Please help WINN/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEMced

[pm]

This probably will sound like a stupid ? 2 most but I need some help. I am running win 2000 & when I startup I get the msg Windows 200 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINNT/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM32

I know longer have the 2000 startup disk. I have nt & xp pro. I tried using those both but, it keeps going back to the same msg (see above). Ive tried last known config, safemode etc... Is there a way I can bypass this or how can I get rid of op system thru dos w/o the disc or erd. Since microsoft doesnt have support for this (Ive gone on the microsoft page) for this. any help u can give me I would appreciate. I am typing this from my blkbry.

Thanx

[Eg0Death]

System32 is a folder.  Are you sure that you provided the entire error message?

[pm]

here is the enire message.

The top it says starting windows below it is the loading bar

"Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missiong or corrupt:

WINNT/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEMced startup options for windows 2000, press f8. You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows 200
setup using the original setup floppy disk or cd-rom.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start. repair".

That is the entire msg. I dont have the set-up floppy or cd-rom. I have the nt disk & xp.

[patio]

You could try DLoading the 5 floppy set of Win2K from bootdisk.com and run the Recovery Console but i suspect you are going to need to locate a Win2K CD that says Microsoft all over it to repair this problem...

[pm]

Yeah, but getting 2 a diff pc is more difficult. Couldnt I just wipe it clean & reinstall windows? I dont need anything that is currently on there.

[naresh.techie]

HI pm,

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

Insert and boot from your Windows XP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
cd \windows\system32\config
Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

[Eg0Death]

naresh.techie: The user stated in the first post that the system has Windows 2000.

[pm]

thanx. I have tried doing that but it keeps loading & going back 2 tha same error. The pc is reading the cd, but never gives me an option 2 repair the error or install a new os. do u know y?

[Eg0Death]

What options are you given?

[Spoiler]

You really have options....

get a copy of W2K CD and use it to repair your system or....

Wipe it clean and do a full reload of the system with a new operating system.

Post the specs of your machine and we can tell you what it would be able to run...

[pm]

Thanx 4 d reply. How do I wipe it clean if I cant even get into dos 2 remove everything? It will not let me load anything @ all or even give me options 2 do anything.

[Eg0Death]

Windows XP will give you the option to format the hard drive during installation.