Corrupt system file...can't load from HD or CD

I posted this on the general group but figured I'd try
here and see if I get any other advice too...

I have Win XP Pro. When I turn on my pc, it starts to load
and then I get this error:

"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 start repair."

If I just put in the Win XP cd, the message still comes
up. I don't get any change to boot from cd or to repair or
reinstall windows. I made a set of Win XP Pro exmergency
boot disks on another computer. I used them and I do get
an option to install or repair windows.

When I typed in r to get into repair mode this comes up:

C:\WINDOWS: Then I type in help and it gives me a list of
all the comands. Which one do I need to use to repair this
file?

I also tried to change the bios setting so the CD will
boot before the HD. When I did this, it started to boot
from the CD, but then the same message came up.

I don't know if I am doing somthing wrong or if I should
try somthing else. I have important files and would really
like to keep all my setting the same.

What should I do?
Thanks

Jared said:

I posted this on the general group but figured I'd try
here and see if I get any other advice too...

I have Win XP Pro. When I turn on my pc, it starts to load
and then I get this error:

"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 start repair."

If I just put in the Win XP cd, the message still comes
up. I don't get any change to boot from cd or to repair or
reinstall windows. I made a set of Win XP Pro exmergency
boot disks on another computer. I used them and I do get
an option to install or repair windows.

When I typed in r to get into repair mode this comes up:

C:\WINDOWS: Then I type in help and it gives me a list of
all the comands. Which one do I need to use to repair this
file?

I also tried to change the bios setting so the CD will
boot before the HD. When I did this, it started to boot
from the CD, but then the same message came up.

I don't know if I am doing somthing wrong or if I should
try somthing else. I have important files and would really
like to keep all my setting the same.

What should I do?

Some of these you may have already attempted....

Try a boot into Safe Mode, by hitting F8 just before the "Starting
Windows" screen would appear (takes a bit of practice).
Choose LAST GOOD.

If that does nothing, use a working PC to read these sites...

How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;q307545
describes a three-step process to extract a copy of the registry
from the System Restore SVI folder.

http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/ (repair console/restore tutorial)
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q314874
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm

After your system is restored, the ERUNT utility available here may
make it easier to fix the problem if it recurs...
http://HOME.T-ONLINE.DE/home/lars.hederer/erunt

If the problem persists, try swapping current RAM (even if it checks
good) for a single, high-quality 512Mb chip. XP reportedly is sensitive
to memory timing.

When you boot from the CD you have about 5 seconds to press the key they
tell you to. If you don't, it goes into a normal boot.

Press the key!

"Jared" wrote in message
...
I posted this on the general group but figured I'd try
here and see if I get any other advice too...

I have Win XP Pro. When I turn on my pc, it starts to load
and then I get this error:

"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 start repair."

If I just put in the Win XP cd, the message still comes
up. I don't get any change to boot from cd or to repair or
reinstall windows. I made a set of Win XP Pro exmergency
boot disks on another computer. I used them and I do get
an option to install or repair windows.

When I typed in r to get into repair mode this comes up:

C:\WINDOWS: Then I type in help and it gives me a list of
all the comands. Which one do I need to use to repair this
file?

I also tried to change the bios setting so the CD will
boot before the HD. When I did this, it started to boot
from the CD, but then the same message came up.

I don't know if I am doing somthing wrong or if I should
try somthing else. I have important files and would really
like to keep all my setting the same.

What should I do?
Thanks