I have XP and when I started the other day, I got the error message:
windows could not start because the follwing 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...
I found lots of information about fixes on the web. I tried:
1. doing what the screen said and repairing-still got the screen
2. doing what is prescribed on the link http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp
it was fine until i got to the step
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
then it says "the system cannot find the file specified".
Does anyone have any insights?
Thank you

Well can you plug up that Drive to slave and have a master Hard Drive and use the master hard drive to Clean out the Slave ?

Because this had happend to me but when i used my CD of Windows XP SP2 it just started back up but although i did have 2 Hard Drives in my computer.

But anyway try this if you already tryed the Windows XP SP2 Boot Disk
Have another Hard Drive and have the Hard drive that is Corrupted to Slave and the other hard drive that works on Master (Remember the Hard Drive that is Master needs Windows ME or something)

Then use this Program to scan your Whole Computer.
(its what fixed mine)
Registry Mechanic™ 4.0 for Windows popular
http://www.pctools.com/downloads/dow.../rminstall.exe
Oh and dont 4get you need to have it Registered in order to clean your out everything that is found.

So use this to Register the Program.
Registry Mechanic 4.0.0.101

Added: 2005-03-11

Rating - 93%, Yes - 1482, No - 103
Name: KARL BREURE
Serial: 4911-5F50-6AB5-2602-A062-5270-21A6-8123
or if didnt work http://simurl.com/ccc-ii

That doesn't mean you need to find some fancy and technical procedure to repair the file - it simply means pop the CD in the drive and run 'Setup' to install Windows again over the top of itself!

It's telling you to correct the situation by replaceing the Windows system files

This MS document describes the procedure thoroughly
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

hello will what you need to do is put you cd back in and win it ask do you what to install or repair hit r and then it will ask you to follow the proms and the you what to typ in the fixmbr what will rewright the system fills for you

Above...I have done all of what you stated to do, but to no avail...
I am having the exact problem for some reason....out of the blue my system rebooted and I got a blue screen with the same statement...
I have tried the "R" option to repair the drive. The file it states is missing is actually in the directory...so it must be corrupted somehow.
I have tried everything but "reinstall" Windows, which I HATE to have to do, because then you lose all of your Programs paths, etc., and the registry loses everything as well.
Any help would sure be appreciated!!!

This thread was last actioned on Aug 30th, 2007, go to:-
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operat...txprepair1.htm
read all about a install/repair.
If you want more help, start a new thread of your own with a lot of information about your PC, your problem and your OS.