startup error

I have a computer that gives me this message on startup:

"Windows could not star because the following file is missing or corrupt:

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-Rom. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair."

I don't have the disk. Is there any way to do this without the disk?

 

Is this XP? If so then you can download the recovery console as an ISO file and burn it to a blank CD. Boot from that, hit "R" for repair and enter the recovery console. Then run a chkdsk c: /r command to try to fix any file system corruption.

Here you download rc.iso and you can use Imgburn's "Write IMAGE file to disc" option to burn the iso file to a blank CD. Be sure to use that Image file option. http://forum.imgburn.com/index.php?showtopic=61

Pay attention during imgburn install to opt out of any extra toolbars etc. The program is reliable but is supported by bundling unnecessary software so just opt out of extras.