Unable To Start Laptop

Hi,
I have a laptop which I only use for one piece of software. Today when I switched it on the screen is black with s message about not being able to start due to a file missing or corrupt.
Windows\system32\config\system
I'm sure it's win xp but can you advise how do I start to fix this.
I tried a reboot but same screen appeared.

Thanks.

 

Do you have the Windows XP disk and the product key?

 

Hi
Will need to check later on.
If you are advising to reinstall xp will that then overwrite my info on the software that I use or will it just overwrite the xp part of it ?

Thanks.

 

If you have the Windows XP disk you can repair Windows while keeping your programs and files.

 

Hello,
I have just checked and i have disc & product key.

 

Here are the instructions.
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-perform-a-windows-xp-repair-install-2624915

 

ok
I am starting it now.

Thanks

 

Hi,
I didnt see the R when following the instructions so option was ENTER so this has wiped laptop.
I now know its clean etc but cant access internet to activate xp.
I have the laptop connected to my router using a wire.

Please can you advise thanks

 

I am not able to connect to the internet.
I am unable to install drivers as im not sure which i need to install.

Please could you advise how to complete this set up .
VAIO FS VGN-FS115B

Thanks

 

Next time before going nuclear, try recovering a copy of the registry. Then try a repair or Windows over Windows, then nuke and pave - after you backup the drivers!
As far as what you need to install open device manager and look for the exclaimations!.
You 'll need to get the drivers from here http://sonyvaiodriver.com/sony-vaio-vgn-fs115b-windows-xp-drivers/ on a working PC then copy them a USB key for the install on the other system.

 

I have just got wifi working but it will connect to my neighbours but not mine.
Also cant activate xp.
I have product key but now scratching my head over this....

 

That might be the encryption scheme you're using, XP had an update to allow stronger wifi encryption to be used... you're gonna need a $%!* ton of updates..
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Windows-XP-Genuine-Forever

https://microsoft.gointeract.io/mob...t&appkey=fdd66706-ae19-4524-a9e5-440df6739dcd

 

I have followed the instructions above for changing the product key. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Windows-XP-Genuine-Forever
I enter my product key & click on update followed by typring this into the run box oobe/msoobe /a but i see a message telling me not found.

How can i check if this worked ?
Thanks for the advice

 

Put a space before the "/a" and see if that works, otherwise do the below: Run>CMD cd %systemroot%\system32\oobe\ msoobe /a And if that fails: Run>oobe/msoobe.exe /a

 

Thanks very much for the help.