Missing system file

[microsoft]

While booting up I get this message
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I have tried a last known good configuration boot with same results

I have tried a safe boot it stops at
(1)\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

have tried to repair consol wont let me copy \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
file

Have tried to reinstall windows but it wants to partion c: drive not
reinstall windows

Is there someting else I can do?

Thanks

 

[steve]

I am assuming you are talking about WinXP. If yes, you
can run a repair by booting from the CD. My experience
has been that the repair isn't all that effective though.
But still worth a shot.

You can also reinstall over the top of the existing OS,
without formatting. It says it will over write the My
Docs folder along with other stuff, but honestly I have
NEVER seen it do that. All data has been left intact the
4 or 5 times I've re-installed on various computers. Just
to be safe though, remove the HD from that computer, stick
it in another, and back up your data to the other box,
then to the reinstall. Just in case.

good luck.

 

[microsoft]

Thank You for the reply
Yes I have XP Pro
It doesn't give me the option to repair or to reinstall over all it does at
first screen it gives me the choice to install or repair.
Repair takes me to the repair console
Install takes me to the choice pick which partition to install in
I know it should give me the option to repair or install over exiting
Windows but it doesn't.

Thanks for any help