accidentally renamed file extensions in system32 folder, wont startup

tenhell · 23 Dec 2016

hello everyone, i ran a command that was suppose to rename every file extension in a folder to the jpg file, but forgot that the default folder was system32 in cmd. I even ran CMD as admin, so it renamed quite a few. After restarting my computer obviously failed to start up. I tried windows repair but it couldnt fix it.

Is there any way on getting access to the system32 folder on the windows 10 iso? so i can copy those files back?

So example of the issue would be a file named dog.dll is now dog.jpg.

Thanks in advance!

dalchina · 24 Dec 2016

Hi, if you know exactly what you've done, you can reverse that by not booting from Windows, but by booting using either
a. a Win 10 install medium, and navigating to a command prompt and making the changes
or
b. Getting e.g. Kyhi's boot DVD/drive from the Software and Apps section here, booting from that, and in a familiar Windows environment make the changes you need.

Alternatively you may be able to use System Restore if you have usable restore points, and running System Restore by booting from a Win 10 install medium and then starting System Restore.

Note: we strongly and repeatedly recommend the use of disk imaging (e.g. Macrium Reflect (free) which lets you restore your PC to a previously working state without tech. help.

tenhell · 24 Dec 2016

Does option B or something similar offer the following, which i feel would be easiest way to fix this:

1. have access to what the original system32 folder would look like upon a fresh install, i only need the files in that folder, not the sub-folders or any contents in that. That way, i can just do a simple drag and drop style (copy and paste) to my drive and it should boot okay.

dalchina · 24 Dec 2016

Hi, from what you posted it sounded as if you needed to rename files. If you are able to do that, and the system boots, fine, hopefully.

If system restore works (launched from a bootable win 10 install medium) that would be ideal.