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I have a DELL 8400 Dimension Desktop and the other day the system was working fine I shutdown came back to it a day later and received this error.

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

So I followed instructions and have tried to repair the windows install. In the setup screens I get to the agreement but then after pressing F8 (agree to sign my life away!) then I get a BSOD saying something about BAD_POOL_DATA and windows is saving my life by shutting down! I cannot get past this point and all I want to do is start fresh or repair, any will do!

Help would be appreciated.

Hello and welcome to PCHF smirn

Have you tried choosing "Last known good configuration" from the F8 menu?

You can follow these options for doing a repair install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Otherwise do you have a Windows XP CD or do you only have a Recovery CD?

:smiley: Hi Smirn,

My welcome as well. Have you tried booting into Safe Mode? (Tapping the F8 key at bootup until a menu shows up, then using your arrow keys, choose Safe Mode.) If you can, try clicking on Start, Run, type in sfc /scannow. You will need your XP cd in the drive. This may help repair damaged files and get you to a place where you can do a repair install.

TTFN

LGW

Thanks for quick reply
I have the XP install disk, there is no option to boot into safe mode or 'Last known good config" Im running out of ideas

Thanks

Alright then if you don't require any information on your hard drive then you could perform a format and reload.

You can follow these instructions:
http://www.pchelpforum.com/tutorials...ard-dirve.html

oh sorry found the options results in the same error

Have to tried to delete the partition and then create a new one?