Need to override Windows user password to access files.. Help!

After receiving the following message on my Sony laptop, I installed another
version of Windows XP and have been able to access my hard drive but not the
data created with the original version of Windows that was preinstalled on
the computer.

'Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
\windows\system32\config\system
You can attempt to repair files by starting Windows Setup using original
setup CD-Rom. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.'

The laptop came with Windows XP Home installed and no Windows CD-Rom was
provided. I only have recovery disc which would wipe out all files and reset
to factory default for the computer.

I managed to install and run Windows XP Professional on the laptop as well
as use DOS which suggests to me that the hard drive may not be corrupt. The
problem is although I am able to see the user folders created using the
original Home version of Windows, I am not able to access them or copy them
for back up to CD's because of the password protection of the Windows user
account.

My QUESTIONS...

Is there a way that I can override the password protection of these files so
that I can backup/copy the data to CD and then be able to proceed with
recovery/reset to factory default of the computer?

Would it make sense to go through the expense of obtaining a CD-Rom for
Windows XP Home to attempt to repair the damaged file?

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated as I have many important
documents/files on the laptop which quite unfortunately were not backed up
and now I am not able to access them.

Thank you.



PS. I just read in another post that
"Backup is a PC User's Best Friend" (quoted from Michael Solomon, MS MVP)
I agree one hundred percent. Just wishing I had not neglected by best
friend so...
:o(
.

Relevant Pages

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    ... Microsoft Defender is not installed by default on XP. ... a format and clean install) ... PC3 and the laptop work perfectly well on the same network - surely ... Windows - Shell/User ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax)
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    ... i see this as an oppertunity to convert her to Linux on her Sony VAIO ... she bought me a licensed copy of windows xp pro last year. ... could install it on her laptop. ...
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  • Re: Windows XP Professional: Admin Disabled
    ... The laptop didn't come with a CD. ... It's a Toshiba, and oddly enough, the sticker says that it's Windows XP Home ... The Belarc thing wouldn't install after saving to my desktop. ... Create a new Admin account and then install ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Win2000 Install Problem
    ... To do a clean install, either boot the Windows 2000 install CD-Rom or setup ... The set of four install disks can be created from your Windows 2000 ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.setup)
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