Microsoft KB Archive/823614

= Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the C:\windows\system32\config\system File is Missing or Corrupt =

PSS ID Number: 823614

Article Last Modified on 11/12/2003

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to start Microsoft Windows XP, you may receive the following error message:

Windows could not start because the C:\windows\system32\config\system file is missing or corrupt.

Additionally, Windows may not start.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this behavior, start the Windows XP Recovery Console, and then restore the C:\Windows\System32\Config\System file from the C:\Windows\Repair\System file. To do this, follow these steps:  Use the Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD to restart your computer. When the Welcome to Setup screen appears, press R to select the To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R option. Type the number of the Windows installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console, and then press ENTER. Type the administrator password when you are prompted to do so, and then press ENTER.

Note If no administrator password exists, just press ENTER.  At the command prompt, type the following commands (press ENTER after each command):  CD C:\Windows\System32\Config REN system system.old COPY C:\Windows\Repair\system  Remove the Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD.</li> To exit the Recovery Console and restart the computer, type exit, and then press ENTER.

During startup, Windows detects your computer hardware and then starts.</li></ol>

Keywords: kbprb KB823614

Technology: kbWinXPHome kbWinXPHomeSearch kbWinXPPro kbWinXPProSearch kbWinXPSearch

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