c\windows\system32\config\system corrupt + Help with Knoppix

NYC · Member Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 5 Points: 0

I received the dreaded error:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt.
c\windows\system32\config\system
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows setup using the original setup CD-ROM.

I have an OEM installed operating system in my IBM laptop.

I do not have access to another PC to create a Knoppix CD in order to back up my files.
Can I purchase it from someone?
Do I also need another Linux CD to repair this problem after backing up the files?

Thanks much.

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PartieHonteuse · Posted: Sun 05/04/2008 9:15pm [Post #2]

You can purchase it from somewhere: http://knopper.net/knoppix-vendors/index-en.php

Have you tried the possibility of the "Recovery console" which is one of the options? Some people have that option in the Boot Menu after installing Service Pack 2.

Partie

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NYC · Member Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 5 Points: 0

No, there is no 'recovery console' option when I interrupt the normal setup. But I can get to the screen that gives me the following options:
------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA Mode
Last Known Good Configuration
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode
Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure
------------------------------------------------------- ------------
I am a newbie to self-directed computer repair and these are my q's.
Question 1:
When I receive the Knoppix CD, should my order of business be to
a)backup my files using that CD and then
b)try to repair the registry (using the tutorials for both)?

Question 2:
Have users with an OEM-installed Windows system had success doing this?

Question 3:
Does it matter what version of Knoppix I get? I ordered the 5.1.1 CD.

Question 4:
I read the tutorial on using Knoppix to back up files from an unbootable computer. It says that I should have a flash drive to save the files. Will my external maxtor hard drive with USB connectivity suffice? If not, can you be more specific about what type of flash drive and how big it should be? Confused

My concern is that I don't know whether my computer is FAT32 or NTFS. Therefore, I also don't know whether my Maxtor is FAT32 or NTFS. I am concerned that using Knoppix and copying my hard drive contents to the Maxtor might erase all the files I have already backed up on the Maxtor.

Thanks much.

Info regarding my laptop
IBM T40
30GB
512MB
OS XP Pro

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PartieHonteuse · Posted: Mon 05/05/2008 4:50pm [Post #4]

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NYC · Member Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 5 Points: 0

Thanks, Partie.

That's a relief about FAT32/NTFS not mattering! At least my files will be salvaged. I will proceed with the backup once I receive the Knoppix.

Then, I will use your tutorial "C:\windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupt" and will post the results.
I have read through the article a couple of times, and will proceed with Option 5 since I do not have the recovery console nor the system restore plus my HD is by Toshiba and they do not have a diagnostic. Having an OEM-installed OS is difficult because I can't use the OS cd to fix the issue.
Would you recommend that I use any of these choices below before I start your tutorial? -Will any of these help resolve the error? Or, is the tutorial (Option 5) the best way to resolve this issue and give me a working laptop again?' Smile

------------------------------------------------------ -----------
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA Mode
Last Known Good Configuration
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode
Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure
------------------------------------------------------- ------------

Thanks again for your advice. Smile

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PartieHonteuse · Posted: Mon 05/05/2008 8:28pm [Post #6]

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NYC · Member Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 5 Points: 0

I will give the Hitachi diagnostic a try.
Also, I misspoke, I don't have an OS cd. If I get one from someone else, should I try it or will I face that kernel problem for OEM installed XP that windows talks about?

Thanks!

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PartieHonteuse · Posted: Tue 05/06/2008 6:09am [Post #8]

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NYC · Member Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 5 Points: 0

OK, great, I am on it.
I actually found out that I don't know anyone who has the CD - all of us seem to have been pre-installed so I will call IBM/Lenovo to order it.
If I manage to move all of my files to my hard drive, will installing XP anew make the computer work?
I will try the recovery console method first.
Thanks and will keep you posted.

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