alexcraw
11-24-2005, 05:28 PM
I've got a problem with a PC which is running Windows XP Pro.
On starting the PC, it goes through BIOS and immediatley lands on a screen which tells us that the file "Windows\system32\config\SYSTEM" is corrupt or missing. The page goes no further, and the escape button is the only way to get the computer moving. It reboots after that is pressed and lands upon the same screen every time.
I tried to boot from the windows XP CD to try to repair the installation, but it instantly tells me that there is no HDD connected. - OK. I opened the case and found that the PC is telling lies - there certainly is a hard drive connected, in fact I checked the BIOS and saw that it not only sees a hard drive, but it can tell me all about it (number, size, type of connection [SATA], etc.).
So I Googled for info and got a few forums telling a similar story and most answers were similar to my first actions. I was directed to Microsoft's site,
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545
I'd go through the reccomended procedure if only it would recognise the HDD. Most of the solutions I've come across suggest that there is no proper fix which will erradicate the problem entirely. Only thing I can surmise is that the PC has an undetermined hardware problem which will cause the file to go missing from time to time.
Do you know what I should try next?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Alex
On starting the PC, it goes through BIOS and immediatley lands on a screen which tells us that the file "Windows\system32\config\SYSTEM" is corrupt or missing. The page goes no further, and the escape button is the only way to get the computer moving. It reboots after that is pressed and lands upon the same screen every time.
I tried to boot from the windows XP CD to try to repair the installation, but it instantly tells me that there is no HDD connected. - OK. I opened the case and found that the PC is telling lies - there certainly is a hard drive connected, in fact I checked the BIOS and saw that it not only sees a hard drive, but it can tell me all about it (number, size, type of connection [SATA], etc.).
So I Googled for info and got a few forums telling a similar story and most answers were similar to my first actions. I was directed to Microsoft's site,
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545
I'd go through the reccomended procedure if only it would recognise the HDD. Most of the solutions I've come across suggest that there is no proper fix which will erradicate the problem entirely. Only thing I can surmise is that the PC has an undetermined hardware problem which will cause the file to go missing from time to time.
Do you know what I should try next?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Alex