WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM IN THE FIRST DAMN PLACE

Tom said:

> When you try to start or restart your Windows XP-based
> computer, you may receive one of the following error
> messages:
>
> Windows XP could not start because the following file is
> missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
> Windows XP could not start because the following file is
> missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

Annoying isn't it? The problem has affected a small number of users since
the outset, and may be caused by characteristics of the RAM chip being used
- even if the chip tests good and worked well with other operating systems.

Try a single 512 high-quality chip in place of the memory now in place.

And after your system is restored, the ERUNT utility available here may
make it easier to fix the problem if it recurs...
http://HOME.T-ONLINE.DE/home/lars.hederer/erunt

Hi Tom,

To fix the "windows\system32\config\system file is mising or corrupt" where
Xp wont boot:

Go to Recovery Console and type:

cd system32\config
ren system system.old
ren system.alt systemalt.old
copy c:\windows\repair\system
copy c:\windows\repair\regback\system
exit

Recover from a Corrupted Registry Preventing Win XP from Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q307545

--
All the Best,
Kelly

MS-MVP Win98/XP
[AE-Windows® XP]

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm


"Tom" <tom1041@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:05e001c350ac$8b318060$a401280a@phx.gbl...

> When you try to start or restart your Windows XP-based
> computer, you may receive one of the following error
> messages:
>
> Windows XP could not start because the following file is
> missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
> Windows XP could not start because the following file is
> missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
>