How do I repair a corrupt Win XP Pro registry without the original CD?

Question

As far as I can tell, the hard disk is ok (it still shows up in my RAID set), but Windows XP Pro won't boot, and gives me a system error ("windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt.")

Unfortunately I don't have the original OS disc, but i have a XP Media Edition CD, which came with a recent Dell system purchase. I attempted to repair my old comp from the CD, but the Windows Recovery console gave me a "cannot find hard disk" error. The console gives me the same error when I tried formatting a brand new hard disk with the CD, so I am thinking something is up with the Dell software. It's understandable that Dell would prohibit the software being used on any system but the one your bought from them.

So, would a new XP Pro CD work to repair the registry, even if it's not the original, or is there something else I'm missing?

Answer 1

The CD you use must be from the same distribution as the CD used to install the software. If you have a computer that was installed using an OEM version of Windows, a Volume License or Retail copy will not work. The CD must also be of the same edition as well. If you are trying to repair a Home edition machine, a Professional CD will not work.

Unfortunately, without using some illegal tactics I would say that you're SOL on a repair unless you find that CD AND your repair disk.

But, what you can do is reinstall the machine from a new Windows CD and choose to install into a different directory instead of formatting the drive. At least that will allow you to get your data off the machine if you need to.

Answer 2

i have win xp media edition too and i am able to correct my system and return to factory settings via the control panel, there is an option return to factory settings and i can also set save points to return the computer too at later dates if i need too. if you still have the instruction manual for the computer there should be some information in that about it. hope this helped xx

Answer 3

Hope this will help.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

You won't need an XP CD, just a startup disc, which can be freely downloaded from Microsoft.

For XP Home Edition this is the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e8fe6868-6e4f-471c-b455-bd5afee126d8&DisplayLang=en
For XP Prof look here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=55820edb-5039-4955-bcb7-4fed408ea73f&DisplayLang=en

Answer 4

"Registry Mechanic" from http://www.downloads.com works every time for me.