missing/corrupt file \windows\system32\config\sys

[bdorman]

I have the error msg Win XP could not start....or corrupt:
\WIndows\system32\config\system

I've read through all the threads and have the MS Recovery Console support instructions, but I cannot get past the copy C:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system. I get the error message file not found, and according to the instructions, ALL registry hives must be replaced. Tried the [line]1[/line] copy c:\WIN... \system.[line]1[/line] fix but get the error msg "Command not found". Type HELP for list of commands.

Any other suggestions.

Thanks.

[Jerry K]

Microsoft has a very informative page of reading material dealing with this problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

[bdorman]

thanks, but those are the instruction's I'm using..it is just that one file that is not available.

Oh, well, to the repair shop we go, 'cause I'm getting past my level of expertise.

[Jerry K]

are you needing a particular file? If so, name it and I will try to help you.

[bdorman]

when I try this:
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system I get a msg. FIle Not Found

I cannot do the [line]1[/line] copy.... command I get something like command not allowed. type HELP for a list of commands.

[Jerry K]

Are you using Windows XP retail or an OEM version?

If your ..\config\system is really missing, its probably due to data corruption of viruses. You should try to run chkdsk from the Windows Recovery Console (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000627.htm) and issue the following commands:

chkdsk /f

Wait for it to scan/repair your file system and see what the results are. Then issue the command:

copy "C:\Windows\Repair\System" "C:\Windows\System32\config"

If your error message is a pop up box or something else other than an unpassable black screen with white letters, then you probably have some hoax virus. Lsass.exe has often been the causes of viruses, so it wouldn't surprise me if this is caused by one.

The above commands will restore a previous (and hopefully working) copy of your registry.

Check this page out: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how...air_a_stop.htm

[bdorman]

ChkDsk /r worked, found and repaired some errors.
But, when I tried the copy "C:\Windows\Repair\System" "C:\Windows\System32\config", I still get the error "File not found"
In viewing the directory, the the C:\windows\repair file is there and under this file, these are my option's..system is not one of them

autoexec.nt
config.nt
default
DS_SAM
DS_SECURITY
DS_SOFTWARE
ntuser.dat
sam
secsetup.int
security
setup.log
software

I went to the websites you suggested and they're all the same info. None have any suggestions on what to do if the file is missing.

I appreciate your help.