EverettKings
06-27-2005, 12:25 PM
Basically Windows stopped booting, and I couldnt do any of the "last known good config" or "safe mode" stuff either, none of them worked. I got a message that the SYSTEM file in the registry was damaged or missing. I looked online to figure out what was going on, and found a way to use the XP boot disk to get to a 'recovery console' to replace this file with one from the windows repair folder. Oddly enough, the recovery console didn't ask me for my administrator password, even though the online directions I found said it would.
After replacing the system file I thought all would be well and dandy, but when I started to boot a window pops up saying that the administrator password is incorrect (even before i see the login screen or enter anything) and the system restarts. With some research I found that often a damaged SAM registry file is responsible, and I probably should have replaced that and all the registry files the first time through. Oops, no biggie though.
So back to Mr. recovery console. Oh wait, what's this? It wants my password now. OK no problem I enter it.... but its not valid? Enter again and again, try a bazillion different things it could be, nothing, nada, zip.
So I'm stuck. Windows won't boot because of a messed up registry file (I think), but i cant get to the recovery console to fix the registry file because the registry is messed up. It's like locking your keys in your car. Anyone know how to slimjim my way out of this one, short of reinstalling windows (and losing all my stuff)?
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Everett
After replacing the system file I thought all would be well and dandy, but when I started to boot a window pops up saying that the administrator password is incorrect (even before i see the login screen or enter anything) and the system restarts. With some research I found that often a damaged SAM registry file is responsible, and I probably should have replaced that and all the registry files the first time through. Oops, no biggie though.
So back to Mr. recovery console. Oh wait, what's this? It wants my password now. OK no problem I enter it.... but its not valid? Enter again and again, try a bazillion different things it could be, nothing, nada, zip.
So I'm stuck. Windows won't boot because of a messed up registry file (I think), but i cant get to the recovery console to fix the registry file because the registry is messed up. It's like locking your keys in your car. Anyone know how to slimjim my way out of this one, short of reinstalling windows (and losing all my stuff)?
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Everett