laptop wont boot

[blackrainbow]

im having this erorr when tryin to boot my laptop, (its runnin xp pro

windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
\windows\system 32\config\system

is there any way to repair it with out havin to reformat it, or use the repair funtion on a xpro disk

[Dusty]

Have you tried Safe Mode - Last Known Good Configuration?  KB307545?   Do you backup your registry using Erunt?

Whatever recovery options you wish to try be aware that data/program losses may occur.   Prioritize your option between protecting vital files and recovering the system.   Review the status of your backup.

Good luck.

[blackrainbow]

it comes up after the hp screen, so i cant get in to safe mode and i dont want to lose any thing on there

[Allan]

Boot to your CD and select Recovery Console.

Type the following:

REN C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM SYSTEM.OLD
COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG