missing or corrupt files

how can i repair or find files to make windows 2000 start up? message says windows can't start because winnt\system32\config\system ced is missing or corrupt. i bought two startup disks, but they do no do anything. windows does not start. i can get into safe mode, but when i hit enter, it goes out.

[Moderator]

Boot to the OS CD and select R (Recovery Console)

At the command prompt type:

ren c:\windows\system32\config\system system.old
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config

Reboot

i don't have the os cd. i bought two discs on ebay, but can't get into windows to repair

[Moderator]

This link is for a recovery console .iso for Win XP. I do not know if it will work with Win2K, but you can try - otherwise you'll need to borrow a 2K CD from someone: http://forums.pcpitstop.com/index.php?showtopic=150212 

Description of the Windows 2000 Recovery Console

thanks for trying,  but it still won't open windows. looks like i'll wind up borrowing the windows 2000 disc. i had one, but my grandson traded it for a video game. i'll see if the guy still has it. thanks again

but can't get into windows to repair

your supposed to boot from the disc.

[Moderator]

As BC says, you need to burn the .iso image to a cd (using a utility that burns .iso images), then change the boot order in your bios so the cd is at the top of the list, then boot to the CD. You are not supposed to get into Windows.

As BC says, you need to burn the .iso image to a cd (using a utility that burns .iso images), then change the boot order in your bios so the cd is at the top of the list, then boot to the CD. You are not supposed to get into Windows.

heh, thanks for fleshing that out, I was only half-awake when I posted 

[Moderator]

heh, thanks for fleshing that out, I was only half-awake when I posted 

That's cool. You've done it for me too.