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Protect Yourself From the Windows/System32/Config error Message...continued

The first step in recovering from this problem is to boot into the Recovery Console and replace the missing or damaged system file with a backup copy. To do this, you will need an original Windows XP CD, or a recovery CD from your computer's manufacturer, or a set of 6 Windows XP boot disks. If you do not have any of these, please visit our tutorial on creating Windows XP boot disks at www.schrockinnovations.com/makeboot1.php.

Once you have booted from your Windows XP CD or floppy disks, press the letter "R" at the first screen asking you for input. The computer will now ask you "Which Windows installation would you like to log onto." Each profile is represented with a number. Press the number associated with your profile (usually the number 1) and press enter. Now you will be prompted to 'Type in the Administrator Password." Enter your password and press enter (if you do not have a password to log into Windows, simply press enter).

*note* If you are not prompted to enter a number for your Windows profile, type the following command: "cd windows". If the computer tells you "access denied" scenario one does not apply to you, and you need to progress to page three of this tutorial for further information and instructions.

After you enter your password (or simply press enter) you should be at a prompt that reads "C:/windows". Type the commands below to navigate to your Windows/System32/Config directory and replace the appropriate file:

  1. cd system32
  2. cd config
  3. ren system system.old
  4. cd .. (note the space after cd it is important)
  5. cd .. (note the space after cd it is important)
  6. cd repair
  7. copy system c:\windows\system32\config

You should now see a message stating that the file was copied successfully. Reboot your computer and all should be well. If you do not get this message, or you can not navigate to the windows/system32/config folder in steps 1 through 2, proceed to the third page of this tutorial.

Follow the links below to continue this tutorial.

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