Computer Will Not Start Up

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I have Windows XP Home Edition on a computer given to me so do not have the
original set up CD. Upon starting, I get the message: missing or corrupt
files WINDOWS\SYSTEM 32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. It directs me to use the set up CD.
Since I do not have this CD, I cannot perform the repair. I do not want to
spend $200 to buy one, so is there anyway to get this CD or repair this
problem at minimal cost? I first fixed this problem by downloading the set
up on 6 diskettes. It worked and repaired the problem for some time, but it
now is back, and loading the diskettes works, but I am now asked to use the
infamous CD.
 
It seems to me that you are looking at two problems, not one.

Firstly, you need a legal copy of WinXP. When whoever gave you the
computer, they did not give you the WinXP disk as well. They may have
retained the WinXP disk in order to use it with another computer. If
so, the copy of WinXP on your computer is no longer legitimate. My
suggestion is that you should purchase a copy of WinXP via some
on-line discount source, possibly an individual who no longer wants to
retain the WinXP disk.

Secondly, you say: "It worked and repaired the problem for some time,
but it now is back". That is, there is something wrong with the
computer -- very possibly a defective harddisk that is allowing the
Windows system files to become corrupted. At a minimum, you need to
run ScanDisk several times in thorough mode, in an effort to identify
and lock out bad sectors on the harddisk.

Bill Starbuck (MVP)
 
COOKIE said:
I have Windows XP Home Edition on a computer given to me so do not
have the
original set up CD. Upon starting, I get the message: missing or
corrupt
files WINDOWS\SYSTEM 32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. It directs me to use the set
up CD.
Since I do not have this CD, I cannot perform the repair. I do not
want to spend $200 to buy one, so is there anyway to get this CD or
repair this
problem at minimal cost? I first fixed this problem by downloading
the set
up on 6 diskettes. It worked and repaired the problem for some time,
but it now is back, and loading the diskettes works, but I am now
asked to use the infamous CD.
Click to expand...

There is no way for you to repair your operating system without the
operating system CD. You will either need to buy XP or try a different,
less expensive operating system like Linux or an older MS operating
system like Windows 98/ME (try eBay).

If you were given the computer without the software necessary to run it,
see if you can get it from the person who gave you the computer.
Otherwise the computer was not such a great gift after all.

Malke
 
COOKIE said:
I have Windows XP Home Edition on a computer given to me so do not have the
original set up CD. Upon starting, I get the message: missing or corrupt
files WINDOWS\SYSTEM 32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. It directs me to use the set up CD.
Since I do not have this CD, I cannot perform the repair. I do not want to
spend $200 to buy one, so is there anyway to get this CD or repair this
problem at minimal cost? I first fixed this problem by downloading the set
up on 6 diskettes. It worked and repaired the problem for some time, but it
now is back, and loading the diskettes works, but I am now asked to use the
infamous CD.
Click to expand...

Perform the repair again?

You might also find this useful:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_replace_a_lost.htm

Steve N.
 
Bill said:
It seems to me that you are looking at two problems, not one.

Firstly, you need a legal copy of WinXP. When whoever gave you the
computer, they did not give you the WinXP disk as well. They may have
retained the WinXP disk in order to use it with another computer. If
so, the copy of WinXP on your computer is no longer legitimate.
Click to expand...

According to the EULA if it is an OEM version (very likely is) then
you've got it backwards; the legitimate OS is on the OP's computer.

Steve N.
 
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