Repairing 'system32' problem for XP

[Dj-Icer]

I have a problem and here's the problem
I receive this message after I have restarted my PC.

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
You can attempt to repair this file by restarting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair

There was no problem after I have done all that I was told until I got myself in the Windows (XP) Setup. I pressed 'r' and it will eventually bring you back to MS-DOS again. And here's what it says in white text:

Microsoft Windows XP (TM) Recovery Console.

The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality.

Type "EXIT" to quit the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

1:C:\WINDOWS
Which Windows installation would you like to log onto (to cancel, press ENTER)?

I type '1' of my choosing and then ENTER. And here's what I get after that..

C:\WINDOWS>

What happens after that? But how can I repair the problem? It's manual and how am I suppose to correct that? Please, I just need the commands to repair my "WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM" back.

I'm thinking of installing my Win XP back but then it says, it will eventually overwrite my \Windows; all subfolders, applications, security, My Documents and so on. But would it also delete my programs installed in C: drive? Or just overwritten in \WINDOWS folder.
Please I need help! I really need someone who really knows about this one. Which ones are okay for me: install my XP back or just repair the specific problem?
All help will be much appreciated and thank you in super advance

[John Prophet]

It wont overwrite your programs unless you choose to format.

Have you tried "system restore" to roll it back to before you had the problem??

JP

[Dj-Icer]

That's what I thought about anyways. Then I shall overwrite it then by pressing the 'L' to continue installing.

How do u do "system restore"? Can't remember but I thought you can only do your system restore when you're in Windows. But right now, I can't even access into Windows. If there are anyways, I need to know how do I get the system restore to fix the problem.

[sam]

read this thread it mite help http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...threadid=82079

[sam]

skip the first option of repair and click on install xp then it will start the install and find the first copy of XP and ask you what to do:format ,repair or create another partition . click on the first copy of xp and click R for repair



EDIT: ok i just put my disk in and clicked install windows xp then a window pops up and asks what type of install:upgrade or new install click on new install then it should get you to where it will find the existing windows and ask you to repair ect..

[Dj-Icer]

So its kinda look like i should go for installing it in
I'm not sure but i kinda understand the way the 'repair' works. But does that all happen in MS-DOS? Have in mind that I cannot get into my Windows XP. So all of this happen is at MS-DOS. I'm actually working at the blue screen, Windows Setup. I'm thinlking of installing my XP and hope it won't delete my programs available, would it? Hesitation!

[Dj-Icer]

I talked to someone and he said it will eventually delete the C:, and that includes all programs, applications, destop settings whatever and etc.
I have to go back to the thread 82079, to see if I can understand the way how it should be working without having all applications and programs disturb.

[John Prophet]

can you boot in safe mode? If you can boot into safe mode you can do system restore

JP

[John Prophet]

I think the person is wrong about using the repair option....if it was really going to format the c:..then why would they have a "repair" option in the first place.

Lets see if we can get a second opinion from some other guys in the forum

JP

[Dj-Icer]

how to setup safe mode? hope the system restore is the recent one...

Long ago, i did try the system restore but I refuse to because it will eventually restore some 2-3 weeks back. So i would probably lost a lot of my data. My own opinion is that i want it repaired but i dont know exactly how to. I really thought the recovery thingy is automated but it isn't