[juspimoubbodo]

I have a second hand laptop I use when travelling to store photos and run Oziexplorer (gps), it has died with the error--
Windows could not start because the following file is missing
\windows\system32\config\system

Win xp home edition. I have tried deleting and rebuilding boot.ini but I only have a copy of xp pro and it doesn't seem to work. Because I haven't got home edition I am wondering if a repair install to xp pro would work, not the full install just the repair install, I think it probably wont from my experience so far, in which case is there a way to get the laptop hard drive into a PC just to make sure I have all the photos off it. Usually everything is backed up but I am not sure what my wife has been putting on it.

[Nicihntm]

I have a second hand laptop I use when travelling to store photos and run Oziexplorer (gps), it has died with the error--
Windows could not start because the following file is missing
\windows\system32\config\system

That error message is associated with a corrupted registry. Read through this Microsoft Knowledge Base article as fixes are sometimes possible.

You will need to use the Recovery Console. Which is part of the installation disks for the operating system or can be downloaded as burnt as an image so it is bootable. Some laptops and notebooks don't have full installation CDs, they have a recovery partition which is accessed from the startup splashscreen or similar. You can download it separately as per http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic270018.html Bleeping Computer is an established reputable site if you haven't run into it before.

[juspimoubbodo]

That error message is associated with a corrupted registry. Read through this Microsoft Knowledge Base article as fixes are sometimes possible.

Thanks ilago, I will give that a go,
If it goes pear shape will I need the original disks? (xp Home) the donor of the laptop is away on holidays, he may not still have them anyway.

[Nicihntm]

Thanks ilago, I will give that a go,
If it goes pear shape will I need the original disks? (xp Home) the donor of the laptop is away on holidays, he may not still have them anyway.

Use the download recovery console first. The fix usually works - it's a very common problem and happened a lot on Windows 2000.

You will need installation disks for the same version that is installed - i.e. XP Home or XP Pro and the right SP if possible. It doesn't need to be the disks that came with the computer as long it's the right version. Repair installation instructions are here The thread is very long but worth reading right through as lots of the questions you might have are already in the thread.

[juspimoubbodo]

You will need installation disks for the same version that is installed - i.e. XP Home or XP Pro and the right SP if possible.

OK thanks again ilago, I think this will need to wait until easter is over, it will be difficult hunting down xp home with everyone away.

[igs00r]

If all else fails, you can always boot the machine off an Ubuntu (or similar) disk or memory stick installation and then you can access all of the Windows files and then backup things as needed.


Download Ubuntu, it's free!

[juspimoubbodo]

If all else fails, you can always boot the machine off an Ubuntu (or similar) disk or memory stick installation and then you can access all of the Windows files and then backup things as needed.


Download Ubuntu, it's free!

Thanks FSM I was that concentrated on Microsoft Wiindows I didn't even think of that, I have Ubuntu on CD so I can certainly check out what needs saving before I get in too deep. (shakes head, "why didn't I think of that")