Windows XP Problem (Registry related?)

[pac1085]

I've been having a problem with an XP machine for the last few months. About 4 months ago the original hard drive died, so I replaced it with a 60gb maxtor. Put a fresh install of windows on it etc. Approx once a month, when you try and turn the system on, it gives the following error:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I went by the instructions on microsofts knowledgebase on how to fix it, which works, but every time about a month later i get the same message again. I've tried a few different sticks of ram for the hell of it, and the same thing happens. The only thing I can think that could be causing it would be the hard drive...I dont understand why its only having a problem with that specific file, everything else has run fine. Before I RMA the drive, I want to check and see if anyone else has had the same problem...just to make sure it couldnt be something else. Thanks in advance. System specs below:

System specs:
AMD Duron 700
256mb pc133 cl2 Crucial SDRam
IWill KK266-R
GeForce 2 MX 32MB SDR
Netgear FA310TX
60GB 7200RPM Maxtor "Quiet Drive"
56x Acer CDRom
32x10x40 Benq CDRW

 

[mikecel79]

Have you tried a surface scan of the drive yet? It sounds like the drive is bad.