I have the following message and am unable to start computer or advance past this screen: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system. You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup..." Of course Windows came pre-installed with no disc. Am I screwed? Meyer3660

not really ... a 'good' copy (from your latest system restore point) of the system file is kept safe in the folder windows\repair detailed instructions can be found here http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub... since you don't have a windows cd and no access to the recovery console, you need a bootable media (floppy/cd/usb stick) with NTFS4DOS http://www.bootdisk.com http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

Wow! I can't tell you how many times I've posted to a forum with no response. An answer came in less than 15 minutes! Thanks... I assume if i download the ultimate boot cd and copy to a cd rom I then insert the cd rom in the non-working computer and power up. When I power up the ultimate boot cd will boot from the cd rom drive with instructions on how to access "repair"? Meyer3660

no, UBCD will not give you instructions but it will boot your PC with ntfs support which you need to copy the files in question manually according to the first link in my response #1. you should print a hardcopy. Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'