XP Home: Can't start laptop after seeing error message.

[©®]

My friend gets this error message:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt:
\Windows\System32\Config\System

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows setup using the
original Setup CD-Rom.
Select 'r' at the first screen to repair."

Her original XP Home CD is back in the USA as she is travelling here in
the UK. Can I use my XP pro cd to help her out so she can get started
running again?

Apparently it all happened regarding her updating anti-virus software. I
tried booting in Safe mode but get the same error.
In Win98, there was a scanreg /restore command that was useful. What can
be done in Win XP?
Thanks

 

[Melvin Ho]

Hi Sir,

You need to have the orginal CD to get into recovery console or to do a
repair.
If not you have to get the win xp bootup disk from :
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=310994
If you managed to get into recovery console try this to restore your windows
:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

Win XP has the system restore function but u need to be in safemode for it
to work.
Or you can try the "last known good configuration" in the startup menu