[windows] \system32\config\system missing Solved/Closed

Question

Hello, my computer restarted by itself and displayed the following message upon reboot: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupted: c:\windows\system32\config\system".  You can attempt to repair this file by starting the Windows XP installer with the original installation CD-ROM. Choose "R" on the first screen to start the repair.  From the recovery console, I made several attempts without success. What is the best procedure according to you? Every time I faced this kind of problem, I formatted and reinstalled the system. Now, I want to be able to repair using the Windows XP recovery console. Thank you in advance.Configuration: PC intel celeron 633 Ram: 192

Benguard · Accepted Answer

Install the console via the CD-ROM / navigate to the directory C:\Windows\repair, using the command line:  copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config and restart the computer.

websall · Answer

Thank you quick157, I am printing the procedure and I will apply it and keep you informed.

websall · Answer

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.

quick157 · Answer

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

Cyberaxs · Answer

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

lamillet · Answer

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.

Andri71 · Answer

My computer always gives me the error that...system32\drvnax.dll not found and system32\drvhob.dll not found on startup...what should I do? Thank you

maria · Answer

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!

maria · Answer

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

kokoko001 · Answer

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.

igniatius · Answer

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.

igniatius · Answer

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.

jiel · Answer

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

af0849 · Answer

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

Alka111 · Answer

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

jiel · Answer

Good evening
I had the same problem as everyone else. I used CCleaner, checked all the boxes, and by a miracle, I haven't had a single shutdown for 3 days now, while my computer was turning off several times a day
There you go, I’m keeping my fingers crossed
jiel

sergeandre · Answer

Hello,
This morning when I opened my PC, the message below appeared

[windows] \system32\config\system missing

So I wanted to repair XP from the installation CD
But it starts a full installation directly and doesn't ask if I want to repair

The problem is that I don't have a backup of my personal files!!

What should I do???

tom37 · Answer

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?

mq5493 · Answer

Hello everyone,
I also have the problem of not being able to boot Windows XP (Professional) because:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.
You can try to repair this file by starting the installation program with the original installation CD-ROM. Choose "R" on the first screen to start the repair.

The only small problem is that I don’t have that famous CD. How can I get out of this mess? (WITHOUT the CD) Thanks in advance.

PS: I've tried safe mode, but it won't launch for the same reasons as above. The same goes for all the other advanced startup options.

obscur · Answer

Hello
I tried the repair with the XP SP2 CD and it worked.
But the problem is that every 2 or 3 days the message appears.
The hard drive is partitioned into 2
(C:\) 10 GB
(D:\) 70 GB
Is the problem due to the partitioning?
Thank you for your help.

imanomi · Answer

hi, how are you please I'm looking for help I have the same problem and it's blocking my PC please help me solve this problem and thanks in advance

grom666 · Answer

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!

ASC · Answer

Good evening,

I would like to share my testimony regarding this type of crash (windows\system32\config\system missing). It happened twice in less than a month.

I should mention that my PC is set up in matrix raid with part in raid 0 (system + software) and part in raid 5 (data).

The first time, exasperated, I ended up formatting and reinstalling the complete system.

The second time, which is to say today, I tried all the methods found on the web without success:

1 - the recovery console did not work (it found the system partition but did not ask me for the password and displayed C:\windows\; impossible to get the command lines to work)

2 - while installing Windows, unable to repair the existing installation due to detection failure by the program...

In the end, I asked the program to reinstall windobe (oops... windows) on a partition of my raid 0 (which is made up of three) thinking that I would boot from this partition to repair the initial partition on C: ....

And STUPEFACTION! The program started, did a scandisk, restarted and.... it booted from C: as if nothing happened! I don’t understand anything but I’m glad to have recovered my install!!! lol

If someone understands this....

I will now look for the origin of these crashes... my tweaks to the registry? my RAM?

swiffer · Answer

The problem for me is that I have a Packard Bell EasyNote as a laptop, so the restoration CD is limited since it's Smart Restore and it doesn't offer a repair option, just formatting, which is very annoying.
Regarding the recovery console, I have XP Home and I have the console, but when I try your tricks on system, it tells me that the file is missing, so how can I copy it when it's missing?

abou1966 · Answer

Hello everyone,

I also have the same problem, I can't start Windows XP (Professional) because:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupted: \windows\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.
You can try to repair this file by starting the installation program with the original installation CD-ROM. Choose "R" on the first screen to start the repair.

The only small problem is that I tried with the CD, but nothing has worked, it always brings me back the same message (Windows could not start, etc....). Can you please help me? Thank you in advance.

PS: I also tried safe mode but it won't start for the same reasons as mentioned above. (I would like to specify that I am not very good with computers)

lola · Answer

I did the same, I pressed F8 & then last good known configuration and it does nothing. I need my computer quickly, I don't have a CD, I've already taken it for repair. What should I do? Thank you in advance.

manine · Answer

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM following power cuts mini (4) my PC no longer wants to work I tried to put in an installation CD of XP Home which belongs to a friend but nothing even after the famous R
I tried to partially restore but after a moment the message is as follows "error during extraction process Error detail
I haven't found the original installation CD I'm desperate What should I do to avoid a complete restoration and thus lose all my data

aimad · Answer

Je suis désolé, mais je ne peux pas vous aider avec ce problème.

Yoya-Help · Answer

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

bsoum · Answer

Hello, my computer restarted by itself and displayed the following message upon restart: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: c:\windows\system32\config\system".
When I insert the CD, nothing happens
Thank you for your help.

Lzibak · Answer

Personally, I have never managed to repair Windows XP, so I had to put my hard drive as a slave on my father's PC to recover my data.

I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to get another hard drive and install Linux on it; at least I will be at peace.

There you go, good luck to you.

nonohonkong · Answer

I have the same message but my (small) computer doesn't have a CD drive, what should I do????

ineksaban · Answer

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 :-(

Yasmine1993 · Answer

Hello, I have a big problem which is that when I start my computer it shows me "Windows could not start because the file system32\config\system is missing or corrupt."
I have read all your messages, the problem is that I do not have the XP installation CD and I do not have the recovery console mode.
Actually, I tried to start in safe mode, but then it asks me to choose an OS:
window(default)
windows(default)
(which are the same, I do not understand why)
and when I choose either one, my computer restarts.
I don't know what to do at all.

lyann888 · Answer

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!!

teza · Answer

Hello

My computer refuses to start; it displays at startup: windows\system32\config\system missing or damaged. I inserted the Windows installation CD and restarted several times, but without success, I keep getting the same message. What should I do?

Thank you for responding as soon as possible

P.S.: I'm not a pro at texting or computers... please be nice and explain the steps to take...

Karlito41 · Answer

I had the same issue, I went to see a friend who knew about it and in 10 minutes it was fixed without the XP installation CD. I recommend taking your tower to someone who knows about computers, it's much simpler.

helena · Answer

Hello everyone, I have a problem with Windows XP Pro like some people on the forum concerning missing or damaged folders. When I insert the CD-ROM, it doesn't start. Additionally, during startup, I have repeatedly used the F8 and DELETE manipulations. I don't know computer language, and I'm struggling. Can anyone help me, please, and especially explain step by step? Thank you in advance.

pierre39 · Answer

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

.... · Answer

I have the same problem, but I don't have a CD drive on my computer. I have an Eee PC.

BASLAM · Answer

Thank you very much Benguard, you really saved me.

pie390 · Answer

Good evening,  Try this link that explains well how to do it.  Microsoft support  Good night.  Pierre

sanussi92 · Answer

I have the same thing but no startup problems when I launch a video game, either it closes or (for WoW) it tells me that my display system is not suitable. It's strange all this, I'm going to look into it on Microsoft's side, I'm not too keen on doing weird manipulations and I share this computer, so if there is a problem, check if you have a working graphics card, that's how I got to this problem.

pie390 · Answer

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.

quentin13 · Answer

it does exactly the same thing for me

xtrme · Answer

Bonjour, moi je ne peux même pas arriver au niveau de la fenêtre Windows, j'allume et 10 secondes après Windows...

bricoleur · Answer

the solution that works is the one from Microsoft  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/307545  run the first part, that's enough and windows works again!!  be careful to copy the paths correctly

michel · Answer

For system restoration of the ASUS 1001 PX WITHOUT CD: Restoration from the hidden Eeepc partition    At startup of the PC, press the F2 key several times very quickly. You will enter the BIOS; using the arrow keys, navigate to the Boot tab, select Boot Booster, press the "Enter" key, choose "Disabled" and press F10 to exit the BIOS while saving the settings change.    On subsequent startup, press the F9 key several times very quickly. Then, in the Windows Boot Manager, select Windows Set Up and press enter; a window titled "Asus preload wizard" will appear, confirm by pressing "Enter" (or Next...), choose the third option, confirm (Next...), and you will initiate the restoration.    Make a backup of your data before proceeding with the restoration, as you will erase everything on the hard drive.

quentin13 · Answer

It happened to me, and the best way to get out of it is to reformat the computer in question.

A.Williams' · Answer

Hello everyone, I have a huge problem. There are already a few topics on the subject but I still haven't found my answer. So here it is, I am running Windows XP Pro, I tried to start my laptop normally and it said: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM It tells me that I can attempt to repair by pressing R while inserting the Windows CD. The problem is that I don't have a Windows CD; I was sold this laptop like that. So I pressed F5 at startup, I tried starting in safe mode, in network support mode, and all the other modes with no success, it always leads me back to the same message! Help! Do you have a solution??? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

hroon khan · Answer

Bonjour tout le monde Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. You can attempt to repair this file by booting the installer with the original installation CD-ROM. Choose "R" on the first screen to start the repair.  Knowing that I don't have the installation CD Please.

speedyboy31 · Answer

Good evening, having had the same problem on a Compaq mini PC, you just need to press the F5 key several times at the POST screen to switch to the system recovery menu ;)

RRRrrr42 · Answer

And how do we do it with Windows Vista?

RRRrrr42 · Answer

How do I manage with Windows Vista Home?

SHINTYMAN · Answer

I might have an idea that could work, but I still need help. By installing Linux (from a CD, of course), you can later access the C drive, but there's a persistent problem: you need to change the SYSTEM file that is defective to restart Windows (and we need it to launch games and certain software). Can someone tell me where to find it?   P.S: I haven't tried yet, but I know it will work... I'm waiting to be sure about the operation.

bleubleu · Answer

Hello,  Here’s how I fixed the problem (given that when I put in the CD and typed R directly, it gave me an error: Registry boot)  1) Insert the CD 2) Press F8 3) Start in safe mode, recovery console 4) Choose Windows 5) Chkdsk /r  There you go

seb27 · Answer

Hello,I am 14 years old and my Acer laptop did like yours, it displayed this message to me, really I don’t know what to do knowing that the hard drive is protected by a password which prevents the Alt+F10 method.If you have a solution, please let me know, I would greatly appreciate it!Best regards

tom06245 · Answer

If anyone is dual-booting with another Windows, copy the config folders from that one.

Anonymous user · Answer

Hello, my XP computer displayed the following message at startup: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: c:\windows\system32\config\system". You can try to repair this file by booting the Windows XP installer with the original installation CD-ROM. Choose "R" on the first screen to start the repair. From the recovery console, I made several attempts without success. I don't have a reinstallation CD, is there anything else?! Thank you in advance.

[windows] \system32\config\system missing - Page 2

Unknown usb drive

Removing the numeric keypad from pcs

Unable to deactivate my x account

I have microsoft publisher 2016 license.

Which camera to choose

Power on and use a desktop computer without microsoft

Screen with horizontal black lines obscuring the view

Neighbor connection

Home server on laptop won't boot after kernel panic