Windows XP Startup error 2

[nike23]

The initial error message stated: STOP: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}
The registry cannot load the hive (file):
\SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE
or its log or alternate.
It is corrupt, absent, or not writeable

I have tried this fix,

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

When I type in the command copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system the error: the system cannot find the file specified.
Ever other command worked fine including the command to copy this file to the tmp folder.

Now when the system starts the error message: C:\windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt please run the Recovery Console

Any suggestions or is there a way to recover it from the tmp folder?

Thanks

 

[linney]

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. You may well have the same problems incurred in your previous attempt.

You could try this.

You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[gpalmer711]

You could also try copy c:\windows\tmp\system.bak c:\windows\system32\config\system

This will reinstate your old (and possibly corrupt) System hive.

Now try rebooting and following the rest of the instructions.

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk