A Windows 10 laptop fails to start and displays the message "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM." The user has important data and many installed applications that must remain intact. Which action should the technician take to restore the operating system while keeping both user data and installed applications intact?
Boot into Windows Recovery Environment and select Reset this PC with the "Keep my files" option.
Boot from installation media and format the system partition before reinstalling Windows.
Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment and run Startup Repair.
Replace the hard drive and perform a clean installation of Windows on the new drive.
Running Startup Repair from the Windows Recovery Environment scans the installation for missing or damaged system files-including registry hives like SYSTEM-and replaces them with healthy copies. Because Startup Repair works only on Windows system files, it leaves user data, settings, and installed applications untouched, making it the safest first choice when Windows will not boot but the drive is otherwise healthy.
Selecting Reset this PC with "Keep my files" would remove all installed applications, and formatting the partition or replacing the drive would erase everything. An in-place upgrade cannot be launched when the computer is booted from installation media, so it is not an option in this scenario.
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