no windows installation disc

I found a sony vaio laptop and when I tried booting it up it wont load. I get an error message from boot manager saying:

windows failed to start. a recent harware or sofware change might be the cause.

below it says:

file: \windows\system32\config\system

status: 0xc00000e9

infor: windows failed to load because the systme registry file is missing, or corrupt.

I just found this thing, and I want to fix it but i don't have any discs for it or anything else.

Things I have tried:
safe mode, last known config, memory test

I cant even get a command prompt.

Please help me, I cant afford to go and buy the installation disc. Is there a boot up disk I can download on a usb and boot it up that way?

Thank you!!!!

Please keep in mind that I have no idea what this system is running, whether it is vista, xp, or win 7... 32-bit or 64-bit. I don't know how to check. I have not even got past this screen.

 

Hi,


Give the exact model number of the laptop so we can help find the specs to tell which OS is running. I think the term bootmanager only came out after XP so it should be Vista or Win7.

Without a disc and that error, your options are very limited. A Vista/Win7 recovery environment disc might get you a good System Restore point. A Hiren's boot CD has a registry restoration tool but the one time I tested it, I got no verifiable results so I don't know if it really does what it says it does.

 

On the Sony site that leads to these model number choices Do you have any number on the bottom of the notebook that starts with VGN?

It looks like it is going to be a Vista OS 32bit which is good news. You can download the recovery ISO here or try this one first.

It is easiest to burn it to a CD but if you really want instructions to put it on USB I can find them. The only ones I, personally, have had luck with a command prompt instructions. Not too hard but it is a manual method.

 

Press F10 right after you turn on the computer to access the Vaio Recovery Wizard and see if it will reinstall.
There should be a Microsoft COA sticker on the bottom, which will name the installed OS:
http://laptop-donor.com/cart/images/windows-vista-home-premium-COA.jpg

 

When the VAIO logo appears on the computer's screen, briefly press the F10 key on the computer keyboard.

The VAIO Recovery Wizard should appear- if it does , folow the instructions for original factory installation - works on many sony vio's
Two minds alike ther- both posted at the same time.

 

Ever so grateful to you!!! thank you so much!

 

Thank you so much!!! I was almost ready to throw it in the garbage!

 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! Cant say it enough!