Boot Error

[Guest]

I have received the following error on boot and do not know how to remedy.
"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM" Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[Guest]

You will find that the site below deals with your issue.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

 

[Guest]

XP ? I would left click my computer- right click C: --properties--tools--
check now check both boxes yes- restart. it might fix itself

 

[Guest]

I ran into exactly the same problem this morning. But, the link below works
only if one has the Windows CD disk. My notebook came with Windows XP Home
installed and NO CD disk. Must I buy a new copy of Windows or a new notebook?

 

[Rock]

I ran into exactly the same problem this morning. But, the link below
works
only if one has the Windows CD disk. My notebook came with Windows XP
Home
installed and NO CD disk. Must I buy a new copy of Windows or a new
notebook?

Your options are limited without the XP CD. You could borrow one from a
friend. Any XP CD can be used to get into the recovery console. However if
you read that article it says not to use it on an OEM installation which is
what you have.

What you'll need to do is backup the important data that's not already
backed up, then you could try following the steps in that article using a
borrowed XP CD. There is nothing to loose. If that doesn't work ten
restore XP using the method supplied by the computer manufacturer.

To backup the data connect the hard drive through an adaptor to another XP
computer and copy the data files.

After things are running again use ERUNT to make a daily backup of the
registry using task scheduler. When set up properly a backup of the
registry can be restored from the recovery console.

ERUNT
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/erunt.txt

Installing and Using ERUNT
http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_eruntuse.html
http://www.winxptutor.com/regback.htm