How to Restore the Windows System32\Config\System File When Missing or Corrupt

If you encounter the error message “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM”, it indicates that a critical system file is either missing or has become corrupted. This can prevent your computer from booting up properly. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to restore the System32\Config\System file and resolve this issue.

Using the Recovery Console

One way to fix the missing or corrupt System32\Config\System file is by using the Windows Recovery Console. Here’s how to do it:

Boot your computer using the Windows installation CD or DVD.
When prompted, press a key to boot from the CD/DVD.
Select your language settings and click “Next”.
Click “Repair your computer”.
Select your operating system and click “Next”.
Choose “Command Prompt” from the recovery options.
At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
md tmp
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

Next, delete the current registry files by typing:
delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

Restore the registry files from the repair folder by typing:
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

Type “exit” to quit the Recovery Console.
Your computer will restart, and the System32\Config\System file should be restored.

Using Easy Recovery Essentials

If you don’t have access to the Windows installation CD/DVD, you can use Easy Recovery Essentials (EasyRE) to automatically fix the missing or corrupt System32\Config\System file. Here’s how:

Download Easy Recovery Essentials and create a bootable CD or USB drive.
Boot your computer from the EasyRE CD or USB drive.
Select “Automated Repair” and click “Continue”.
Select the drive letter for your Windows installation and click “Automated Repair”.
EasyRE will scan your computer’s drives and attempt to automatically correct any errors, including issues with the System32\Config\System file.
Once the process is complete, click “Restart” to reboot your PC and test the changes.

Manually Restoring the Registry

If the above methods don’t work, you can try manually restoring the registry files. However, keep in mind that this will revert your system to a previous state, which may not match its current configuration. Before proceeding, it’s recommended to back up the current registry files in case you need to restore them later.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
md tmp
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

Delete the current registry files by typing:
delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

Repair the registry hives from the repair folder by typing:
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

Exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer to check if the issue is resolved.
In conclusion, the “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM” error can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. By using the Recovery Console, Easy Recovery Essentials, or manually restoring the registry files, you can often resolve the missing or corrupt System32\Config\System file and get your computer back up and running.