My Windows Xp froze up and when I tried to turn it back on it said there was a corrupt/missing file in windows/system32/config/system My computer wont start up past that screen. I was wondering if anyone knows how to fix/bypass that so I can use my computer without having to reinstall windows and lose everything. Thanks
Hmm, as much as I hate to say it, that sounds like it might be reformatting territory...does Windows even load? If not, you might be screwed...I'm not 100% sure, but you might just have to dump the whole thing and start again. Not the answer you were looking for, but that might be your only option
Your best bet might be trying to load up in safe mode if it works and then try and see if you can fix the problem, if you can write name of the missing/ corrupt file if it tells you someone might know more.
Thanks for the help. I think I'll have to reformat. To answer your question Mark, Windows doesn't even load up. So I figured I was screwed but I just wanted to check and make sure there wasn't any chance I could do this an easier way If I put in my windows disk and try to boot it up using that it still goes to the same error screen so I was wondering how I can even reformat. If anyone knows what key to hit to try to boot up in safe mode or some sort of mode before the error screen comes up please let me know.
Aha, forgot about that. Remember to set your BIOS (hit Delete when booting) to boot from CD if you have that disabled.