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Resolved Question

Is there any hope for this desktop PC??

Jun 22, 2012 2:09AM PDT

My HP Pavilion suddenly gave this message on startup (from the DOS screen):
"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM\"
So looks like the registry has been corrupted.
Since this HP has a D partition and ARS instead of installation disk, I ran the "HP System Restore." It said the recovery was successful, but when I rebooted, it went to the same message as above. Ran HPSR again -- same result.
Is it time to throw this carcass in the dumpster?
-SallyS

Discussion is locked

TheSadlerz has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Even back then
Jun 22, 2012 2:16AM PDT

You were able to create restore media. Most opt out and then later this happens.

It could be a failed HDD but is it worth saving? Would you consider 100 bucks for a XP CD and maybe 100 more for a new HDD if that failed?

And finally for ZERO DOLLARS did you try a LiveCD?
Bob

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Is there any hope for this desktop PC??
Jun 22, 2012 2:36AM PDT

No restore media here. HP did an OEM installation of WinXP Home Edition and sold the machine w/o any installation disks, a common practice. Then they reserve a D partition the hard drive for recovery files (an "Automatic Recovery System" in the industry generic terminology), and you can execute the HP Recovery menu on startup by pressing F10.

The HP System Recovery should allow the same recovery options as install media, but in this case -- it didn't work.

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Again.
Jun 22, 2012 2:48AM PDT

All the HP systems I encounter let us create restore media. Most folk opt out and later you'll read "w/o any installation disks" which is true but then you can create such or backup the system in other ways for the day it is needed. If you want to discuss this area again, we can but it appears this owner opted for no backups.

All onboard or ASR systems fail when the HDD fails or is corrupted so this is not an option.

Again, I have questions that went unanswered.

Why not try a free LiveCD now?
Bob

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No installation media...
Jun 22, 2012 3:26AM PDT

Sorry, maybe I didn't make this clear enough in first post, but I have no Windows XP installation CD. Therefore, I have no way to generate a LiveCD. Maybe I can buy an install disk from HP.

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LiveCD
Jun 22, 2012 3:33AM PDT

A Live CD is a Ubuntu OS, (Operating System), installed onto a CD.

You boot up with that CD inserted in the drive and use Ubuntu to examine the files on the hard drive and if necessary copy your personal files off.

Mark

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You would not generate a LiveCD of XP.
Jun 22, 2012 3:35AM PDT

You could try other LiveCDs such as Ubuntu and others.

As far as I know, HP and most other companies are not stocking restore media for XP. You can find XP CDs on ebay if you need them.

Most of what I wrote above is all about the issue that folk opt out of backups and making restore systems or media. This appears to be yet another one.
Bob

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PS. TEST DRIVE THIS and see.
Jun 22, 2012 3:42AM PDT
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Looking for Recovery Discs? (HP Customer Care)
Jun 22, 2012 3:48AM PDT
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Issue Resolved
Jun 22, 2012 9:47AM PDT

Here's the outcome: We burned an Ubuntu Live DVD (since Ubuntu 12.04 is 702 MB, too much for a CD), but could not get a successful boot. Finally had to use the HP "Destructive Recovery" option to wipe the C partition clean and reinstall Windows XP.