connectors with classic ribbons
I am at this point now if my disk was HS I would not have been able to back it up.

I disconnected all the DDs except the ACER 250 GB one. When I boot from the DD, I still get the same message: \windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupted.

What to do to return to XP and use the ACER DD?
Thank you all for your assistance, as I am not a technician.
Sincerely yours
AF0849