My computer won't run normally when I turn it on. I get this: "system32\config\system is missing or corrupt."

Question

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you SO much!

Answer 1

try this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us

On the MS support webpage(the above link) is a great guided help that can automatically perform the steps for you.


If that doesn't work try goggling the exact error message for help, or use the OS cd to do a repair using recovery console. Still get an error? Last resort is to to a clean install of the OS.

Answer 2

Hi, all you need to do to fix this lil problem is shut off ur comp, then when you turn it back on, immediatly hit "delete" a bunch of times untill a new screen pops up. in this new screen, run your computer in "safe mode" or under"last known good configuration". OR, if you can't even get to that screen, you may have to re-download your opperating system. To do that, just pop the disk in, and if it doesnt read, start up you computer and keep hitting F8, then re-arrange what starts first on your comp, and make the CD ROM the first to start (it doesnt matter what runs after that). Then, you will be golden. If that still doesnt work, email me back at [e-mail] or the email address that this answer is listed under.

Answer 3

Congratulations, your hard drive just crashed. The only way to fix this problem is to bring the computer to someone who knows a lot about the hardware who can block out he corrupted sectors and get your computer running again. The other (and more expensive) option is to buy a new hard drive and install a new Operating System on it and start from scratch

Answer 4

just because your system32 folder isnt there doesnt mean it crashed, and running your comp in safe mode wont fix it if the file is missing

its funny because the system32 folder is listed under the windows folder, but it isnt apparently in the error message, try creating 2 folders, in these 2 locations

c:/system32/config/system
c:/windows/system32/config/system

if that doesnt work im me and ill help ya out, the program is probably just trying to find the folder, not create one, it doesnt mean there has to be something in the folder

Answer 5

as everyone said yes your system has crashed as you undoubtedly know. but get yourself to www.grc.com and buy a copy of spinrite run it try it and if it fails to fix your problems claim your moneyback. they do that you know a moneyback guarantee.
but thats only if system restore fails to recover your hard drive.

boot up your system in safe mode with networking (windows XP) while your system is booting when you see the system start to load befor the os starts to load press and hold F8 for a second or two no longer then as stated use the up and down arrow keys to scroll to the option you need.
once booted go to the system restore optiion. you may be able to instead of booting to safe mode boot to last know good, this may be your best option where available.

good luck i hope this helps a little

Answer 6

im gonna take a wild guess. you got a system virus. replug and try it again. if it doesn't work call your company{ie like hp or microsoft} i have a problem with my ip registering with ROADRUNNER sometimes but this seems like a complete system configuration. sorry i couldn't be of better help. wait for someone who is smarter than me, they may be able to help more.

Answer 7

I got this same error msg,reformatted and reinstalled xp pro,ran for afew minutes just great,then it happened again.My six mo. old Seagate drive crashed. Your config.sys files just don't go away,without a major reason.Just sent my drive back to Seagate,thankful for that old puter lerking in my closet.

Answer 8

okay it is no big prob. just backup your important files and reformat your hard drive and reinstall everything again.

Answer 9

do a system restore and that should fix everything