XP will not start

[John Larson]

The file 'windows\system32\config\system' is missing or
bad. Is there a way to correct this? I am using the
upgrade windows XP prof.
The startup gives the safe mode of normal start but they
all die looking for this file.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

There's a way:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

"How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry That Prevents Windows XP from
Starting"

Alternately, do a repair installation:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

"How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP"

A repair installation will preserve most settings and installed
applications, although everything installed via Windows Update will be lost.
It's simpler for unskilled individuals (e. g., me) than swapping around
various versions of the Registry.

HTH.

Bob Knowlden

Spam dodger may be in use. Replace nkbob with bobkn.