computer won't go to windows..please help

I updated windows and after rebooting I got a messege saying I had a corrupt file. tHIS IS WHAT THE MESSEGE READ:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

\WINDOWS\SYSTEMS32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows SAetup using the original Setup CD-ROM.

Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.


Selecting 'r' is not an option. Can I do a recovery console and will this save all my files etc. I can't bear to lose anything.



INspiron 600m Windows XP professional







-Thanks
M

Hi and welcome to the WTT forums.


Please take the opportunity now to bring your back up/archive/copy of all your important stuff 100% up to date, check that it's accurate, reproducible and held securely on removable media (not your hard drive)……
the idea here is to ensure that all your important data, files, spreadsheets, work, music, emails, log in details, user names, address book, drivers, letters, invoices, videos etc….in fact everything that is important to you (stuff that you would not like to permanently lose) is kept safe on external media.

Whilst you are doing this collect together all your application installation discs (or downloaded installation executables) serial numbers, product licence keys (including the one
for Windows itself and the Microsoft Windows installation disc and or Manufacturer's Restore and Driver /utilities discs. If you have made a disc image then keep this safe also on removable media and ensure you have made a bootable CD/DVD for use in the event that Windows will not start.

If your back up/copy /archive is not 100% then it would be best to copy off the data using a Live Linux disc..Knoppix or Puppy are good, or if your prefer the Windows environment a Barts Pre Installed Environment.
Alternatively you could remove the hard drive, and use it in an external (USB case) and copy off the data to a different machine.

Once your data is secure and you have also noted all your passwords, serial keys and the like you will be able to relax a little and then use the Dell Restore discs discs to set your machine back to its "Factory State……..
IMPORTANT NOTE using the discs will usually wipe out all data on your machine…you will lose everything….. so do check that your copy/back up/archive is secure, reliable, reproducible and 100% in every way before you start. (It would not be overkill to make a second independent copy of your archive/copy backup kept safely also on removable media)
To download Linux Puppy 4.1 (which is a relatively small file size for such a comprehensive operating system (well under 100MB) that will run in memory take a look here:
http://www.puppylinux.com/download/index.html

It is a little bit of work to back up all your stuff and if you haven't done it in the past then its time to start now…….

Post back if you need any further information
Regards
paws

Hi Paws, Sorry to butt in. I know you've mentioned it already, but can i also stress to meme3160 that it's a great idea to download all drivers from the Dell website for the machine in question so that if a format becomes necessary, or the PC is repaired but loses the drivers etc that there is a way to get the LAN and sound working again. I know when i first formatted my PC i forgot to get the drivers before the format and had to use another PC to download and save the drivers onto a pen drive! 'Bob

Hello,
Do you have your xp disc? if not;
Here is a link that you can download the recovery console to your desktop.
And here is a link that tells you how to make the disc.
This is used to repair your computer, using the proper utilitys.
THEN;
System Restore using Recovery Console
This procedure can be used when windows will not start and Safe Mode options are not effective. It allows access to the system restore folders in order to recover from a corrupt registry. This is particularly useful when dealing with machines that didn't come with a recovery cd, the cd does not contain the option to run a repaie installation, or you are using the RC.iso cd.
Boot from the Windows XP installation CD…after the first several screens load, you will be given a choice to choose R for Recovery Console. You will then be asked to log in. Choose the installation to be repaired by number (usually 1) and press "Enter". When you are asked for the Administrator password, leave it blank and press "Enter".

When you get to the recovery console prompt:
• Type cd \ and press "Enter".
• Type cd system~1\_resto~1 and press "Enter".
• Type dir and press "Enter".
After you press enter you will see a list of folders (like rp1, rp2) If the list of restore points has more than one page then press the "Enter" key until you reach the end of the list.
• Type cd rp {number of the second to last folder in the list} and press "Enter". (Example: Type cd rp9 if rp10 is the last restore point.)
• Type cd snapshot and press "Enter".
• Type copy _registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system and press "Enter".
• Type copy _registry_machine_software c:\windows\system32\config\software and press "Enter".
• Type exit and press "Enter".
Your PC will reboot.

If you get an access denied error when doing the above, then do the following at the recovery console:
• Type cd \ and press "Enter".
• Type cd windows\system32\config and press "Enter".
• Type ren system system.bak and press "Enter".
• Type exit and press "Enter".
Your PC will reboot, go back into the Recovery Console and start from the beginning.

In the future back up back up back up!

HFCG
If I do the System Restore using Recovery Console will I lose any of my data on my hard drive or will it be all there once I get things going?

Thanks for your help …

No