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Ron Martell <> wrote in
news:

>> I've been running winXP corporate edition for over a year without
>> any problems. I hear it's like XP Pro, but with no need to
>> register. Last night, I had some problems with software (mail and
>> acrobat writer from ms word).
>> This morning, I can't even boot up.
>> I have had help here from XP Pro users and it hasn't helped b/c
>> Corporate is a little different.
>> I get this message:
>> __________________________________________________ ____
>> windows could not start because the following file is missing or
>> corrupt: \winnt\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
>>
> How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry That Prevents Windows XP
> from Starting
> Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 307545
> http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=307545

This procedure will restore your system but if you read the KB article,
it will not work if you have an OEM-installed operating system. If
this is your case (and even if it isn't), the best way to get back up
is to boot your computer from a BartPE CD and simply copy the files
from their backup location in "c:\system volume information" to your
config directory as described in the above KB article (essentially
combining Parts 1 thru 3). BartPE is free and may be found at:
<http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/>

HTH,
John

why? <fgrirp*sgc@VAINY!Qznq.fpvragvfg.pbz> wrote in
news::

>> You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup
>> using the original Setup CD-ROM.
>> Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.
>
> It helps to have a backup of the registry files. Without this it's
> really a lost cause. If there is a backup in the repair folder it
> may be very old.
>
>

In Windows XP, there are usually lots of recent registry backups stored
as restore points in the hidden directory c:\System Volume Information
(as is described in KB article #307545). The trick is accessing them
with a non-booting system. BartPE can do this handily, but you must be
able to boot from a CD...
<http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/>

Good Luck,
John

On Sat, 24 Apr 2004 11:59:34 -0700, John Wunderlich wrote:

>why? <fgrirp*sgc@VAINY!Qznq.fpvragvfg.pbz> wrote in
>news: :
>
>>> You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup
>>> using the original Setup CD-ROM.
>>> Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.
>>
>> It helps to have a backup of the registry files. Without this it's
>> really a lost cause. If there is a backup in the repair folder it
>> may be very old.
>>
>>
>
>In Windows XP, there are usually lots of recent registry backups stored
>as restore points in the hidden directory c:\System Volume Information
<snip>

Why tell me, I don't have the problem.

>Good Luck,
> John

Me