How to fix busted \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM in XP?

[John H]

How can I fix a busted "\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM" file in XP on my T60?

Actually, the file is there, so I suppose it is something underneath.

When I try to bootup I immediately get a text msg saying the file is corrupted and I have to run the install CD with the 'r' option on the first screen.

But this T60 doesn't have the R&R partition, and I'm sure the original owner erased the HDD and installed a fresh XP SP3. He sent along the CDs but I can't find them (last I remember I was putting them in a Safe Place). Anyway, I have a bunch of XP system CDs laying around (including Corp Pro) , and I wonder if I can bootup one of those and do the 'r' option with any hope of that succeeding.

I've got a couple linux systems in other partitions and I'd like to keep them, but I can backup easily if I have to. If I have to grab something from the XP partition I can do that easily from linux using the NTFS portal.

[Harryc]

If the current build on the T60 is XP Pro, I don't see why a Corporate XP Pro repair would not work.

[John H]

It actually worked!

Took a couple false starts (forgot the administrator password, but when I selected 'new install' and then 'repair' at the second level, it went).

All partitions preserved, all XP data preserved. Just gotta install a couple drivers.

[nikemen]

I have the same error, although with a T42 workhorse. Cannot get it to boot, cannot get it to SHOW the REPAIR option when putting in either XP or XP SP2 install disks, it just doesn't show up

The only option that isn't a FULL INSTALL is the Recovery Console, which I don't have. Is there a way to FORCE The REPAIR 'r' function somehow?

[Harryc]

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm