I suffered the "windows xp could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \Windows\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM" Have followed the instructions in Msoft KB article 307545 but when I get to stage two looking in the system volume information folder there is only one restore folder present. it's properties say it was just created. the instructions say not to use this folder but any earlier folder from before the crash. I think I'm screwed as I now have a new registry copied from the instal disk and it won't know where half my apps are. Already my printer control is missing from startup and messenger won't start. At least IE is working. Q. Do I need to do a repair instal? Q. If so will I lose personal settings? I only have one registered user with full admin privileges. Will I lose access to my current "my docs" folder? I have backups of most of this stuff anyway. My other question relates to the crash itself. Other posts on this issue indicate a possible cause is memory errors. I recently added an extra 256mb ram. Have been running for two weeks without a glitch then this error message happened. Any help or suggestions appreciated.