Windows Start up

I have Microsoft Windows XP Pro and when I go to turn on my computer it goes to a screen that says, "Windows can not start because a file is missing or corrupt". Then it lists the file a \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. I don't know what to do? I have tried to enter the setup, to see if restoring the defaults or entering in safe mode would help, when you first turn on the computer and when I do it asks for me to enter a password. I have not set a password but it requires one. Is there a default password?

Can someone please help!!!

Check out the instructions on this page. This should fix you right up.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

Good Luck,

Edit: You'll need to use the recovery console to repair/replace that file. If you're not sure how to use the Recovery Console, just follow the instructions on this page:

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprcons.htm

Hmm, I'm not sure about this password deal. At what point exactly is it asking for a password?

Thank you. I will do this now.

If you need more help, just ask.

If you do get things running again, you should do a full virus/spyware scan.

I need to change the BIOS so I can boot the CD but I can not enter setup to change them because it says I need a password. Is there a dafault password?

Bios passwords are generally set by you, the owner or user. The only
suggestion I can give is to check with your Motherboard's manufacturer
and see if they have a default/admin password you can use.

Don't know if any of these will help, but you can give them a try.

The number that I have for my Motherbards manufature says, when I call it, that the number is disconnected. The motherboard that I have is a Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro Motherboard. Do you know of a website where I can look for the default/admin password or should I just use Google and search the web.

Google would be a good place to start. I did a quick search for your motherboard. It seems to use an Award bios. You might try one of the above passwords.

Not sure about contact information for Gigabyte.

Good Luck

OK I have found the password and now I am in and i put the recovery CD in and booted from that and I am brought up with two options

1. Microsoft Windows XP SP1a HOME
2. Recover from Hard Drive backup

The second option says that it will return my PC to the way it was when I first got it and that all the imformation I have will be lost. The first option starts to re-install Windows. How do I get to where I press 'R' to get to Repair.

Hmmm. Sounds like you have a OEM recovery disk. Using the recovery console probably isn't an option.

What 'exactly' happens when you choose option 1?

Have you tried booting in 'safe mode with command prompt?' If you can do that, than you can recover your corrupt system file. If you can't, I think your only option would be to restore your system with option 2 unless you have access to a Windows XP CD other than an OEM disk.

What brand/model is your computer? You might seek additional help from the manufacturer.

Another thing to try: From the menu witht he safe mode options, try selecting Last Known Good Configuation.

Don't know if that will work but it's worth a shot.

OK I have found another Windows XP cd and have booted from that and now that I have entered the recovery console. Now I am even more lost. According to some sites I have been on I needed to chose an oprtion to log on to a windows instalation or switch to a windows folder. I was not prompted to do the first one so how do I switch to a windows folder.

Well, if you are at a command prompt, (C:\Windows) then enter these commands one at a time:


If the file copied successfully, then reboot.