system32/config/system is missing or corrupt

Hello VistaForums, I come to you seeking help.


I have an acer Aspire my father gave to me that was sitting around that he never used. On it I found that it had Vista SP2. After about a year of using it, I encountered some trouble. The computer would start to lock up. I tried rebooting but now I get a message saying that "system32/config/system is missing or corrupt".

I went on the net and found an installable repair disk. I burned the ISO to a DVD and managed to get to the repair console. However, when it asks me which OS I wish to repair, none are listed. I am guessing this is because the disk was built off SP1 information from what the site says, and I am running SP2.

I would appreciate any help in getting my desktop up and running again. Thank you for your time.

MrJack said:

I get a message saying that "system32/config/system is missing or corrupt".

Click to expand...

File C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM is part of system registry,it is responsible for HKLM\System hive.You must realize if any registry file is corrupted installation disk never detect system on HDD.

First I strong recommend diagnose your hdd,it would be caused by bad blocks
To diagnose HDD use manufacturer tool applicable for your model Bootable Hard Drive Diagnostics - Vox

If there are no errors on your hdd you can attempt to fix,but I don't guarantee it will work.

1.Burn any Linux i.e Ubuntu and boot it
2.Navigate to Windows\System32\config and rename SYSTEM file to SYSTEM.OLD
3.Navigate to Windows\System32\config\RegBack,find there SYSTEM file and copy it to Windows\System32\config

4.Reboot & run your system on hdd

hi mr jack, a repair disc for sp1 will not work on an sp2 as i found out after getting in touch with microsft, they sent me a sp2 repair disc specifically for vista premium sp2 at no charge when i had corrupt files, good luck patch41

Using the Vista SP1 disc to only use the RE should be fine on a SP2 installation.
You cannot only use Vista SP1 to do repair (upgrade) on SP2 installation

i tried using the sp1 repair disc with no luck, then i got in touch with microsoft support who sent me the repair disc with sp2 free of charge, followed the instructions and it fixed the problem, i also had corrupt files which sfc/scannow said could not be repaired, i dont know maybe your problem may be a more serious than mine,i am also a newbie,but good luck,patch41

patch41 said:

i tried using the sp1 repair disc with no luck,

Click to expand...

Because you tried repair install (upgrade) thus you needed Vista SP2.

To make repair install you need to run system in normal mode but he can't.His system is stuck.

The computer would start to lock up. I tried rebooting but now I get a message saying that "system32/config/system is missing or corrupt"

Click to expand...

As I said before -if any registry file is damaged (like here) RE never recognise OS on hdd.I know it from my experience

hi flavius, just tried to help, explaining the trouble i experienced but i am also a newbie trying to learn,i am sure with the expertise you have, its your advise he should be taking, thanks patch41

Flavius said:

MrJack said:

I get a message saying that "system32/config/system is missing or corrupt".

Click to expand...

File C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM is part of system registry,it is responsible for HKLM\System hive.You must realize if any registry file is corrupted installation disk never detect system on HDD.

First I strong recommend diagnose your hdd,it would be caused by bad blocks
To diagnose HDD use manufacturer tool applicable for your model Bootable Hard Drive Diagnostics - Vox

If there are no errors on your hdd you can attempt to fix,but I don't guarantee it will work.

1.Burn any Linux i.e Ubuntu and boot it
2.Navigate to Windows\System32\config and rename SYSTEM file to SYSTEM.OLD
3.Navigate to Windows\System32\config\RegBack,find there SYSTEM file and copy it to Windows\System32\config

4.Reboot & run your system on hdd

Click to expand...

Thank you, I am on Ubuntu right now, finally got around to it. It's been a busy summer.

I tried copying the file over, but to no avail. I'll try to boot, but I'll get to the green loading bar and then the computer will just restart.