Hi,
whenever i start up my laptop (toshiba), i get the following message:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

"you 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"

however, as windows XP was preinstalled on the laptop, i do not have the CD and was wondering if anyone knew how to fix this issue without losing the data/files i have saved? (important university work =(

im using the pc now by the way so is there anything i can download for free that will help or....?

Thanks for your help1) Download the recovery console .iso (http://forums.pcpitstop.com/index.php?showtopic=150212)
2) Burn it to disc and then do the following:

Boot to your CD and enter the Recovery Console.

Type the following:

REN C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM SYSTEM.OLD
COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

rebootHi thanks for the reply =)

do i type all of this:

"REN C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM SYSTEM.OLD
COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

reboot"

and in caps lock?

Also will doing this save all of my data on the laptop?

Thanks againYes.

Your data will remain intact...Hi,

sorry i forgot my initial password so SET up a new account.

I have downloaded the boot CD and burned it
I put it in the laptop ad selected recovery console and here is what it says:

the recovery console provides system repair and recovery functionality
type exit to quit therecovery console and restart the COMPUTER
1: C:\windows
which windows installation would you like to log onto(to cancel press enter)?



what do i do next??? i tried to type the commands you gave but it only allows me to type one letter in :s

thanksSelect #1...it will then take you to a command prompt...when i type in COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG
it says: the system cannot find the file specified

?Because you have a space in there...this breaks the syntax...

Copy and paste the commands if need be...
Did you do the 1st command first and hit Enter ? ?space in between what sorry?

i typed it exactly as posted by the user.
Ooooops...my bad.It still doesnt work?

What can i do guys?
Its a toshiba laptop and windows XP was preinstalled (OEM) so i cant follow the instructions on the microsoft guided help.

?

Thanks?  Borrow an XP CD of the same version and do a  Repair Install of XP...Yes I have also same problem so I have repair my window xp.Its great way to solve problem.Its very easy step.Thanks to give suggestion.I have tried.My problem was solved.I think you have  also try this.I HOPE Your problem was solved.I have the same message - Windows\System32\config\system because the file is missing or corrupt, I have a XP cd, but nothing happens when I reboot. It just takes me back to the same windows\systems...... message! Any other suggestions? I don't mind loosing everything on the computer, I just want it to work again eventually!