corrupt registry on xp

[Guest]

I keep getting the following error message on my computer: "Windows could not
start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM".

NOW-I do not have a startup disk or a recovery disk. All I have are
reinstallation CDs. Also, I cannot get to a dos prompt - I cannot get past
the error message screen. Only once upon entering the reinstallation CD did
I have any success when pressing the F8 button which gave me the option of
running in safe, normal, etc; however, when I selected ANY of these options,
all I got was a black screen.

I was told that I could create a startup disk from another computer, which I
have done but have not tried yet as I am lost at this point as to what I am
doing with this disk or what it will enable me to do.

I read the article and it does me no good. Could someone PLEASE help me??!!

Thanks

 

[Guest]

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry -config-system
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q307545

This article shows you how to use the command prompt available from the boot
disk, or from the Recovery Console, available when you run setup.

 

[Guest]

This article does nothing for me as I do not have a recovery console. So now
what do I do?

 

[Guest]

Booting to your setup media (cd disk or whatever you have) offers a "Repair"
option (rather than running setup) which is the Recovery Console prompt.

Windows XP Install Emulation:
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdoldhdd/indexemu.htm