missing WINDOWS files

[misman1982]

What is contained in the c:\WINDOWS\system32\config\system? I think I erased that file trying to recover a file within that folder.

Hit me over the head...I know...bad thing to do

 

[NickCat11]

Misman,

I am not quite sure of the severity of the file but you could experience a problem eventually if the system calls for it. You may even get a boot error if the system calls for it when you turn on or reboot your cpu. If that happens you will probably need to do a repair installation from your Windows XP CD. Another option is to locate the file on the CD, copy it, and then transfer it back over to the correct folder. Hope this helps.

Nick

 

[misman1982]

I'm going to try the latter and hope to find that file on the CD

 

[linney]

That location contains all the Registry Hives required to be loaded by Windows. A worse area to make a mistake in I cannot imagine.

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

This is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language.

Do you have any backups?

Your next reboot may be the last unless you can replace the deleted file. Did the Recycle Bin catch it?

If you haven't rebooted yet, when you do you could try it via and using System Restore.

How did you delete this file, if you have, because you couldn't do it from within Windows due to its self protection and Permissions?

 

[misman1982]

I made the mistake of erasing it in the Recovery Console. Checked in the Windows website to find a repair and it said to follow the steps. I assumed the only corrupt file was within one folder and copied that file and proceeded to delete the original. To my lack of skill in this area, I realized I didn't copy the c:\WINDOWS\system32\config\system folder and it was deleted.

 

[misman1982]

linney,
I followed those same steps in the link you provided, but I didn't follow the exact steps.

Where can I find the whole folder of \windows\system32\config\system on the CD? Is it specific to the brand of the company?

 

[linney]

I think it is one of those folders that is actually created during Windows Setup. As I said it holds the Registry Hives and SAM files , you are not likely to find them on any CD other than a backup CD that you may have created.

Your System Restore files (Hidden System files) will have a copy of these files in a folder called Snapshop. The files may have to be Renamed to match how they appear in the Config folder. In the System Restore folder they are known as "_registry_machine_software", but in the Config folder they are known as "Software" etc.

How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;309531&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

If you read through (

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

) the first link I posted you will see what I mean.

If you are able to get the files from the latest System Volume Information/RPxx/Snapshot folder you may fix your problem.

As you are dealing with sensitive areas of Windows these sort of procedures can only be attempted successfully out of the problem Windows environment. That is why it is necessary to perform these adventurous maneuvers in the Recovery Console, BartPE, or a Parallel Install of Windows.

Cannot logon to winxp...losing lots of valuable documents
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