Windows start-up error: File missing or corrupt - Please help!

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

Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 03:57:02 -0700

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

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?

Firstly...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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