Windows XP start-up error message - Again!

[Sandra]

Ok, I'm still having problems with starting Windows XP.

Original Problem:
I have been getting the following error message:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
Usually after 10 or more tries, Windows will eventually start.

I thought that running chkdsk /r from the Recovery Console fixed the problem, but it seems the laptop works ok if I switch it on warm (ie if the laptop was used earlier). If switched on from cold I get all the same problems.


I have tried System Restore and even a Full Recovery. Both times it worked ok to start with, then had same problems.

Can anyone advise if doing what Microsoft advises on this web page will work:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545 (http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545)

I’m guessing that as Windows XP was pre-installed on my laptop this means it is ‘OEM-installed’, then the above fix might not work.

Would installing a new version of Windows XP or Vista resolve the problem?

[Mr_Me19]

From what i've read it seems to be a memory problem... Try this: http://software.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?&kw=memory+test&docid=285897

and see what the results are (it doesnt have to be that utility but it was the first complete free one I came accross).

[Riffman]

That's a registry problem.

Follow the full manual steps on the Microsoft link and it should fix it.