Error: XP Won't Start

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cjmovie
  • Start date Start date
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Cjmovie

I received Windows XP with a EMachines computer, and after
using it a while, I now have this error, and it won't
start. I am sending this from a different computer.

windows could not start because the following file is
missing or corrupt
\windows\system32\config\system
you can attempt to repair this file using the original
setup cd-rom
select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

But I don't have a windows installation cd, only a reboot
cd. but i can't afford to reboot, as it contains very
important files. please help promptly (few hours). also,
it won't let me select r anywhere, and it won't start
 
Cjmovie said:
I received Windows XP with a EMachines computer, and after
using it a while, I now have this error, and it won't
start. I am sending this from a different computer.

windows could not start because the following file is
missing or corrupt
\windows\system32\config\system
you can attempt to repair this file using the original
setup cd-rom
select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

But I don't have a windows installation cd, only a reboot
cd. but i can't afford to reboot, as it contains very
important files. please help promptly (few hours). also,
it won't let me select r anywhere, and it won't start
Click to expand...

Your system registry is damaged and you must reboot with a "clean" one from
the original install and then use System Restore to get the most recent good
one. When you restart the system with the original registry, it will not
have any of your apps. To get those back, you run System Restore (so don't
be surprised when the desktop is empty).

You must have a Windows XP bootable CD to do this, as you must log into the
Administrator account. You can, in fact, borrow one for this purpose. You
need to follow the directions on the pages below which will restore the
registry. If you have XP Home, the default password will be blank.

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

This process typically works well. You cannot do it with a Win9x boot
floppy, and I don't think you can do it with the 6-diskette XP boot set.

This is why you should not accept a system without bootable install media...

HTH
-pk
 
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