file corrupt or missing?

Ok here is the problem:
My little sister has a laptop computer that just now decided it was going to go wonky. She is a little computer illiterate and i really don't know if she even scans her computer with the anti virus and anti spyware stuff i put on the computer.
when she tried starting it up today she recieved this message
"Windows cannot start because file is missing or corrupt" It had a file name under it which was "\Windows\system32\config\system"
So now once again i bow to the mighty computer gurus here at major geeks and hope for some help.
her lap top is a "balance" with i think 500 something MB RAM, Windows XP operating system and i don't know the kind of prossesor.
also i don't know if it has a reboot disk or an internal reboot system, we have had it so long that if it does have a disk it is lost.

please help!

 

Hello. Have you tried System Restore yet? Also, the following article may be helpful.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

I hope that you get it worked out.
K

 

Re: file corrupt or missing?still in need of help

ok like i said before the restore disk is gone.
as for the link you gave wasn't very helpful because i am pretty computer illiterate myself.
I have had a lot of people say taht major geeks has like a download or soething that can create a back up disk to restore a computer that has crashed is that true?
and would it help in this case?

 

No, not the restore disk. System Restore is a feature of windows XP. Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. This allows you to choose a restore point from when the system was OK.

HTH

 

But i can't get to the start menu. we press power and a black screen comes up and says "Windows cannot start because file is missing or corrupt" It had a file name under it which was "\Windows\system32\config\system"
then it shuts down.
so i can't use the windows xp system restore because windows xp wont start int he first place.

 

There may be a recovery partition on the hard drive.. Go to the laptop manual or maker's website to find out which key to press while it is booting up to access it (it may be the F10 or F11 key at the top but not always). You may also be able to order a restore disc from the manufacturer, if it is in warranty it's usually free or shipping+handling; out of warranty will cost more but not an arm and a leg.

 

Well i found out it doesn't have internal recovery thingy, none of the f# keys worked.
So i'm going o call the company to see if i can get a system restore disk. However i was wondering about a program my friend found. He said it might help but wasn't sure. So I was wondering If the "Bart's PE Builder" would solve the problem, or at least get me to the desktop so i can activate the windows system restore from the start menu?

Well i hope for a reply, you guys are great!

 

I don't know about "Bart's PE Builder", but you may still be able to get into windows via safe mode.

Try this:

1. Restart your computer.
2. As soon as the power returns, and the computer is running the boot routines, begin tapping F8 repeatedly.
3. This brings you to the boot options menu, where you can select 'Safe Mode'
4. With any luck, this lets you in windows. From there, you can perform a system restore as described below.

 

Good thought mada . . . pitty it didn't work. I tried the safe mode and got the same message about the file being missing or corrupt.
Oh well I'll call comtinue with my other plan of calling Balance Digital.

But if anyone knows if that Barts PE builder would help please tell me so i can stop asking about it like a parrot, Rhaaack Barts PE Builder Rhaack *whistles in bird imitation*

 

Another way to set up a System restore is to create a shortcut with the path as follows, for XP.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe

This may serve as a reminder to users to create a System Restore point occassionally, when they spot the shortcut on their front page.

Maybe a good reminder is the first of each month, today (here on OZ).

Thanks Scousetechie, for reminding me to do something on my new machine. Bazza

PS: Just set my first one up. Easy with the above shortcut, actually easier than going through the menus. Baz

===

 

unfortunate for me that i can't get to anyplace on my computer that gives me the option of creating a short cut
I mean the computer is turned on and then it goes to this message against a black screen:

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

So i can't get passed that message even when i try to get it to safe mode. oy vey! and know i can't seem to get a hold of the company that makes the computer.

 

Would one of these be your notebook? http://www.balance-digital.com/product pic/notebook.htm

http://www.balance-digital.com/contact.htm