Windows xp will not boot up?

Hi all hope you can help, when daughter tries to boot up computer message displayed is: windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM this even happens when try to open in safe mode?
please can somebody out there help as cannot get on to my computer while hers out of order & its driving me mad

Here is the page from Microsoft on that error:

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

Hi
Thanks for link comp will let me get into safe mode menu but comes up with same message whichever option i choose?
Screen shows a graphic saying Biostar then just goes int a dos message re the file problem, or safe mode menu if press
F8 key?
Any advice?

What is the make and model of the computer? Or is it custom built?

If the former do you have the manufacturers Recovery CD?

If the latter do you have your retail Microsoft XP CD?

Hi
Custom built PC with no original discs but do have a genuine windows XP cd to hand. tried putting it in to no avail. Will wiping all off and installing windows help? if so how can i do this?
many thanks for help
deano

"Tried putting it in"? How so? Did you boot it? If not you need to.

Set your BIOS to boot the CD drive prior to the hard drive then boot with the CD in the drive.

Press any key to boot CD when thus prompted.

The first thing you can try is choose the first "R" to open the Recovery Console.

Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console for advanced users

Here you can try a few things. I would try in this order rebooting between (not pressing any key to boot CD) to see if the issue is resolved:

FIXBOOT C:

FIXMBR C:

BOOTCFG /rebuild

CHKDSK C: /r


If none of the above work then yes you can reinstall XP as either a Repair or a Clean Install.

You will need a unique XP Product Key or know the key associated with that computer. You cannot use a key that is in use on any other computer.

There are good install guides here:

Michael Stevens Tech

Hi
Just a computer moron me! how do you set your BIOS to boot the CD drive prior to the hard drive then boot with the CD in the drive. because as soon as i turn comp on it jumps straight to the above mentioned screens?

sorry to be such a pain
thanks for trying to help
Deano

You need to enter the BIOS Setup.

This is usually by pressing "Delete" on start or some use "F2".

You should see this on the BioStar screen: "Press Del to enter Setup" or what have you.

You might also see a different note to "Press F... for Boot Menu"

If you see the latter go there and choose your CD drive.

If you need to enter the BIOS Setup look for "Boot Priority"

Cheers
Thanks for all your help shes gone to bed now so will try all roots in morning?
Thanks again
deano

Restart your computer. As soon as you see the Biostar bootup splash screen, press TAB, this will reveal the POST screen.

Enter the CMOS setup by pressing <DELETE> at the POST or Biostar splash screen.