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Posted on Jan 04, 2013
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\WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM computer says that its either missing or corrupt. how do I fix

I have the reinstallation cd but can't get it to work

1 Answer

  • Official Brand Answer 560 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 04, 2013
DellCares
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Dean,

To resolve this issue you can boot to Windows disk and run the "Repair Install" on one of the setup screens. This should repair the system32/config allowing you to boot back into Windows.

Step 1

Place the Windows XP Professional installation CD into your computer's disc drive and restart your computer.
Step 2

Press any key on your keyboard when you see the message "Press any key to boot from CD..." appear on the screen.
Step 3

Press the "Enter" key and then press the "F8" key.
Step 4

Select your Windows XP installation and then press the "R" key. The repair installation process begins, and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to finish. Once the process has finished, you can use the computer again.


Thank You,
Dell-Jesse L
Dell Social Media and Communities

4 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1226 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 04, 2008

SOURCE: Problem booting up dell dimension 2300 desktop.

You have no choice either you should reinstall your system, you should provide windows CD/DVD installation and boot your system using this disk.

However; you should backup your important files be cause most likely the all files will be removed during the installation process.

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Peter VanderStoep

  • 94 Answers
  • Posted on May 08, 2009

SOURCE: not starting up

use the recovery CD to start, maybe it can fix the issue as well.

WARNING: Do NOT allow it to replace the information without backing up, it could set it to factory 'zero'

Anonymous

  • 151 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 14, 2010

SOURCE: The computer want start it said that

If you still have your windows xp install disc, you can boot into the recovery console to run the "chkdsk" utility.

you may need to hit F12 at start-up to enter the boot menu so you can boot off the CD. The Message "Press any key to boot off CD/DVD" should appear (you have about 10 seconds to do this, otherwise the PC boots normally)

after the install disc runs through its start-up you should have an option to run the "recovery console" by pressing "R"

at the command prompt (C:\) type in "chkdsk /f" and let it run. Type "exit" after the utility is finished and see if the PC will boot normally.

Tomas Klinsky

  • 12 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 31, 2011

SOURCE: following files missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system

Well this means one of important files needed to start Windows is corrupted (it's a registry file).
I'd recommend repairing Windows installation. If you have Windows XP and also the Original Windows CD follow: this guide.

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0helpful
1answer

Saying:/windows/system32/config/system is missing or corrupted n i dnt now how to fix it wut link exactly do i have to download to my usb to fix it n wut r the steps?

Assuming it is windows XP here are the steps to fix that error:
To complete part one, follow these steps:
  1. Insert the Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
    Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.
  2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
  3. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.
  4. When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
  5. At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following lines, pressing ENTER after you type each line:md tmp
    copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
    copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
    copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
    copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
    copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

    delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
    delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
    delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
    delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
    delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

    copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
    copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
    copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
    copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
    copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default
  6. Type exit to quit Recovery Console. Your computer will restart.
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tip

How To Fixed Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
  1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
  2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
  3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
    Typically this will be #1
  4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
  5. cd \windows\system32\config
  6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
    ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
  7. Depending on which section was corrupted
    copy \windows\repair\system
    copy \windows\repair\software
  8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit
on Sep 20, 2010 • Computers & Internet
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I have an evo n610c and it started up with a message that says, "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM You can attempt to repair thi

To repair missing or corrupted system file/s, boot up with the Windows installation CD then - Press R to repair when instructed. Press 1 or Enter to repair the C:\Windows folder. Then type chkdsk /r and then press Enter. The repair process will take quite a long time.
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System32 file missing or corrupt

You may find some help on YouTube. Open the link below and check out the thumbnails on the right for further help


PC Repair File missing or corrupt windows system32 config system
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Following files missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system

Well this means one of important files needed to start Windows is corrupted (it's a registry file).
I'd recommend repairing Windows installation. If you have Windows XP and also the Original Windows CD follow: this guide.
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your windows was corrupt
the only way to fix this problem is reinstall your windows, use windows cd or recovery cd to reinstall your windows
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When I turn on the 1525 Dell laptop...a screen comes up saying windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt.windowssystem32configsystem. The page then suggests attempt to repair...

it is nothing but windows registry error. do one thing in another pc download the Hiren's boot cd from internet, write that file in a cd, try to boot from that cd & repair the registry. otherwise just format the operating system & reload the OS.
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insert the windows disc and reinstall the program the might solve your problem and if it doesnt let me know.
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