Missing registry file

[janedurnin]

I have a Dell XPS M1330 laptop with Vista Ultimate. A few days ago, on switching on I got a Windows Boot Manager message saying windows failed to start and I should insert windows installation disc to repair computer - unfortunately I can't find disc anywhere.

Other details state
file: \windows\system32\config\system
status: 0xc000000f
info: windows failed to load because the system registry file is missing, or corrupt

I have spent a couple of days trawling the internet but cannot find anything that works. It won't load in safe mode, and i can't find how to get into command prompt. Someone has suggested copying the missing file from another laptop with vista. Is this possible? and if so how can it be done? Or is there another solution anyone can suggest?

I am not very experienced so please don't make any answers too technical.

Thank you

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Dell has a restoration partition. Use that and you are whole again. If you want to save your stuff first, use Ubuntu.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

You may want to give that a try, but in the event that it doesn’t work for you then you can access your Dell’s recovery partition by pressing Ctrl+F11 when the machine is first turned on. The appropriate time to do this is almost immediately after the power button is pressed. A small message is usually displayed that offers to let you enter the BIOS (usually F2 on newer Dells) or go to the boot menu (F8 or F10, I think; it displays the appropriate key to press

Credit to tweeks for Geeks

 

[MilesAhead]

Before wiping the Vista partition I'd give this a try:
Using Last Known Good Configuration

If it's not there then you probably have no previous restore points.

 

[janedurnin]

Thank you both for your replies but I've tried both and neither work :-(

 

[richc46]

You can get a vista install DVD for cost (about $25.00) from your computer MFG.
I suggest, however, that you buy an upgrade DVD of Seven, if your computer can handle it. Just back up your stuff first. Some here will suggest you buy an OEM version. If lyou do you are breaking the EULA agreement between you and Microsoft. You can buy and OEM only if you resell the computer.

 

[MilesAhead]

If you can find a download image of Windows Seven you can install it with no product key for evaluation purposes. Once you have it installed for the 30 day trial see this tutorial for extending the trial period:

Activation Trial Period - Extend Up to 120 Days - Windows 7 Forums

After 3 months or so you should have a clear idea if it's going to work on that PC better than Vista. Then you can choose to activate.

 

[townsbg]

Thank you both for your replies but I've tried both and neither work :-(

A reinstall didn't work? What happened?

 

[Yard Dog]

[color=#8B000] Hello janedurnin,

I am learning at this forum and from what i have seen would have to urge you to consider the last 2 post by richc46 and MilesAhead as more than likely your only chance to have your issue resolved, unless, someone else pulls something out from up there sleeves, as these guys and gals in this forum are quite smart. [/color]

 

[MilesAhead]

Thank you both for your replies but I've tried both and neither work :-(

A reinstall didn't work? What happened?

I think the OP is saying our original suggestions, such as Last Known Good, did not work. Probably hasn't had time to try install of new OS yet.

 

[townsbg]

I think the OP is saying our original suggestions, such as Last Known Good, did not work. Probably hasn't had time to try install of new OS yet.

The Last Known Good Configuration feature uses information that is saved from the last time that you shut down your computer to restore registry settings and drivers. Therefore, you can use this feature only if you were able to start your computer successfully before you restore your computer by using the last known good configuration.

In other words after one reboot (successful or not) it is useless. I think that kind of defeats the purpose because you have to know that you have a problem when you reboot instead of finding out that you have a problem during your reboot which, as we know, is when many problems are revealed. Also I doubt that it will fix a corrupted registry but it is still worth trying.

 

[Yard Dog]

By my last post, i meant that he had not tried the last 2 posts , not the ones you had above his post of he had tried both and neither worked. I was just trying to reassure him that the last post of richc46 and MilesAhead were good posts and that one of those should work.