Yet Another Windows XP Problem

[Andy Mancini]

I swear, my brother's computer is cursed somehow. He turned it on today and got this message:

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

You can repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first setup screen to start repair.
Now, I got to the Windows Recovery Console, but I have no idea on what to do next. In the days of 95/98/Me, I would simply reload Windows. I can't do that now, however, since I used up all of my licences. Anyone have any suggestions?

[sCoRpiO]

I will try to help you...sorry if it doesnt help....but this file that is missing..the"\WINDWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM" is one very important file and u cant reload windows..i think the best thing to go is to format the computer to get that file back because maybe someone deleted it ....so i think if u format windows..the file will come back again and ur brother will be able to use his computer again...but be careful..if u format windows..ur files will all be deleted(music files, games etc) so save all the important files u want onto a CD first then format ur computer..if u dunno how to do that...i suggest u take it to a shop...
Hope it works...something like that happened to me last year....

[Supreme]

Try these links:

http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBF/TIP2700/rh2783.htm

Basically the same as above, but more in-depth:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=269075

[Andy Mancini]

I'm to the point where Windows will load, but not all of the way. At least the original problem is fixed...

[SlyBoy]

Well, my laptop most of time doesn't have sound! At times, it does. But it when doesn't have sound, the laptop thinks the audio codec is broken when it isn't. And YES, I have XP.