Windows could not start on a parallels desktop VM on a Mac (and I can't get windows repair to run)
I am running Parallels Desktop 6 on my Mac Book Pro. I have a windows xp vm that all of a sudden is giving me the following message upon start up:
windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\system
You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup cd-rom
select 'r' at the first screen to start repair
I have inserted the xp start up disk and get into the repair screen by hitting r. It comes up to the following prompt: (screen shot #1)
1: C:\windows
which windows installation would you like to log onto (to cancel, press ENTER):
It won't let me arrow up to highlight the 1 or let me type in a 1. If you notice in the screenshot, towards the bottom of the screen it says:
to select non-default keyboard layout press ENTER now (5)
I have tried hitting enter, return, alt-enter a number of combinations but I can't get a keyboard layout to come up that would then hopefully allow me to enter in the number of the windows installation I want. I googled this and it should allow me to select a layout. I have hooked up a PC USB keyboard to teh Mac in hopes of it working better with the VM but it behaves the same. I hit enter and then it cancels the repair and then blue screens with a registry error.
So I need some big time advice on what to try next? i have spent numerous hours researching this but haven't found anything that works. Any and all advice would be appreciated!
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
it would appear either the registry or disk is corrupted.
can you start in Safe Mode, or Load Last Know Good Configuration?
laker_42
ASKER
I tried load last good configuration once and it didn't work. I haven't been able to get the menu to select safe mode to come again. Can't get f8 pressed fast enough before it goes to the original message I posted. I didn't know if there was a trick to get parallels to bring up this menu or slow down the boot up window to allow me pressing f8. Haven't found anything yet.
Since this is a registry error, would safe mode even work?
laker_42
ASKER
Just came across another option I am going to try. Creating a new vm and then mounting the old vm file to the new vm as a second hard drive. I should then be able to recover the files that I need. I will give it a shot and see how it goes. Would still welcome any other options.
Thanks!
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can you start in Safe Mode, or Load Last Know Good Configuration?