Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

BC
Lv 6
BC asked in Computers & InternetSoftware · 1 decade ago

WinXP Pro recovery console question:?

My computer won't boot. Error message says file "windows\system32\config\system" is missing or currupt and suggests I attempt to repair it by booting from my install CD and selecting "r" for repair. No problem . . . except that nothing happens and Microsoft provides no additional information on how to fix my problem. Further research says I should do this while running Windows, but that's the problem --- I cannot access Windows. Anyone know of a quick fix? I have to recover data on the hard drive before trying any clean installs of WinXP.

And please, sincere answers only: I do not intend to switch to a Mac or any other Microsoft alternative. Thanks in advance.

Update:

Thanks to both channelee and Bsoxer for their answers. I followed channelee's directions, and WinXP loaded great with no loss of data. Once I backup everything, I probably will do a clean install just to get rid of some internet trash. I've also bookmarked the site Bsoxer gave me, because it explained in great detail how to fix many WinXP problems. Again, thanks to both of you.

Update 2:

My apologies to redsoxer for calling you Bsoxer . . . but hey, it's still a great team. Right?

4 Answers

Relevance
  • π²
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    If you have a restore point, try using F8 (or any other advanced boot menu key if it's listed) from CMOS bootup screen and then selecting "use last known good configuration".

    Otherwise just reinstall windows (WITHOUT REFORMATTING THE DRIVE, instead use Replace current installation) and get the files off, then do a complete format if thats what you're going for.

  • 1 decade ago

    I suggest that you try to carryout system restore to a day previous to the day when there was no virus or any problems. It may be a few weeks or months back. You have to decide the date. Detailed instructions are posted at http://fixit.in/systemrestore.html

    The problem is likely to be solved. Then,You insatll a standard antivirus soft ware such as Norton, AVG , Avast ( free antivirus software and Ad-aware, Ewido ( free spyware removers). You can download free softwares at

    http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    This subject many times happens once you load XP professional onto a working laptop or pc employing some DVD gamers. attempt loading it with a CD Rom or CD burner. loads of DVDs pass over some information whilst loading XP expert.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Here's how to do it (with screen shots to guide you).

    http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%...

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.