corrupt file at start-up

When I turn my computer on, it says "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I went to the save mode and nothing worked. What can I do to fix my computer?

 

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

 

I don't have my windows xp startup disk (or whatever it's called..) Can I get a new one?

 

You can use the windows xp cd also.But I havent tried this.
This is windows xp right?

 

Welcome to MG. You didn't actually tell us the name of the file (dll?) that is missing. That bit got left off your post. (the bit after \SYSTEM).
Are you using XP? If not, what are you using? Bazza
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I don't have a startup disk or cd, I don't remember ever having one. Can I buy one or borrow one from someone else, and yes its windows xp

 

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=71710
The file "system" doesnt have an extension and the above link is an identical error that SPD fixed a while ago.

 

Thanks kadavill, my mistake. Bazza

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ok, I have come to yet another problem.. on this computer, everytime I try to format a floppy disk, it says "windows was unable to complete the format" I have bought new disks, but that didnt make a difference.. so I can't copy anything to a floppy, and my CD drive wont open anymore, which means I can't fix my laptop yet. This is my mothers computer and clearly she doesn't take care of it. What do I do now?