Error at Windows startup – file system32\config\system is corrupted

In case that Windows startup screen says “specified file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM” does not yet need to panic and reinstall Windows. For some reason was damaged file WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM (no, it is not a bug – it is truly a file without an extension, not a directory). Fortunately, Windows can create a variety of backup critical system files and have not forgotten on the abovementioned file SYSTEM.


So using the Setup boot Windows CD (… and a pile of luck) to manage the installation of the operating system restore. Just insert your Windows installation CD into the drive and boot from it. Right from the initial screen press “R” to start the console for system recovery (black screen). If you enter sequence of commands exactly as showed below, everything should be solved. You just probably lose some settings, such as desktop resolution, the disposition of icons and other system stuff.
So here are the commands:

cd system32\config {press enter}
ren system system.old {press enter}
copy c:\windows\repair\system {press enter}
exit {press enter}
Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*