Windows could not start

[tadeo]

My windows XP will not start, I get this msg. "Windows could not start
because the following file is missing or corrupt" " You can attemp to repair
this file by starting windows setup using the orginal SETUP CD-ROM. select
"r" at the first page".
Ok -so I had to borrow one since I couldnt get one from the manuf. I get as
far as the windows command prompt, (where it asks what # of windows would you
like to open, I select 1. and then a C://Windows prompt appears,) I typed
help to get a list of commands, but dont know what to do from there, I
thought it would just say restore, but obviously more to it. So i looked at a
microsoft article that walks you through these steps to solve this mystery,
but it says will not work with an OEM installed operating system, which is
what i have.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My windows XP will not start, I get this msg. "Windows could not
start because the following file is missing or corrupt" " You can
attemp to repair this file by starting windows setup using the
orginal SETUP CD-ROM. select "r" at the first page".
Ok -so I had to borrow one since I couldnt get one from the manuf.
I get as far as the windows command prompt, (where it asks what #
of windows would you like to open, I select 1. and then a
C://Windows prompt appears,) I typed help to get a list of
commands, but dont know what to do from there, I thought it would
just say restore, but obviously more to it. So i looked at a
microsoft article that walks you through these steps to solve this
mystery, but it says will not work with an OEM installed operating
system, which is what i have.

It's not that it won't work - it's not recommended. It's also assuming you
might not have the CD if you have an OEM installation - as many OEMs do not
provide actual installation media.

If your backups are current (hopefully you backup) - then you should go for
it.

Should we assume you mean this article?

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

 

[tadeo]

Thanks, I did make a back up disc, but am unable to find it.
yes that is the article I am referring to.
I am also experiencing shut down everytime I try to fix my comp.
I get so far then it just shuts down ?