Error Message : Windows could not start...

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupted:
C:\Windows\System32\Config\System


This is the error message I get when I try to start my laptop. I need A LOT of help.

 

Since yours just says that "system" is corrupt I would try this first just so it won't wipe all of your settings.

Type as shown below...
(There are spaces where you see the YELLOW lines so be careful or this will not work)

If you get an error on any line after pressing enter, just continue and reboot.

md_tmp
(Press Enter)

copy_c:\windows\system32\config\system_c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
(Press Enter)

delete_c:\windows\system32\config\system
(Press Enter)

copy_c:\windows\repair\system_c:\windows\system32\config\system
(Press Enter)

After the last line type EXIT and reboot. This should take care of your problem and let you go on into Windows.

 

Where do I type these things?

 

I apologize for not being more specific. Locate your WinXP disc, enter it into the CD-ROM Drive and boot from the disc. If you can't boot from the disc you may have to set the BIOS to use the CD-ROM drive as first boot.

Once you have booted from the disc, setup will load. At the FIRST screen press "R" to enter the recovery console. When this loads choose the OS Install you wish to run this one, default it should be "#1 C:WINDOWS". Press #1 and enter. Next enter the Admin password if you have one, if you do not just press enter.

Then, enter the information from my previous post.