"Windows failed to start because the system registry file is missing or corrupt"

[ashmatt1222]

My computer will not boot... I keep getting the "windows failed to start because the system registry file is missing or corrupt"...I've tried going in safemode, last known configuration, etc. I also just tried the Vista recovery disc (32-bit) and it still won't work... There is a lot of stuff on my laptop I need, does anyone know how I can fix this without having to lose all of my info stored on my computer??

[Allan]

Boot to the Vista CD and use the repair option(s)

[ashmatt1222]

I did that already...it still won't work.  It says "unable to automatically fix problem.." or something along those lines..I've restarted and still back to the same issue.

[Allan]

Did you recently install or change any hardware or have any major errors or problems?

[ashmatt1222]

I haven't installed anything lately...I did uninstall a game that my boyfriend had downloaded on here a while ago. I have had this problem once before, but when I clicked on startup repair it worked...Nothing seems to work this time, not even the Windows Vista CD...

[Broni]

Since you have Vista DVD, try repair installation: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

[ashmatt1222]

Thanks, I read through that, but I'm not sure I understand... It says "don't run Vista DVD on boot"... am I supposed to put it in when I get to the screen that tells me "windows has failed to start..etc" ? I cannot get past that screen... ?

[Broni]

My bad. You can use that method only from within Vista.
I think, your best bet is to slave the drive in another computer to backup your data and try clean install.
I'd check your hard drive first, though.

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, unfortunately, you're out of luck, because Toshiba doesn't provide any diagnostic tool.

[ashmatt1222]

Ohh...My laptop is a Toshiba ... 

[Broni]

In that case....
I think, your best bet is to slave the drive in another computer to backup your data and try clean install.

[ashmatt1222]

Thanks so much,  I will try that.

[Broni]

Sure thing