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1 "correct" answer available (4 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (2 pts)

11 Replies Last post: Dec 6, 2008 5:53 PM by coastie65

lbtogo

4 posts since
May 12, 2008

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Sep 9, 2008 1:03 PM

CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

I received the following message on restart (AFTER DOWNLOADING IE7): "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM".

I have tried Windows restore and receive tne same error message no matter which option I choose. I have tried Vaio Restore (PCV-RS610), bit it states I will lose all programs and files. I was stupid to think I could delay backing up, but I did and now I need to make sure that whatever I do, I need to salvage those files.

At this point, I think I have 4 options: 1) Install another HDD (I have a used HDD), load Wondow to it and make the original the slave to retrieve the files. 2) Try the Vaio Restore partition and hope for the best. 3) Send the HDD out to a restore/retrieval service 4) or try a utility software that can boot from their CD to retrieve the files, repair the registry, and restore or reload Windows.

The latter is the most appealing to me at this time!

I really hope there is an effective software that can do this. I have seen negative comments on Spotmau 2008 Powersuite Pro and IoIo System Mechanic 7. Any user comments/suggestions would be deeply apprecated!

Next, I need a simple, low maintenance, no brainer, auto backup utility/setup for all my units!!!! ARGH!

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BAMT

223 posts since
Jun 25, 2008

1. Sep 9, 2008 1:42 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

I have a computer that got that message, and a week later I was able to discover that Windows had been corrupted by hard disk failure (bad sectors). I suggest reinstalling Windows on a new disk.

Intel C2Q 6600 Kentsfield 2.4 GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 8MB cache | 3GB DDR3 1333MHz Corsair + OCZ RAM (DC) | NVidia 8600GT, 256MB DDR3 memory, 620MHz | 3x 250GB Samsung HD250HJ

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coastie65

9,163 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

2. Sep 9, 2008 2:27 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

Another option would be to see if you can find a windows installation disk of your OS and do a repair. coastie65

eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 9800 GT 512 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb Crucial 667 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD RW, DL,& Lightscribe optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb Parallel ATA HDD.........Samsung 22" WS SyncMaster 2243BWX Monitor.

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SE7ANS

1 posts since
Nov 26, 2006

3. Sep 9, 2008 4:55 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

I'm sure there a ton of them out there...some that even work, but I've always had positive results with R-Studio developed by r-Tools Technology, located at www.r-tt.com. This recovery software will even recover files from a formatted disk! I was able to recover an entire hard drive of data after formatting the drive in error. Just be aware that your chances of complete recovery is greatly reduced if the deleted files/folders have been overwritten with new data. No recovery software will be able to reverse this type of error. Once the disk is scanned, the R-Studio application will provide you with your actual chances of complete recovery. It's worth the investment.

Good luck!

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kcs3295

19 posts since
Jun 15, 2007

4. Sep 29, 2008 5:25 AM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

I like Norton GoBack which was included with their System Works bundle. It will run without expiration if loaded separately from the cd.
I install from a 2002 version cd on XP SP2 - not yet installed SP3.

If an error occurs, just turn-off the pc by normal process although a power button press shut down should prevent writting files such as 'saving you settings',
which may over-write some needed files.

When you start the pc, the screen prompts you to initiate a restore (with a time-out resume) from a previous startup which should be before the last install.
Just a spacebar press is all that is needed and hopefully will delete any prior changes. GoBack may be available from some old app's site or Major Geeks
who will also have a selection of recovery utilities with user ratings, and many free.

Hope this helps,
Ken

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djt0711

3 posts since
Sep 13, 2006

5. Sep 29, 2008 9:20 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

missing or corrupt: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

http://forums.pcworld.com/post!reply.jspa?threadID=38663

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djt0711

3 posts since
Sep 13, 2006

6. Sep 29, 2008 9:20 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

Sorry, wrong page:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

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rord1z

1 posts since
Nov 28, 2008

7. Nov 28, 2008 5:43 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

Use a Linux distro such as Ubuntu 8.10 which you can run from the CD and allows you to see your HDD. You can then copy your documents onto an external HDD then try the Vaio Restoration without worries.

Reply

gaby

28 posts since
Oct 31, 2006

8. Nov 28, 2008 5:55 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

hi bilbo.

i did the same. i got so frustated? i just deleted the whole damn file of what i thought i had. and Gawd said......let there be light?.....

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coastie65

9,163 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

9. Nov 28, 2008 6:09 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

As I had previously stated, a repair from an installation disk will fix the problem. http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic53755.html coastie65

eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 9800 GT 512 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb Crucial 667 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD RW, DL,& Lightscribe optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb Parallel ATA HDD.........Samsung 22" WS SyncMaster 2243BWX Monitor.

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Adama

6,570 posts since
Sep 7, 2007

10. Dec 6, 2008 5:46 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

Hi LB and welcome to PCworld Community.

You did not specify which OS you have in your Vaio computer?

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coastie65

9,163 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

11. Dec 6, 2008 5:53 PM

in response to: lbtogo

Re: CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A RESTORE UTILITY?

Hi, Actually, the easiest way would be to do a repair from a Windows Installation Disk of your OS. I am not talking about the manufaturer's Disk ( Vaio). As Adama pointed out, you didn't specify what your OS was. If You are running XP Pro, then you would need the Installation for that OS,same with HOME or MCE. coastie65

eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 9800 GT 512 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb Crucial 667 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD RW, DL,& Lightscribe optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb Parallel ATA HDD.........Samsung 22" WS SyncMaster 2243BWX Monitor.

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