Thanks to the kind folks on this forum I was able to get my “backup” version of Windows running and fully functional tonight. However my major problem is the message I got when I tried to turn on my computer the other day:

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

I haven’t attempted to use the procedure detailed by Microsoft here:

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

yet because of this statement:

“This registry was created and saved during the initial setup of Windows XP. Therefore any changes and settings that occurred after the Setup program was finished are lost.”

Is there a better solution than this?

I have been able to reverse the plugs on my hard drives (SATA) and the computer is now booting and running successfully on my D drive where I had a backup version of Windows XP Professional. I am able to see and access my original C drive with the corrupt version of XP and it appears to be fully functional. First thing I did was a complete virus/spyware scan of both drives which came up clean.
I am also pretty sure that somewhere I have a backed up version of the registry.

How should I proceed so that I can restore my primary system? That drive has all the programs that I use on it and to reinstall Windows and all my other junk again would takes days.

1. Try this first ...

scannow sfc - LEARN how to use SFC.EXE (system file checker) in this article!



2. If/when you can...
Please post your system specs at...
Click on User CP
Slide down to Edit Options

You can click on the Belarc link in my signature.
Download/run the scan (it's FREE).
It will give you the specs on your computer.

This will help us help you.

I don't think I can use scannow sfc on a drive which won't boot up Windows.

You're right. Senior moment!

If you can access your normal boot drive, save all your personal data.
The favorite IE list, the Email files, personal files, things like that.

I suggest you print out the procedure, then, give the MS procedure a try.

Good Luck

Do you require further assistance?