Re: No Windows

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"Skye" <Skye@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:9197D882-8FB8-4C91-A557-A1F904189530@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I am running Windows XP SP3 and have reached a stage where Windows won't load
at all, I get the following message:-
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
C\Windows\system32\config\System
It then goes on to say use the CD Rom, but like most people, I don't have
it, my PC came with XP preinstalled.
Can anyone advise how to resolve this issue. I can't get it to boot in safe
mode or anything else. I have tried various back-up CD's that I have prepared
for such an emergency but they don't work either. Can I get a copy of the
installation CD anywhere or download it and burn it to CD?
I'm no tech wizard so any help please make it simple.Thanks in advance.


--
Having read through this thread, you need to use the procedures, perhaps adapted, at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us

as John John mentions.

These procedures do work, and are pretty straightforward, but it isn't really a beginner-level task.

Now, those directions require you to have a bootable XP CD, not a "system restore" version that replaces an image on the system, OR, having had the Recovery Console installed on the system. If your system didn't come with a bootable XP CD or have the Recovery Console installed, you have basically three choices:

1) Borrow any bootable XP CD, Home or Pro, OEM or retail, for this. Any will work; you aren't installing.
2) Use a bootable Linux CD.
3) Host (attach) the drive on another system and perform the file operations that way.

If you use options 2 or 3, the directions in the Knowledgebase article naturally have to be adapted.

You may find that this is just a bit beyond your abilities, and that you need help from someone with more skills (and the CD or other system).

HTH
-pk

.

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