Fatal Error Help

[Ketou]

Does any one have any ideas on this problem...?

I have a fatal bootup error Windows\System32\Config\System file is corrupted it seems. My problem is that the OS is on a hidden partition using Partition Magic 8 and I seem unable to access it with the standard repair using bootdisk routine. At first no OS was visible at all but after running fixboot it comes up. Unfortunately upon selecting the OS for repair now I just get a freeze up.
I can of course run the Partition Magic boot disks but the repair there doesn't work either. I'm sort of resigned to doing a reinstall but thought I might check to see if anyone can help.

[IkemenTommy]

I seem unable to access it with the standard repair using bootdisk routine. At first no OS was visible at all but after running fixboot it comes up. Unfortunately upon selecting the OS for repair now I just get a freeze up.

Did you try popping in the Windows CD and do the [Repair] option? That fixes 99% of the time.

[Big Booger]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307545

[Ketou]

Did you try popping in the Windows CD and do the [Repair] option? That fixes 99% of the time.

Yea, sorry I should have witten a little more clearly.
Repair just hangs after I select the OS. I think I need to run a CHKDSK /R as the partition nows comes up with an 'improperly dismounted' error.

EDIT: Thanks BB. My OS is an OEM so might not work. I also don't want to muck around with the mbr while I have one OS install still running on the drive.

[Big Booger]

Yea, sorry I should have witten a little more clearly.
Repair just hangs after I select the OS. I think I need to run a CHKDSK /R as the partition nows comes up with an 'improperly dismounted' error.

EDIT: Thanks BB. My OS is an OEM so might not work. I also don't want to muck around with the mbr while I have one OS install still running on the drive.

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.

That doesn't mess with the MBR at all.

[Ketou]

That doesn't mess with the MBR at all.

No that doesn't. But that unfortunately doesn't help as I can't reach the cmd prompt through recovery. It hangs after selection of the OS.
Thanks

[Big Booger]

No that doesn't. But that unfortunately doesn't help as I can't reach the cmd prompt through recovery. It hangs after selection of the OS.
Thanks

You need a BARTPE repair CD.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Create it using your good OS. Once created, pop the bart CD in the drive and boot. Then navigate to the partition that you want to run the checkdisk on, and go to work.

I have a copy of BART's PE disk on hand just in case the windows repair option doesn't work.

[Ketou]

You need a BARTPE repair CD.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Create it using your good OS. Once created, pop the bart CD in the drive and boot. Then navigate to the partition that you want to run the checkdisk on, and go to work.

I have a copy of BART's PE disk on hand just in case the windows repair option doesn't work.

Thanks for that link BB. BARTPE is a golden program.
It's almost all fixed now, just that *&&##@$ windows activation that's holding me back now. Can't get internet connectivity to activate .
I can't believe that they put up a message saying, "please check your network settings and confirm that you are able to connect to the internet", whilst not letting you log on to do so. Suppose I'll have to ring the scoundrels.....
Anyway thanks again, I owe you a beer.