Start-up problem: Missing file or corrupt - Please help!

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From: AllSheWrote (AllSheWrote_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 06/17/04 

Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 03:56:01 -0700

Upon starting my PC up yesterday morning, the following error message was displayed:

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.

I cannot find the original setup disc required to repair the file, and want to avod having to completely recover the entire PC as I have much needed file and information that I unfortunately did not back up. Is is possible for me to use somebody elses original setup CD? Or are they all unique?

I realise there are several other topics on this issue and have trawled through them all and have printed out the "How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting...". So I am aware of the steps that that article suggests. However, I am not au fait with all the terminology used and so don't want to just jump in to following the instructions.

I would appreciate any help given, but please be aware I do know of the article that seems to be typically prescribed to this problem. I would greatly appreciate answers to the following questions (lol)...

What causes this problem...how could I have avoided it?
Can I use someone elses setup disc to repair the file?
Is there a way of me fixing this problem without having to lose all the data on my hard drive?

I eagerly await any advice...I'm sure you can appreciate my concern over this issue and I'm feeling considerably stressed by it.

Thanks in advance,

Beck

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