Windows problem

[Inspector Jihad]

My dad's laptop crapped out and now it shows this message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system

I still looking for the recovery cds but I dont think it came with it. I think it was one of the first computers to require you to burn your own recovery cds. But I'm still searching.

Please Help!!

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

This may help http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822705/en-us

 

[Slammy1]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us

 

[corkyg]

Looks like you have a corrupted/damaged Registry. It's hard to fix if you can't start, at least in SafeMode. You have to boot with your Windows XP CD and use the Recovery Console. If you don't have that, you may have to borrow one or download the Ultimate Boot CD ISO file on another computer and burn the CD.