My laptop has fallen and it can't get up. I am running XP Home. When I start my laptop I immediately get a black screen saying "windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system" What can I do to fix this? Can it be done w/o having to reload o/s? What if any files will be lost or links be broken beyond repair? Any info on assistance would greatly be appreciated.

Welcome to the PCHF irixxx. Nice Steve Urckle quote there


Onto your problem...is that the only error you're getting? it's not telling you any specific file in the \system directory?

Hello and thanx GaRHaR I appreciate the warm welcome. I'm sure I will learn alot and possibly offer some assistance in some areas that are trouble-some to many. That text (which I quoted) is the entire message. Although, there is a sentance following that which states that I might be able to restore the lost or corrupted file by pressing the "R" key at the first screen when I boot using the origional XP cd. When I attempt this what happens is the windows setup files are loaded and I am given 3 options. First, if I would like to continue loading windows on the selected partition. Secondly, if I would like to begin restoring the current windows installation press the "R" key. And, thirdly if I would like to continue loading the windows setup files without reinstalling windows. So naturally I choose the option that was detailed in the error message and I press the "R" key. The screen that immediately follows states that restoration cannot continue due to the fact that a hard drive was NOT detected and that the computer will restart in a specific time lapse (15 seconds). ????? WTF???? sorry, is there any way of correcting this? My setup utility (bios) does not have a section detailing the HD config perameters. This, to me, is again baffling as I don't believe I have ever seen a bios that omits the HD specs. The bios is a Phoenix and my machine is a HP Pavillion dv 1000 (if that helps any).