Hello,
Follow the procedure in this article, which should help:
Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the
ID: 823614.KB.EN-US
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;823614
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The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional
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SYMPTOMS
========
When you try to start Microsoft Windows XP, you may receive the following
error message:
Windows could not start because the C:\windows\system32\config\system
file is missing or corrupt.
Additionally, Windows may not start.
RESOLUTION
==========
To resolve this behavior, start the Windows XP Recovery Console, and then
restore the C:\Windows\System32\Config\System file from the
C:\Windows\Repair\System file.
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Use the Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD to restart
your computer.
2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press "R" (without the
quotation marks) to select the "To repair a Windows XP installation
using Recovery Console, press R" option.
3. Type the number of the Windows installation that you want to access
from the Recovery Console, and then press ENTER.
4. Type the administrator password when you are prompted to do so, and
then press ENTER. Note If no administrator password exists, just press
ENTER.
5. At the command prompt, type the following commands (press ENTER after
each command):
"CD C:\Windows\System32\Config" (without the quotation marks)
"REN system system.old" (without the quotation marks)
"COPY C:\Windows\Repair\system" (without the quotation marks)
6. Remove the Windows XP startup disks or the Windows XP CD.
7. To exit the Recovery Console and restart the computer, type "exit"
(without the quotation marks), and then press ENTER. During startup,
Windows detects your computer hardware and then starts.
Best regards,
Tom Montefusco
"This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights"
