Windows won't start

[Scott]

My friend recently went to boot up his computer and was presented with
the following:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt;
Windows/System32/Config/System. To repair this file by starting
windows setup using the original CD-Rom, Select "r" at the first
screen to start repair."

I have booted to the CD and done as they requested but I am presented
with this message;
"Warning, all data on the hard drive will be lost"

First how did this file go missing? Secondly, is there not some way to
extract the missing file from the CD without losing all the data? (My
friend has no back up of this drive) Thanks in advance.

 

[Rich Barry]

Scott, you have a problem with Registry Corruption. Check this mskb
article to find out more info.
If that doesnt fix it then you can try a Repair Install. Check at
Michaels site for instructions.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q307545&ID=KB;EN-US;Q307545

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Scott]

Thanks for the information Rich. The machine however is OEM and the
only repair option warns "all data on the hard drive will be lost" I
advised the friend to take his computer to a reliable service tech and
try to get everything he needs off of the HD before he repairs.