Hi,

I have this XP Professional computer at home that doesn't want to boot. When I try to boot it always SAYS: WINDOWS can't be booted because the following file cannot be found or is damaged: \windows\system32\config\system. I really don't know what to do as I tried everything I know. If you know how to fix this, please help!   Go here   http://swatrant.blogspot.com/2005/11/windows-could-not-start-because_17.html...and here: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545Thanks for your help guys, the problem was solved.  Now I have to repare ONE more computer and my job is done. system32/driver/pci.sys is missing/damaged, but I bet Microsoft Support has that solution too.  I tried to access XP's system restoration but I couldn't get there because pci.sys was missing. Also, the screen was covered in red stripes. I think we need to buy a whole new harddisk before we can even TRY to do a system restore...   If you think it is the hard drive, go to the drives manufacturer's website and download the diagnostics disk and check the hard drive.  You can always boot from the XP - CD and do a repair install.  The stripes on the MONITOR would lead me to believe the graphics card is acting up.  There's a slight problem. In order for me to do a repair install, I need to have access to XP's setup menu, which I don't because pci.sys is missing.

O yeah, this wasn't actually my pc, but my nephew's. He took the pc anyway and said it doesn't matter. My parents asked if I could keep the broken pc, but he sort of said no. Now, my parents will try to convince him through my uncle and aunt to give it to me anyway. They'll be back in 2 weeks; they're on a holiday in Morocco.The Recovery Console should load even with the missing file...
Boot with the XP CD in and hit the first R to launch the Recovery Console...
From there you should be able to copy/replace the pci.sys file to the Windows installation...

Here Ya Go...Thanks Patio, I'll try as soon as possible.

P.S.: do you MIND if I copy that quote from your signature?