missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system files

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missing or corrupt \windows\system32\config\system files

Need help to fix

Am_stuck

4:55 pm on Apr 18, 2007 (gmt 0)

Hi, I can't use my Dell Dimension 4550 at all with this msg appearing on a black screen. It suggests using the original setup cd-rom (4 yrs old now) and I have fished it out but can't get it to boot up, to even try the repair option. Can you help? I'm getting nowhere and brain has shut down too.

bill

2:30 am on Apr 19, 2007 (gmt 0)

Welcome to WebmasterWorld Am_stuck.

Check your system's BIOS to make sure that the boot sequence has your CD-ROM first. That should allow you to boot off of the Windows CD and run the repairs.

youfoundjake

7:51 pm on Apr 29, 2007 (gmt 0)

Am_stuck, as bill mentioned, check your boot order in BIOS to make sure it sees the cd first, and when prompted, press any key to boot from the cd.....
As far as the actual error, it sounds like one of your registry hives are corrupt. It can get pretty tricky fixing it, so be careful and pay attention. heeh Good luck.
Doing a search on google reveals this for Windows XP:
[support.microsoft.com...]

If you are having the problem on Windows 2000, expand on that search.

Blacksheep

9:40 pm on Apr 29, 2007 (gmt 0)

If you have two cd-roms; try putting your xp disk in the other drive and reboot.

At the command control panel prompt try the following command:

chkdsk \r

This will check your hard drive for errors and automatically attempt to repair them if you use the \r switch.

Blacksheep

10:49 pm on Apr 29, 2007 (gmt 0)

Ok bad habit of using the wrong switch command

Switch should be /r

For a switch command use the slash under the question mark on the keyboard.