[MacDiesel]

I am getting the "Windows could not start because the following is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system" error when I tried to boot up. I have spent numerous hours searching the net to find a fix, but nothing is working. This pc is a Dell Dimension 8400 with XP. I have tried the whole recovey console bit and everything else on google. Could someone please help me. I beg you!

[peterhuang913]

Dont use Recovery Console, do a system repair.

[MacDiesel]

I don't have the option when I boot to the XP cd to do a repair install if thats what you mean.

[Osiris]

you need to boot from you xp cd to perform a repair

[MacDiesel]

I have booted from the xp cd, but i dont get the repair install option. I just get the options to i believe format and delete or create a partition.

[Osiris]

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

[Lorithad]

From the recovery console that you're at, try this before doing a repair:

chkdsk /r

Be prepared to wait several hours while it checks your hard drive for errors. It could very well fix the problem, though it doesn't always. And even when it does its kind of a mixed blessing. "Yay! I've got my stuff back! Oh...My hard drive is dying."

[EricB]

get an erd commander cd 2005 and perform a system restore