windows could not start because the following file is miss..

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin (More info?)

punchy wrote:

> When i start my computer I receive this error message:
> "Windows could not start because the file is missing or corrupt:
> \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
>
> I need to know what to type in the recovery console to copy the file
> from my XP CD. I get to the C:\WINDOWS prompt but am unsure what to do
> next. Can anyone help me out?
> Thanks

Please don't multipost; crosspost judiciously if you must. Here's a link
to explain:

http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

I already answered your post in the other newsgroup. When you go to the
link above, you'll understand why multiposting is so annoying. In any
case, since I'm here right now - here's the information you need
(again):

Windows\system32\config\system File Is Missing Or Corrupt - With this
error, when XP won't start, boot with the XP CD and go to the Recovery
Console. Type:

cd system32\config [enter]
ren system system.old [enter]
ren system.alt systemalt.old [enter]
copy c:\windows\repair\system [enter]
copy c:\windows\repair\regback\system [enter]
exit

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User