Boot from disk

[slofox]

One of my XP machines refuses to load the OS, stating "windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt".

I want to try to fix with the os disk but can't get the puter to work from the disk. How do I get it to work from the disk?

Ta.

[oneofsix]

One of my XP machines refuses to load the OS, stating "windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt".

I want to try to fix with the os disk but can't get the puter to work from the disk. How do I get it to work from the disk?

Ta.

Disk equal CD or floppy? (presume CD). What does the Bios say the boot options are?

[iYRe]

look at boot options (for example HP its often f9 for boot order), or look in the bios under boot order and move your cd/dvd player to the top.

also: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

[Akzle]

right at the beginning, before you get to the pretty windows loading bit.
it should say "press (any of) F12, del, F10, F11, IBM, HP, DELL keys" that will take you to your BIOS. find where it says "boot device priority" and make sure CDROM is at the top of the list. hit (save and exit)
OR if there is an option pick "temporary/once only boot from device" and pick CDROM

if it doesn't say "press F12" etc, then just try any of those keys. if the windows logo comes up it was the wrong one, reboot and try the next one.

[p.dath]

I'll put my money on F10 being the most common option to select a boot device. Press it while the BIOS boot screen is showing.

[slofox]

Thanks for the replies all.

I can get into setup by pressing delete. I can then select the "boot" screen and can put the disk option at the top. But if I go further than that the error message just pops up again and we are no further on. Verily, 'tis a mindfucker.

I'll have a go at other keys and see what happens. Might be

[Gremlin]

Look at the screen as the machine starts, see if it says anything about interrupting boot, or boot menu.

Another common key for it is F12

[wharekura]

With my experience of that dreaded error (usually because someone resets the computer during the XP load screen) I have learnt to cut my loses and just reinstall. I also got into the habit with doing an image (DriveXML - its free) after the fresh install and with all the service patches.

Sometimes a chkdsk would do it using something like Hirens Boot CD. If you were local I'll give u a hand.

I do hope u do sort it out without reinstalling.

I had not had a problem with Win7 - it just seems to keep on going.

[Akzle]

Thanks for the replies all.

I can get into setup by pressing delete. I can then select the "boot" screen and can put the disk option at the top. But if I go further than that the error message just pops up again and we are no further on. Verily, 'tis a mindfucker.

I'll have a go at other keys and see what happens. Might be

no. if you get the bios you're in the right place. make sure you SAVE AND EXIT.

if it's getting to the XP (/win/system32...) error, it obviously isn't booting from CD. or your CD is stuffed?

the XP install CD should have a "repair install" option. which will probabyl rape all your settings. but should get you bac to desktop. but i'm guessing you know that.

fuck it all, install linux

[p.dath]

Do you know your CD drive definitely works? When did you last use it?

[slofox]

Do you know your CD drive definitely works? When did you last use it?

Never used it...

[p.dath]

Never used it...

I think your problem is becoming clearer ... You CD drive is not working.

[oneofsix]

Laptop or desktop? If you place your finger tips where the CD drive is can feel slight vibrations? If yes then there is a good chance the disk is at least spinning, if not it could confirm p.dath is right. The vibrations are easiest felt from the base of a laptop than with a desktop where there is more isolation between the drive and the side of the unit.

[CookMySock]

That wont be the only problem.

Recover and reinstall.

[p.dath]

I think your problem is becoming clearer ... You CD drive is not working.

Guess we can check the obvious. Based on the age of the machine, there should be two cables plugged in. A power cable and a data cable. Does the CD drive look like both cables are plugged in?