Hello,

I have a Toshiba laptop with Win XP Home, was surprised to find this message waiting for me when I booted up:

*****

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by Starting Windows Setup using the original setup CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

*****

The problem is that I bought this machine with Win98, and later upgraded to WinXP. I have the 98 disc but when I insert it and press 'r', it tells me that to install it will need to wipe out my hard drive.

I've tried going through the startup menu, various Safe Modes, booting from CD-ROM, etc ... nothing is working. If I could just get a generic set of config files in there, at least that would get me into Windows where I could back my stuff up.

Though it would be nice if it told me the exact file it was looking for.

Has this ever happened to anyone? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance
SB

Hello Buranis,

Welcome to PCHF.

There are a number of things that can cause this issue, from faulty memory, or turning of f the PC whilst the HDD is active. The Windows 98 Cd your trying to use is no good, you will need your Windows XP setup CD. The good news is, is as long as we can get into the recovery console, you problems should be fairly easy to sort out.

- Insert the CD during startup and press R when prompted to enter the recovery console.
- First of all, try using the command chkdsk /f which will check your hard drive for any errors. This may take a few hours to complete. Once complete, restart and see if you can get into Windows normally.

Hello Buranis Welcome to PCHF

You can also try a full repair install if the chkdsk doesn't work. You can click my XP Repair install link for a guide to doing it.

If you are unable to get a hold of a Windows XP disc to try that, the only other options would be to either install your hard drive in another working computer and get your important stuff off of the drive, then just format and go back to Win 98. Or, you can try a PE environment like Bart's PE and use that to try to copy your config/system file out of your system volume information folder. I think there is also a generic config/system file on the Win XP disc if your volume info folder one doesn't work. But if you use the one from the XP disc, you'll likely see your computer act really wacky in Windows cause your registry will be messed up that way.

Hopefully that info helps you!

Marked as answered.