WinXP Boot Issue

[Sorgon2]

I just re-built and loaded everything over the weekend. Yesterday, I had a Windows Update that was small. I ran that and rebooted. After reboot, I got the following:

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


I have read a bit on this issue and cannot figure a fix. I can find no way to get into the Recorvery Console. I used an older WinXP SP1 cd to load up Windows on this machine. That is all I have. I did upgrade to WinXP SP2 (Windows Update) when I set everything up. From what I read, I may not be able to use the boot disk from SP1. I have no SP2 disk. Also, the WinXP SP1 cd is OEM.

Any solutions to fix this or do I need to start over?

 

[Sorgon2]

*bump

Anyone have any feedback on this one?

From what I have read, I may need to wipe (DBAN) and start again/re-install Windows.

Was giving some thought to upgrading to Vista x64. It is a new machine I built and I wouldn't think there would be any issues with drivers..etc.

Thank you.

 

[htne]

Whatever you do, you won't need Dban. If you boot from the XP cd (or the Vista dvd), you will be given the chance to delete any old partitions and create new ones.

Any bootable version of an XP cd should offer you the option to go into the Recovery Console.

 

[Sorgon2]

I have tried that method with the boot XP cd and I cannot get to that point. It starts to reload Windows XP SP1 again and it errors out eventually. I never get a chance to get into the Recovery Console or do anything else. This could be bcs I have an OEM cd of SP1. Also, I loaded SP1 originally and now upgraded to SP2 with Windows Update..so the CD does not match the version.

 

[mechBgon]

What sort of error are you running into?

 

[Sorgon2]

I don't recall the exact error when Windows tries to re-load. I would have to try again to get that. I wouldn't think I would want it to try to re-load again? I was just trying to get to the Recovery Console which I don't seem to have with the OEM WinXP SP1 cd.

This is what I see on regular startup.
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system

It wants me to restore which I am not able to with the software I have or have not figured out. This happens right before the WinXP splash screen on boot up.

 

[Linflas]

Have you looked at this KB article by chance? Also when you did your original installation did you have to hit F6 and load low level disk drivers? If so I think you will need to do that same process to get to the recovery console.

 

[Sorgon2]

I have read that Microsoft support article. It says not to try with an OEM Win cd which I own. I don't recall the F6 option when I loaded. I may have overlooked that option.

I actually bought a Vista (Retail) cd, so I am going to wipe and re-install anyways.

Thank you all for the assistance.