File is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

mh348

mh348

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I get the following error on a Packard Bell EasyNote Notebook,

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
Click to expand...

It was initially giving a "Hal.dll is missing or corrupt", so I replaced the file, now I'm getting the \config\system error.

Has anyone experienced this error and have a solution??
 
My hal.dll file is under C:\WINDOWS\System32\ and is 124k in total, dated 2002/08/29 01:05

I could email it to you.
Send me a PM if this file is suitable.
 
the best thing to do I have find is to do the Recovery install or whatever it is called. That is the install option which basically replaces the system files on your existing install.
 
I'd do a memtest86. Last few times windows gave me a "missing or corrupt" variety error on start-up it was always memory.

Hal.dll = Hardware abstractation layer

There is also a good chance that it is a rootkit/malware trying to stealth itself by replacing some of the dlls.
 
if you're using XP, when ur pc boots up, just after the BIOS screen, press F8 to get the secret menu. choose "Last Known Good Configuration". ur pc should work fine then.
 
You need to replace that file. I have done this plenty of times to recover a crashed windows.

If you are running 2000 or NT there is a good chance that under C:\Windows\Repair there is a backup of a system file which you can use to overwrite the one in the location under c:\windows\system32\config. I am not sure about XP but regardless if you can overwrite that file with another it should work.

Even if you get a system file from another PC, but if you do that just make sure you change all settings back including PC Name, domain, etc etc. And you cant just copy a system file either as access is denied so you will have to find a way. I think I did a backup of that file using a seperate tool but that was ages ago.

I found recovery console can work but the easiest way I overwrite that system file is by using a BartPE pre-windows boot-disk and browsing as normal in the live environment.
 
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it's not necessary to format. whenever people have problems with their pc everyone just jumps up and says format. there's no need for that. i think this is worth a try:

if you're using XP, when ur pc boots up, just after the BIOS screen, press F8 to get the secret menu. choose "Last Known Good Configuration". ur pc should work fine then.
 
Last edited:
mercurial said:
it's not necessary to format. whenever people have problems with their pc everyone just jumps up and says format. there's no need for that. i think this is worth a try:

if you're using XP, when ur pc boots up, just after the BIOS screen, press F8to get the secret menu. choose "Last Known Good Configuration". ur pc should work fine then.
Click to expand...

I agree, a format is a last resort. But it's a nice feeling to format ;)
 
Thanks for the advice, I can't format as it is not my pc. I tried the "Last known good configuration", but it doesn't help

It first gave the Hal.dll error, so I replaced the file from the cd, now it gives this error:

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
 
Can also be a sign that your hard drive is developing bad sectors, and started to remap these.


Also, check your memory with Memtest before doing anything further just in case (as previously pointed out) as a faulty memory module can lead to a corrupted registry.
 
mh348 said:
Thanks for the advice, I can't format as it is not my pc. I tried the "Last known good configuration", but it doesn't help

It first gave the Hal.dll error, so I replaced the file from the cd, now it gives this error:

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSYSTEM
Click to expand...

sorry mate. see what happens if u do that thing again that i told u to do, but choose safe mode.
 
mh348 said:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSYSTEM
Click to expand...
That's the location of the registry hives as far as I know. Your registry has been corrupted.

Try the instructions at: KB307545
 
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mh348 said:
Thanks for the advice, I can't format as it is not my pc. I tried the "Last known good configuration", but it doesn't help

It first gave the Hal.dll error, so I replaced the file from the cd, now it gives this error:

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSYSTEM
Click to expand...

Follow the instructions I posted a link to. The system registry file is corrupt. The instructions I posted let you get into the system so as to recover the last good file from the system restore folders.
 
Claymore said:
Follow the instructions I posted a link to. The system registry file is corrupt. The instructions I posted let you get into the system so as to recover the last good file from the system restore folders.
Click to expand...

According to that article it says that, that method shouldn't be used on OEM systems, this Laptop probably has a OEM OS.

On what type of system did you do it? I don't want to take a chance since it's not my laptop.
 
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