OK, my XP is broken!
At startup Blue Screen sees that registry file - \windows\system32\config\software (software is a file) is corupted and it won't start.
I have System Restore turned off.
I wanted to install another XP onto it, but I get a warning that I'll loose all data, accounts, installed apps...
Also an "Last good config that worked" doesn't work.
I was trying to copy (from recovery console) most important thingh (like email) HDD but, when I want to enter to my folder " \documents and settings\maxx"I get "Acces deneid"! (AAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa)!
Now, I have ME, broken XP, new XP. What I'm trying to do is to replace software file from broken XP with the new one, but then windows loads and hangs at Windows XP welcome screen.

I wonder if any of you can tell me
1) what does files from \config\* are responisble for.
2) how to turn File Protection System, becouse every time I have to go to recovery console to copy any file, also copy doen's supports wildcats...

My XP is on NTFS partition.

Two more questions:
3) what is Automated System Recover (when I want to used I'm prompted for ASR disk ?).
4) maby I can find a program to browse the disk (my doc's folder).

you should try to reinstall winxp onto it because i died it and all my files and apps were still working and there.
and btw, it's the only solution that you have to get your files (otherwise there might be a more complicated way to save your files but i don't know it)
hope it'll work for you.

Ok, I managet to get old XP working....
Most of system settings are lost...

But I still can't acces my folder....I can access all other folders...but mine is still protected....so the question is.....Is there a program that allows to browse files in all folders.

are you sure u are logged with an administrator account ?

Ufff, I've done it!

First of all, "sharware" registry file from new XP (8mb) was incomaptibile with my damaged "sharware" file version from ols XP (29mb !!!).

System restore and WFP was off.
I tried sharware/ freeware programs from internet to rebuild/repair reg, no use, all of them tried to restore backup of reg (but it was never made ).

Finaly, I have discoverd that VERY old verion of file (7,9mb) was in \windows\repair .
I don't know how it got there (maby it was early copy made by System Restore when is was still running (?) ) but it worked.

All accounts were still there, users theams, drivers for all devices, with all emails in Outlook. Registry setting for programs are gone, but it's nothing, I CAN ACCESS MAXX FOLDER :-? 8) :wink:

So, all of you, make backup of all files in \windows\system32\config\*
Thanks for support, and "may the force be with you, always!"

Good going my friend! You stumbled upon the answer!

The backup files placed for you in windows/repair (during installation) are for this exact purpose! I've seen them used twice on my own machine, and each time, it's like an enema for your machine! (All device drivers go back to first installed state. Aaahhh....)

This little gem deserves to be PUBLICIZED more!!