Hi,
I seem to have an unsolvable problem relating to a corrupt registry. From internet forum searches, this would appear to be because the registry file has exceeded 18 megs.

When starting my computer, I get the error message that windows cannot start due to a missing or corrupted file "windows\system32\config\system

The various forums suggest the cure of running the windows installation cd and selecting the repair console option "r", then a password which leads to the repair console itself.

However, when I do this, and select "1" as the only windows installation I have, instead of the password screen, I get notification that a problem has been detected, and windows has shut down to prevent damage to the computer. A recommendation is given to check hardware and software installations, and to try starting in safe mode.

When starting in safe mode, I end up with the error message that the computer cannot start due to the missing or corrupted file "windows\system32\...............
I'm just going round in circles.

"There's a hole in my bucker, Dear Liza..........."

Can anyone offer advice to break the cintinuing circle?

Ron

Hi Ron,

Please try this fix from Microsoft.
How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

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Hi,
I suppose you tried the procedure as described in this article
How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
Unfortunately,it doesn't tell you what to do if this doesn't work.

I've seen a lot of people with this problem having to re-install from scratch.
I would do this as a last resort effort,but failing a better solution,you may have to.
You could try one of the various rescue disks.
Since it seems you have access to another computer,if you decide to reinstall
and want to save your data, install the unbootable drive as a slave and
save what you want on the main drive.
Wipe the slave drive and reinstall on your pc.Then do the reinstall.
The data can be transferred later via USB.

Let's see if you get some other replies.There are a lot of clever people on this forum

Hi Dutchie,
Thanks for your reply.

Yes, the Microsoft XP repair bulletin was one of the first options I tried, but as explained, when either re-installing windows from the original cd rom, or selecting the repair console option, I end up with the same windows shut-down message to protect the computer. I don't get as far as the passowrd screen. If only I could !!

Unfortunately, it doesn't say protection from what. Bill Gates would make things a lot easier if he could point me in the right direction !!

I've also downloaded a couple of windows start-up files via my laptop and tried booting up with them, but I always end up with the same shut down message.

I reckon I'm with you in thinking the only way is to remove the hard drive, slave it to another computer and either fix the registry file, or save the contents to a good drive and re-format the disc to start again from scratch.

Still, as you say, there a lot of clever people out there so I'll see if anyone has had this problem before.

Ron

Hi Ron,

Well it looks like there isn't much of a response,
however,I do have some more info for you.
The following info is not meant to be the "be all,end all"solution,
but I'm sure some of it will work.

Rescue discs,Boot discs and Live CDs.
Bart's Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD
Good ,but has a Linux desktop-just have to get used to that.

UBCD for Windows
Has Windows desktop.Lots of apps (you could take out some if you want)

Also check out The CD Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)

and Bootdisk.Com

Keep those in your favs,you never know when they would come in handy

For myself I have also used DSL (Damn Small Linux),Knoppix and a few more.
I ran a whole week on DSL while sorting out my problem.

Still,there are other solutions.
A couple of times I simply used an empty HD and XXCopy
XXCOPY, a Versatile File Management Utility --- Boldly Extended Xcopy to tranfer all my files.
Acronis True Image helped as well.

Also used an external USB HD and a regular HD on an USB to IDE or SATA adaptor.I have more info about that.
Please PM me,I'm running out of time (space) here

Pete.

Dutchie,
Have downloaded the UBCD and tried that, but no further forward.
I'll keep plodding along though.
In the meantime, may I sincerely thank you for your time and efforts in helping me and in providing the various links. It's really appreciated.
Ron

Hi Ron,

Sorry I'm a bit late getting back to you.Meant to do it earlier,but
was tied up with some tax returns.

Also sorry that you had no luck yet,but more help is on the way
Yes,you may,go ahead.Just kidding
Anyway,youre welcome.
I always gain from problems like this.

Here are some more useful links:
1. Knoppix review
Geek to Live: Rescue files with a boot CD - Lifehacker
2.XP Repair Installation.
How Do I Do a "Repair Installation"?
3.Access Personal Folder on a non-bootable drive
Access Personal Folder on a non-bootable drive - microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin | Grupos de Google
4.Edit Registry using BartPE Bart's Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD bootable CD with the Registry Editor PE plugin Registry Editor PE Home Page to edit the Registry on a non-bootable machine.
5.Interesting thread here with several links re Reg editing.
Scroll down to Solutions.
Operating Systems Miscellaneous: Convert System.dat and User.dat to text?
6.Use Reatogo Live CD to get access to your drive or just use it as a safe alternative to a regular Windows OS.
Reatogo-X-PE Boot CD = BartPE + XPE + Reatogo/BartPE - AutoHelp Plugins

Now,the links are very useful,but at a certain point you may decide that this thing got you beat.
For myself I hardly ever do a re-install.First,because I'm curious to see if I can fix it
and second because I don't like a problem to get the better of me.
However,having said that,there is also an issue of time.
Most repair shops don't troubleshoot if the problem can't be solved quickly.
Instead,they save valuable data and do a fresh install.

If you're handy and can get a new HD for a good price, you could install that
on your machine as your primary drive and make the faulty one the slave.
Install the OS on the primary and then you can take your time to pick and choose what you want to transfer.
After that wipe the drive,format and use as backup.

Another method is to run a Live CD on the PC,connect a USB harddrive and
tranfer either all the contents off the non-bootable drive (or just valuable data) and do a reinstall.
Also check your BIOS and make sure everything is set properly as to booting.
For that matter check all your settings there.

Hope this helps

Pete.