Troubleshoot: Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System

What would you do after you did something to your computer maybe install or uninstall any applications then restart your pc after you see this error msg:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System"

Don't worry or panic. Just follow this step bellow

Option 1: Using CHKDSK command

1. boot your computer using cd windows

2. Select "Recovery Console" by pressing button "R"

Normally press number "1" & enter your admin password after that. (or Press ENTER)

3. At command prompt type this;

CHKDSK /P

4. After finish please reboot your computer.


Option 2: Using backup from system restore

1. boot your computer using cd windows

2. Select "Recovery Console" by pressing button "R"

Normally press number "1" & enter your admin password after that. (or Press ENTER)

3. At command prompt type this;
cd "C:\System Volume Information"

4. Here, locate and navigate to the folder whose name begins with _restore using the command:
cd _resto~1

This folder contains many subfolders which have names of the form RPxxx, where xxx is a number indicating the restore point. Locate an RPxxx folder which has the highest number as its suffix (highest xxx) using the command dir command. Then navigate into that folder using the command:
cd RPxxx (don't forget to replace xxx with the corresponding number)

5. Now, there will be a folder named snapshot. Navigate to this folder using the command:
cd snapshot


6. There should be a file named _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM, copy this file to the \Windows\System32\Config folder with the name System using the command:
copy _REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM C:\Windows\System32\Config\System

7. Reboot the system and check whether Windows loads properly.


Option 3: Using Windows Repair

1. While installing Windows, the setup backs up the System registry hive in Repair folder. If the System Restore feature is turned off, then this backup can be used to restore the System hive. From the Recovery Console, navigate to folder \Windows\Repair, using the command:
cd C:\Windows\Repair

2. Copy the System file to its original location using the command:
copy System C:\Windows\System32\Config\System

3. Reboot the system and check whether Windows loads properly.


With this step, I tried Option 1 & Option 2 and it's work fine on me. Never try Option 3 yet >>:)


Having problem to access folder? Make sure when you type cd to access folder file, you need type quotes. Example cd "system volume information". This is because of the spaces. But when you try to copy the file, don't using quotes.