Windows could not start because........

[Boss]

I need help! Windows could not start because the following file is missing
or corrupt:c:\windows\system\config\system. I followed the knowledge base
artilces relative to this error message which suggests starting windows XP
from the installation disk and using the recovery console. However, after
I press R for the repair install I recieve the following: a blue screen and
text that says " a problem has been detected and windows has been shut down
to prevent damage to your computer.

REGISTRY_ERROR

At the bottom of the blue screen the following: Technical informatrion
***STOP: 0x00000051 (0x00000003,0x00000001,0x00003000,0xe11df030)

How do i Fix the corrupted files. I cant even reinstall windows let alone
run the repair install. Help woul be greatly appreciated.

Win XP Home Media addition. Dimension 4600

 

[Guest]

This is the suggested process: if it fails to work, for whatever reasons, then you'll need to do a clean install.

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
cd \windows\system32\config
Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

 

[Boss]

See my originakl post for results after the repair option is selected

This is the suggested process: if it fails to work, for whatever reasons,

then you'll need to do a clean install.

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the

installation of Windows you want to repair.

 

[Guest]

Read the first line of my posting. 'if it fails to work, for whatever
reasons, then you'll need to do a clean install".

It's all too simple.