This PROBABLY will sound like a stupid ? 2 most but I need some help. I am running win 2000 & when I startup I get the msg Windows 200 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINNT/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM32

I know longer have the 2000 startup disk. I have nt & xp pro. I tried using those both but, it keeps going back to the same msg (see above). Ive tried last known config, safemode etc... Is there a WAY I can bypass this or how can I get rid of op system thru dos w/o the disc or erd. Since microsoft doesnt have support for this (Ive gone on the microsoft page) for this. any help u can give me I would APPRECIATE. I am typing this from my blkbry.

Thanx System32 is a folder. Are you sure that you provided the entire error message? here is the enire message.

The top it says starting windows below it is the loading bar

"Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missiong or corrupt:

WINNT/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEMced startup options for windows 2000, press f8. You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows 200
setup using the original setup floppy disk or CD-rom.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start. repair".

That is the entire msg. I dont have the set-up floppy or cd-rom. I have the nt disk & xp. You could try DLoading the 5 floppy set of Win2K from bootdisk.com and run the Recovery Console but i suspect you are going to need to locate a Win2K CD that says Microsoft all over it to repair this problem...Yeah, but getting 2 a diff pc is more difficult. Couldnt I just wipe it clean & reinstall windows? I dont need anything that is currently on there.HI pm,

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

Insert and boot from your Windows XP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
cd \windows\system32\config
Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
Take out the CD ROM and type exit
naresh.techie: The user stated in the first post that the system has Windows 2000. thanx. I have tried doing that but it keeps loading & going back 2 tha same error. The pc is reading the cd, but never GIVES me an option 2 repair the error or install a new os. do u know y? What options are you given? You really have options....

get a copy of W2K CD and use it to repair your system or....

Wipe it clean and do a full reload of the system with a new operating system.

Post the specs of your machine and we can tell you what it would be able to run...

Thanx 4 d reply. How do I wipe it clean if I cant even get into dos 2 remove everything? It will not let me load anything @ all or even give me options 2 do anything.Windows XP will give you the option to format the hard drive during installation.