System 32 error in XP, BSOD when trying to repair

[RavenStar]

Hello all,

I am hoping someone can give me some insight on this ...

I have a computer that crashed - it didn't seem to have any problems when it was shut down the last time, but on the next start up this error appeared:

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

Now, I've run into this before and have been able to fix it from the recovery console ... the problem now is that I can't even GET to the RC ... when I boot from the XP disc, it starts loading up just fine, then about halfway though the BSOD pops up. And now I just realized that I don't have my notes with me for the BSOD error, so I will have to come back and post that after. But hopefully this will be enough to start some ideas

Thanks!

 

[DelJo63]

the \repair directory is minimal and the registry files there are NEVER updated from an install; ergo anything you've installed will be lost in the sense that the necessary registry entries will be missing even though all the files are still present ;(

here's one kb article

another

the procedure referencing the \repair folder is only STEP-1 of a THREE step process documented here

Another approach is to Restore a System Restore Point using

C:\Windows\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe
​

if you can get to ANY bootable condition