Error message: Windows will not start

Good morning,

I received an error message: system32\config\system missing.
I am operating with Windows XP. Everything I read says I need the XP disc. I don't have the disc.

Is there any other way to to fix this error?

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Nancy

 

Hello again,
In an effort to save time like to add this to the previous message. If I have to buy a new XP disc, do I buy a full service with the service pack three, or do I buy a repair and recovery disk?

Thanks again,
Nancy

 

Do you have any disks at all? such as an OEM recovery disk that may have come with your computer?

I came across this page that was useful: http://www.help2go.com/content/tutorials/28-c-windows-system32-config-system-missing-corrupt.html

 

If you are going to buy a Windows XP disc, buy Windows XP Professional SP3.

 

Thank you. I don't have any disks at all. Computer was given to me by my old employer and our tech guy installed a new one terabyte hard drive and Microsoft office seven. That was in December of 2011.

If I buy a new disc, what will happen to all my information. I unfortunately did not back up.

 

Hi Maxwell, I tried the link to Help 2 go but unfortunately that didn't work. So I'm guessing I need to buy the windows XP professional Sp3. I saw it on eBay for $69.99. Do you think I can get it less expensive elsewhere?

 

Examined a file I downloaded which creates an XP CD for the Recovery Console.
Unfortunately, you have to download something from MS to use this.
I need to test further to see if what I previously posted is still possible.

 

Can I download this from another computer and use it to repair mine

 

If you are asking me. No. There is a set of 6 floppy XP repair disks. You would not have them on your computer.
Someone has made a program to turn the 6 floppies into a CD But you still need to download something from MS, change the title of what you've downloaded and burn it to a CD.

Does your XP computer have a floppy drive?

In the meantime, here are some things you might be able to try
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-things-you-can-do-when-windows-xp-wont-boot/

 

Thank you so much for all of your help. I am going to bring the tower to a technician in my area tomorrow. He is recommended by a friend. He will get it up and running with the XP Pro disc. Unless there are other complications, I can take it from there and may need your help in the process.
In the meantime, I have saved all of your instructions for future use.
Thank you again,
Nancy

 

Smart move rather than buying an XP disk let a tech use his to repair your computer.

 

Just for reference, XP is no longer supported by Microsoft. I can't recommend upgrading your OS enough (if your machine will support it), and having a solid antivirus along with another program like Malwarebytes.

Frankly, and this is not to frighten you, but XP is a dead horse and still using it can put you at risk unless you hack your registry (technically illegal) to obtain updates from Microsoft. Even the fabled "Service Pack 4" is only the POS system and ATM updates. They are still updating POS systems and ATMs which run on XP. That being said, those updates are for intranet based machines operating behind a firewall. SO, this means, yet again, use at your own risk...

 

I understand. The only reason I hung onto XP this long is because I use outdated Adobe Photoshop & illustrator. They don't seem to work with updated operating systems. Unfortunately it's not a good time for me to upgrade those programs. However I realize that it has become a necessity.

Thank you for your input

 

You can still run those old programs by running XP on a newer machine. It's called a "virtual machine" and you can run XP inside of a later OS.

There is also "compatibility mode" which allows Windows 7 and later operating systems to emulate older operating systems.

 

Easier to just pull the old computer off the internet and work with the programs. We do this on our Windows 2000 and XP computers.

Then buy something to surf safely on whether it is a desktop, tablet or phone.

 

NGazzara, have a look at my post in this thread.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1929747#post1929747