System restore will not load

[Goludas]

I am trying to get into the recovery console to try and fix the "Windows XP
could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM " problem

My problem is that when booting from the windows xp home cd it starts
loading, gets to "Setup is loading Windows" message and then stops there.

Please help

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

I would create one of the WinPE ('preinstall environment') disks like
BartPE, and try the recovery prompt there.
How to edit the registry offline using BartPE boot CD:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/peboot.htm
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Mark L. Ferguson MS-MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Mark.Ferguson

 

[Goludas]

I tried using Bart PE.The recovery console from here crashed, as did NTFS for
DOS chkdsk, BartPE's windows esque program, boot and nuke and the memory test.

After lots of hardware swapping, the only thing I couldn't swap out was my
motherboard so I concluded it must be a problem with that. I bought a new
motherboard, processor and ram (upgraded). I have put the computer back
together.

I tried it with the existing hard drive and this time I did manage to nuke
the hard drive (erased all data and left it in the RAW format). I then
managed to load windows installation, format the hard drive and start the
installation process. The installation then crashed at 8% on cinemst2.sys. I
tried changing everything about the system ( dvd drive, new hard drive, power
supply, power cord, wall socket, graphics card and removed and uplugged
everything else leaving just a ps2 keyboard and monior).

The windows installation continues to crash on installation. It happens
wilst loading setup or installing at a variety of points. When during
installation, it sometimes tells me it can't copy over a file (varies
depending on what hardrive I am trying to use) and someitmes it it jush
crashes (blue screen of death).If it tells me it can't copy over a file, I
have tried skipping it and making note of the file, but it always ends with
it either rebooting or the blue screen of death.

In case it was some sort of virus, I nuked the hard drive so all data was
gone, cleared the RTC Ram on the motherboard and left the pc unplugged for a
bit. I tried again, but still no difference.

Please help, I am totally lost.