This is a tutorial on how to fix the "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

Windows\System32\Config\System" error message


If Windows isn’t starting properly, you can often use the integrated “startup repair” tool to fix it. This recovery tool will scan your PC for problems like missing or damaged system files. It can’t fix hardware issues or Windows installation problems, but it’s a great first place to start if you’re experiencing trouble booting into Windows.

This tool is available on Windows 7, 8, and 10. You can access it from the built-in Windows recovery tools (if they built properly), recovery media, or a Windows installation disc.

On Windows 7, you’ll often see the Windows Error Recovery screen if Windows can’t boot properly. Select “Launch Startup repair (Recommended)” on this screen to run startup repair.

Windows will prompt you for your keyboard layout and a username and password for your PC. After it does, select the “Launch Startup Repair (recommended)” option. Windows will attempt to find and fix problems that can prevent your PC from booting.

On Windows 7, you’ll often see the Windows Error Recovery screen if Windows can’t boot properly. Select “Launch Startup repair (Recommended)” on this screen to run startup repair.

Windows will prompt you for your keyboard layout and a username and password for your PC. After it does, select the “Launch Startup Repair (recommended)” option. Windows will attempt to find and fix problems that can prevent your PC from booting.

In some cases, the startup repair option in Windows 7 may not be available. You may be told you need to use a Windows installation disc to repair your computer instead.

Launch Startup Repair From a System Repair Disc or Recovery Drive

If Windows isn’t booting properly and won’t even allow you to use the startup repair option at boot, you can run startup repair from a system repair disc or recovery drive.

If you haven’t already created a system repair disc or recovery drive, you can do so from another computer running the same version of Windows that isn’t booting properly. For example, if your Windows 7 PC isn’t booting properly, you can create a recovery disc on another PC running Windows 7 and use it to fix the problem.

Windows 7 only allows you to create a recovery disc by burning a CD or DVD. Windows 8 and 10 allow you to create a USB recovery drive or burn a recovery disc, whichever you prefer.

Once you’ve created a system repair disc or recovery drive, insert it into the PC that isn’t booting properly and boot from the disc or USB drive. You’ll be prompted to choose an installed version of Windows and you’ll see the same tools you could normally access from the boot menu. Select “Startup Repair” to run a startup repair operation.

This recovery media will also allow you to use System Restore, recover your computer using a system image backup you’ve previously created, and run a Windows Memory Diagnostic to check your computer’s RAM for problems.

You can also also do this right from a Windows installeation disc or USB drive.

If you don’t have Windows installation media lying around, you can download a Windows 7, 8, or 10 ISO from Microsoft and either burn it to disc or copy it to a USB drive. It’s completely legal.

Be sure to use media that matches the version of Windows you’re trying to recover—for example, Windows 10 installation media for a Windows 10 PC or Windows 7 installation media for a Windows 7 PC.

Insert the disc or USB drive into the computer that can’t boot properly and boot from the device.

On Windows 7, you’ll see a “Repair your computer” link in the same place. Click this and Windows will run the startup repair tool.

This tool won’t fix every problem. In some cases, your Windows installation may be so damaged that reinstalling Windows is the only option. In other cases, even reinstalling Windows may not solve your problem, as it may be a physical problem with your PC’s hardware.

This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops, desktops,and tablets running the Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7 operating systems.Works for all major computer manufactures (Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung).