windows\system32\config\system corrupted and no option for Recovery Console

[Big Booger]

It might mean your registry is corrupted... or it could be that you have some hard disk error. Try doing checkdsk /r via the recovery console.

[grego]

I would if I could, but I can't get to the RC at all. Is there something I have overlooked?

***

[egghead]

sounds like a drive failure

get into the bios to make sure the hard drive is being detected.

if it is in the bios use an xp cd to boot and get into recovery console to chkdsk

[Big Booger]

I would if I could, but I can't get to the RC at all. Is there something I have overlooked?

***

I am with egg, check to see if the drive is being recognized in the BIOS. Then try to procede with the check disk via recovery console.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;307545

YOur error I believe.

[beelzebub]

if all else fails open the computer and make sure the IDE and Molex cables are properly mounted (stuff happens after such a long life span).

[grego]

I will check the BIOS again, although I do believe the last time I looked the drive was recognized.

As for the Recovery Console...I can't even get there. I get a message that there is not enough space to create a temp folder for the setup files, and it then gives me no other option but to exit the setup. I don't even make it to the RC.

Any way around this?


***

[Big Booger]

Basically from what you are saying it sounds like your hard disk is hosed. Do you hear any clicking or anything from the hard disks?

I'd say try a new/spare hard disk, and see if you can start a fresh install of windows Xp. If that works, then you can try to RMA the Hard disk back or junk it if the warranty period has expired.

It could be a cable as beelzebub said above. Check the cables and power connectors first and rule that out. Also check the power supply, make sure all other hardware is seated correctly.

While in the BIOS you might want to set everything back to default.

Have you tried running the Dell Diagnostics tools:

http://tinyurl.com/ayebe

[grego]

Thank you for the Dell diagnostic tool. I checked the BIOS and it did recognize the Maxtor HD. I made sure everything was secure inside the case (it seemed to be), and then I ran the tests. Everything passed except for the HD. It failed at the very first test, the confidence test, with the message: "Uncorrectable data or media is write protected".

So my next stupid question is, can the user retrieve any data from the HD or is that a lost cause?


Thanks,
Greg

[egghead]

proffessional help would be needed.

you might try it in another computer as a slave to see if the drive is accessable and if you can see any info on it

if not the drive most likely has corrupted thte data and pro help is the only way to get anything off of it