Corrupt file

[Guest]

Hi,

When I try to boot, I receive an error message that a file is missing or
corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system

In reading other postings, I found a MS KB report (307545) that addresses
this exact issue and I thought I was home free.

But, there is a problem. When I had my computer system built three years
ago, the small company did not tell me what the administrative password was
and my ignorance at the time didn't prompt me to ask for it. All changes to
correct the problem appears to require admin permission. Ignorance is always
painful.

I am trying to contact the company that built my unit to ask if they usually
use a standard password, but this is a long shot.

My question: What happens if I reinstall WinXP in my current directory? Does
it respect newer, updated files? (My original disk only has sp1 while I have
sp2 loaded on my computer.) Will it destroy my data file structure?

Am I totally screwed???

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[R. McCarty]

It's possible to reset the Administrator password (SAM Database) from
a bootable CD-R. There are a number of tools that allows you to Null
out an existing password.
I'd recommend the software from here:
http://home.eunet.no/pnordahl/ntpasswd/
**The actual program will step you through the reset process, just
proceed slowly and read carefully.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply. I believe I was able to by-pass the password
requirement although I still get occasional access denied messages.

I am afraid the problem was more complicated than I imagined. When I
searched the c: drive for directories, I no longer saw the Windows directory.
I am not sure what is going on.

If I re-installed windows over the current installation, would it respect
newer files? For example, my WinXP disk only has sp1 on it while my current
computer has sp2 and the other updates.

Also, would I lose access to my data files?

I fear that a wipe and reinstall might be in my future.

Thanks!

The Phantom