I have a computer that was having problems after downloading SP2 so I reinstalled XP and it fixed the problems. It left all my programs and files alone and reinstalled a few things that were messed up or missing. I have another computer that was having the same issues so I tried to reinstall windows and now it goes as far showing me an an option to get to set up and then gives me a message similar to "Please select R at the first screen to repair windows, using the set up disk for this computer" Well this windows disk is the original disk for the computer. You can't use the keyboard for anything other than the setup menu. Is there anything I can do?

what happens when you select r to repair windows?

It doesn't do anything, the only thing I can do is use the delete button to go into setup mode. If it passes the screen with that option, there is a screen where it reads the memory, etc... before windows loads. Now it doesn't go into loading windows, I get the screen that tells me to put in the disk and hit r.

try changing boot order to cd first. then boot from your xp disk. try repairing installation that way.

thanks, will go do that now and see if anything happens.

here is a run down of what happens from the time I hit the power button Changed to boot from CD Main screen 1 - comes up, gives me option to enter setup using delete or continue (keyboard doesn't work, keys have no effect, except delete) second screen - POST (don't know what this means but 1st screen said continue to post, then lesds to this) When CD is in, says press any key to load from CD (keyboard doesn't work, NO keys have effect) 3rd screen - CD or no CD, same result here is the full message Windows could not start because the following file was missing or corrupt \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM You can attempt to repairthis file by starting setup using original CD. Select "r" at first screen to repair.

have you tried a different keyboard?