Error message on startup “Windows\System32\config\system” file missing or corrupt

Error message on startup “Windows\System32\config\system” file missing or corrupt:

These type of error messages comes when Windows XP system that does not start because of corruption in windows registry.Most of the windows users who face this type of problems could not start windows, see the error messages like some mentioned below:

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

Let’s see how to slove this Problem

This type of error usually occurs when some of the system files got corrupted, due to which windows does boot.You need to repair windows using the windows XP setup cd using the windows recovery console, Boot using Windows Setup CD and enter into “Recovery Console” by pressing “R“. Enter the administrator username and password.

Note: If you are not sure about the administrator password don’t type anything and press Enter.

After entering the correct username and password for the admin account you will see command prompt

Enter the following command at the command prompt.

“copy %windir%\Repair\system %windir%\System32\Config” and press Enter

Try restarting your windows to check if the problem is solved and If the above does not work, then again boot into “Recovery Console” and give following commands: (one by one)

fixmbr

bootcfg /scan

bootcfg /rebuild

fixboot

I hope this will fix your Problem.