File missing error in windows xp

[khurshid]

Hi,

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

The problem is that i have no idea to restore xp files with command propmpt,can anybody help me to restores this missing file in drive c: from cdrom drive x:

Thanks

[YeOldeStonecat]

This isn't a good error. Critical operating system files are in this directory, including the registry. With the registry, there is not restoring from the CD-ROM, as the registry is something that always evolves/changes with your system as you install software, use your profile, etc.

When a hard drive begins to fail..this is a very common location since it's very heavily used.

First thing to try, run a chkdsk on it while booting from your XP CD.

Next..try to boot into safe mode, if you can, then run a system restore.

If no luck, you can try to manually restore your files...
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

My honest experience....plan on trying to recover important data first...and then begin some steps. If you're able to get the system up and running again...replace the hard drive before you run into this again soon. For recovering your important data, if you cannot get it up and running...slave this hard drive into another computer, browse to My Documents and/or whatever else is important that you need to get..and copy it off the drive.

[The Dude]

If the drive is healthy this might be a better repair option. I've used it a number of times to get windows running again after a rogue program mangles some windows system files. If the drive is bad it may not work and may make it harder to recover data. If you get errors while trying it thats a good sign your drive and or RAM has problems. You should be able to download a free utility from the drive makers web site to check it for errors. If you have files on that drive you need that weren't backed up I'd try to recover them before you do anything. If you can slave that drive into another PC and see if you can get what you need off of it.

XP Repair install

Boot the computer using the XP CD.
You may need to change the boot order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive.
Check your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order.
When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below
This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.
Do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console).
Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows installations.
Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the repair.
Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot.
Do not press any key to boot from CD when the message appears.
Setup will continue as if it were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will remain intact.