Problem:One day you turn on your computer and have the computer tell you that it’s missing “\windows\system32\config\system” Nothing you do gets windows to boot normally.
Fix: Multiple causes. Read on.
This error might happen for a variety of reasons so I’ll post a few methods on dealing with this starting with the simplest and most obvious to the more complex.
FIRST METHOD:
- Take a look around at your computer. Try to remember if you bought any new printers, video cards or any other type of device that plugs into the computer recently.
- Unplug them. The new devices might be causing this error.
- Unplug any USB devices or extension devices using serial or parallel connectors.
- Reboot and see if that works.
SECOND METHOD:
- This could be a bad hard drive. Download hard drive diagnostics software from your drive manufacturer and run the “extended” or “full” tests.
- If the software points to the drive being defective then you’ve gotta get a new hard drive.
THIRD METHOD:
- You need to load into the Windows recovery console using your Windows XP OS Disc. I’ll assume you know how to do this. (If you don’t it’s really easy, just ask me on the forums and I’ll be glad to outline the steps.)
- Making sure you’re logged into the proper windows installation, type in “chkdsk /r.” This will force windows to do a thorough disk check and fix any errors it finds.
- After it is done try booting into windows.
FORTH METHOD:
Try the registry resetting method from Microsoft Knowledge Base article 307545.
How to explain this problem to the client: This was caused by something breaking or corrupted a part of windows. It could be caused by a bad hard drive or another means like a virus or improper installation/uninstall of a program.
Good luck and tell me how it goes on the forums.