When I start up the message:"impossible start up windows because this file is missing or corrupted: windows\system32\config\system you can restore it using the xp cd". Then I start up from the cd, it does all of its checkings,and then it gets to the screen when it tells me if I want to install xp or simply restore a file and both of the choices end up freezing the computer. If i try to install windows it freezes right at the beginning when saying "checking for windows older versions" and if i try to restore a file i tried with every key possible and the only one which seems to work is "1" but the it stops working. I dont know if I have explained very well, let me know if you need more explanations. Please help me before i go spending money with some "technical help".... Thanks!

Can you get into safe mode? Tap f8 repeatedly while booting up. IF you are using an XP installation disc (NOT a restoration Disc)once in safe mode you can try an sfc /scannow to replace any missing files. Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks

Thanks but I already tried...after selecting safe mode it tells me "windows could not start up, file windows\system32\config\system could be damaged etc etc... I also tried every other option in the f8 screen and the nswer is always the same. I have nothing important on the hard drive, is there a way to delete everything and start all from the beginning?..like format c... thanks anyway for the tip!

is there a way to delete everything and start all from the beginning?..like format c... Yes - with a caveat ... Manufacturer/Model: hp pavillion Did you ever created HP Recovery CD set when you first got this PC? If not, you need to do this by following the procedures given in the link below HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Creating Recovery Disc Set in Windows XP i_XpUser