My system couldn't work his morning, it gave the following error:
" windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system 32\config\system. You can attempt to repair the file by starting windows setup using the original setup cdrom, select 'r' at the first screen to start repair"

Can anyone explain in detail how to resolve these.
thanks

dont do what windows suggest! boot from your xp cd and go through as you were doing a fresh install. (not the recovery console) install it to the drive where your current copy is and it will repair all the problems without losing your current settings and programs etc.

Boot off of a clean windows XP cd, choose install ( not repair ) at the first prompt.
It will then search for a previous copy of windows.
When it finds your copy it will stop at the next prompt and ask if you want to do a repair, Hit R at this screen.
If it doesnt mention a repair DO NOT continue.
It will then copy a lot of files and appear to be doing a reinstall (But its not, All your programs and data are safe).
This will allow you to add accounts to the system that will be administrator accounts, it will also fix most problems in XP.
You will have to reactivate after the repair, but dont worry it will reactivate cleanly. This should fix your problems.