Startup problems

[Donna]

Hi, i have windows XP home edition, however i now have problems with it
starting up. It crashed on me and said it had to restart following a virus it
caught. But now when it goes to start-up it simply says that 'windows cannot
start up correctly as a windows file is corrupt or missing' it says please
insert the original setup disk and press r to repair it'. I havent got an
'original setup disk' as i bought my computer second-hand. Can i get hold of
a set-up disk or do i have to by a new computer? Please help!! PS: obviously
cant download pc fixing tools as my computer wont startup!! HELP!!

 

[Claymore]

Hi, i have windows XP home edition, however i now have problems with it
starting up. It crashed on me and said it had to restart following a virusit
caught. But now when it goes to start-up it simply says that 'windows cannot
start up correctly as a windows file is corrupt or missing' it says please
insert the original setup disk and press r to repair it'. I havent got an
'original setup disk' as i bought my computer second-hand. Can i get hold of
a set-up disk or do i have to by a new computer? Please help!! PS: obviously
cant download pc fixing tools as my computer wont startup!! HELP!!

Hello Donna,

Can you borrow an XP CD?

 

[Donna]

Hello Donna,

Can you borrow an XP CD?

Hi Claymore, i dont know as i dont know what kind of XP CD i need. Can i get one from PC World? Will it just be a windows XP installation disk i need?

 

[Claymore]

- Show quoted text -

Hello again, Donna

Don't know about PC World, but an XP CD to match your system would be
best and needed - XP home (with SP2 if you have that installed). A lot
depends on the file which is missing. During a repair reinstall you're
asked for your license key, so you'll need that.
Most files are common to all systems. If you can give us the name of
the missing file (if it tells you), we could advise further.

Here is a detailed step-by-step instruction:

http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897&pgno=1&queryText=