Windows XP boot up Error

[Jim]

On booting up Windows XP I get an error as follows
"Windows could not start because the following file is
missing or corrupt
C:\windows\system32\config\system

It then sugests I use the Windows XP cd in repair mode -
this results in a black screen with a C:\WINDOWS>
prompt....well...now what?

 

[Guest]

You might not want to use Recovery Console. If you boot from the CD, then press Enter to install Windows XP, a screen will come up, and it will tell you:
Your Windows XP installation is damaged. Press <key> to repair it,
Where <key> is what key that the CD tells you to press.
This worked on my computer.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Jim,

To fix the "windows\system32\config\system file is mising or corrupt" where
Xp wont boot:

Go to Recovery Console and type:

cd system32\config
ren system system.old
ren system.alt systemalt.old
copy c:\windows\repair\system
copy c:\windows\repair\regback\system
exit

Recover from a Corrupted Registry Preventing Win XP from Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307545