Startup Error

[Amy Lynn]

Yesterday I turned on my computer to get the following message:



Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
C:\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 read plenty about this online about the subject and the suggestion to
get a Setup disk and/or Make my own disk, however I do not have the means of
coping at this time - My questions are, what is the easiest way to get hold
of a Windows XP Home Edition Setup disk without actually purchasing the
Software by itself- I have all my authenticity docs and to those familiar
with this error, Am I harming my computer by not getting this fixed
immediately? and What is usually the outcome after "fixing" this? I apologize
for the questions, thank you for any help you might be able to provide.

 

[Andrew E.]

The disk its refering to is the xp installation cd,you dont need to make a
cd or the floppys.Simply install youre xp cd,set to boot to cd (BIOS-priority
boot device,or similiar),once at xp cd boot menu,press r for recovery.Read
kb307654 for info.

 

[nass]

Yesterday I turned on my computer to get the following message:



Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
C:\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 read plenty about this online about the subject and the suggestion to
get a Setup disk and/or Make my own disk, however I do not have the means of
coping at this time - My questions are, what is the easiest way to get hold
of a Windows XP Home Edition Setup disk without actually purchasing the
Software by itself- I have all my authenticity docs and to those familiar
with this error, Am I harming my computer by not getting this fixed
immediately? and What is usually the outcome after "fixing" this? I apologize
for the questions, thank you for any help you might be able to provide.

How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from
starting
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

Or you can Borrow an XP Home CD the same spec as your Computer (ie OEM or a
full retail version) and try the Recovery console procedure outlined above.

HTH.
nass