Windows 11 fails to start and displays a blue recovery screen saying that the operating system could not be loaded because C:WindowsSystem32configSYSTEM is missing or contains errors. Booting from a Windows 11 installation USB works, but selecting "Repair your computer" or trying to enter the recovery environment simply restarts the machine and returns to the same error. What is the safest way to repair the registry and get Windows booting again?
2 Answers
Avoid the old RegBack instructions often suggested for this error; on newer Windows installations, that folder is normally empty. A better option is to restore the SYSTEM hive from a restore point. From the USB’s Command Prompt, find the Windows partition and check the restore-point folders under System Volume Information. Copy the SYSTEM file from the most recent usable restore point into WindowsSystem32config, preserving the existing file first so it can be recovered if needed. If there are no restore points, copy your personal data elsewhere and use a repair install or clean installation after checking the drive for hardware errors.
First make sure the computer is actually booting from the installation USB by selecting it in the BIOS or one-time boot menu. From the installer, choose Repair your computer, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. If that option immediately reboots, start the installer again and use Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt directly. Identify the Windows drive because it may not be C: in this environment, then try Startup Repair. If that fails, use System Restore if restore points are available, or back up important files from Command Prompt before considering a reset or reinstall.
I already set the USB as the boot device, but choosing “Repair your computer” only restarts the installer and brings me back to the beginning.