windows/system32/config/system- XP

[Quacker]

A few minor (problems) and questions I need to ask. Obviously I have the above message on my father's PC. So at present not able to boot up at all. First problem is locating the original XP disks - I have two of these (one for each PC - in fact probably 3 or 4 if I include laptops) - anyway, they are in the "put away safely" box, which means can't find them :eek:

 

First question is when I eventually locate said disk, will it matter that I have installed XP Service Pack 3, and if so will I need to remove and then re-install later?

 

Is there any alternative - i.e. without using the Windows Disk, anything I can do from safe mode for example?

 

Finally, what about installing a new hard drive with a fresh version of XP? - will I be able to do that and obtain files from the current hard drive as (you've guessed it) his digital photographs are not backed up!!

 

Finally what may have caused this situation? - I know he (my father) has no patience and will not allow things to download, or run and always wants to be where he wants to be immediately. I know he denies all of this but I've seen him do it. Stopping virus scans, not allowing any updates, clock and date always wrong etc.

 

For future reference, anyone know or recommend a way of auto-backing up his files - mainly photos as I've heard folk at work mention such useful stuff.

 

Thanks for looking.

 

Steve

[BeeCeeBee]

Is there any alternative - i.e. without using the Windows Disk, anything I can do from safe mode for example?

Does that mean that you can get into safe mode? If so copy everything to an external hard drive and then at least that will be one worry gone. There is no need to get a fresh copy of XP if you can find the actual disk for that PC.

 

If it does come to a format and re installation, you will have to download all critical updates including service pack 3. There is no need to uninstall as the formatting will take care of that.

 

Unless there is something wrong with the hard drive there is no reason to replace it unless you cannot get the data from it. But perhaps all of this is putting the horse before the cart.

 

Exactly what error message are you getting when you try to boot up and when does it appear?

[Plastic Nev]

Until you find the original disk or disks for that system, and can then tell us exactly what is written on the label, we are a bit stuck. However if the disk or disks are manufacturers restore disks, it is very likely you may only be able to do a full recovery to original factory settings and therefore loose all files and data on the system, so be warned.

As for future backup of all data, an external hard drive could be the answer along with a suitable backup software such as Acronis true image. However there are many other ways of backing up files and other data, so watch this space for others to come along with their ideas.

[Tootech]

Quacker,

 

windows/system32/config/system- XP

Is this the exact message?

 

Or is it a message saying Windows cannot find

 

windows/system32/config/system

 

Thats a registry file gone corrupt. Normally because a system is switched off using the power button whilst it is still shutting down, or because the hard drive is starting to play up.

 

A repair install will get you up and running so that you can back up all your data, then after that I'd do a full reinstall.

[Quacker]

Quacker,

 

Is this the exact message?

 

Or is it a message saying Windows cannot find

 

windows/system32/config/system

 

Thats a registry file gone corrupt. Normally because a system is switched off using the power button whilst it is still shutting down, or because the hard drive is starting to play up.

 

A repair install will get you up and running so that you can back up all your data, then after that I'd do a full reinstall.

 

Sorry for the delay guys - been away doing my bit for Comic Relief:D

 

Yes the above is the one Tootech. Today I have located the reload/backup disk as well as the original CD. I can't belief the age of said machine as it is/was from Time - must be knocking on a bit though it was a hand me down.

 

OK so I'm going to try and repair first. I'll be back to let you know....

[Quacker]

Well that never worked either. It appears the CD Drive might be broken as nothing happens when I load the Windows disk. When I mentioned this to the old fella he informed me that's probably why no music CD's worked when he put them in!

 

Not sure how long it has been like that.

 

What are my options here guys? I could buy or borrow and external CD drive I suppose - I assume that should work? I have since been told of a local repair guy who could do it. I just want to recover his precious photos really. After that it will be a case of a new machine and nagging him to death to make back-ups lol.

 

Any help appreciated. He could pay someone but I'd rather DIY from here and donate:o

 

Steve

[BeeCeeBee]

I would try the cheap route then and borrow the external drive and hope that it is recognised.

[Quacker]

Thanks BeeCeeBee. Is there any reason why it will not be recognised (worst case scenario)?

[BeeCeeBee]

Just looking back at the thread. You may have go go into safe mode and either allow it to find the new drive or add it in control panel. On the other hand if it is a simple usb external it may just recognise it from the start.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Quacker, first try the external drive as above, but if even that fails you should be able to rescue those photographs once you acquire a new machine. Simply remove the hard drive from the old machine, then with either a full caddy which will have a USB connection, or a straight USB to IDE (being an old Time machine I doubt if it will be SATA) adapter you can connect the old hard drive to the new machine as an external drive. It should then show up in "My Computer" as drive F or similar. Right click on it from there and select open, you should then be able to navigate through the files to your photographs.

If you get a full caddy for the old hard drive, you can leave it connected as an external hard drive if you wish.

[Quacker]

Hi all

 

Just to update. After much searching - you know THAT box in THAT cupboard where all those safely kept original disks are kept was located:o

 

Long story short, the problem is now repaired, but to be on the safe side, all data safely backed up now with a portable USB HDD drive. Something I should have done years ago. (there's a moral there).

 

I guess it won't stop my dad's "bull-in-a-china-shop" approach, but will make picking up the pieces afterwards a whole lot easier.

 

We're looking at a new PC for him as the other is long in the tooth - no doubt I'll get the job of keeping it clean and healthy etc. - with the help of you guys as well.

 

Thanks for continued guidance ;)

 

Steve