hi there, im getting a message saying windows cannot boot due to \windows\system32\config\system is corrupt or missing. i have tried booting from the cd but with my laptop being a dell inspiron the cd drive wont work!! i can't access windows at all have tried through safe mode etc etc but cant get past this message. i was just wondering if anyone knew another way to try and boot the dell. i have access to another laptop, external harddrive and an installation disc for xp but dont know how to put the four together to get the results i want. if somebody knows a way of doing it i would be grateful if you could explain it in small simple steps lol. im a mechanic and usually if it doesnt work then out comes the hammer!!!
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545 Not sure how MS expect you to dowload the guided help if the machine won't boot but there is a convoluted manual method - good luck.
I'm assuming you are using XP - don't you know?
i am using xp with sp3. i have also read and tried to use the guide from microsoft help and support but to no avail unfortunately. i have access to a laptop running 7 and a pc running xp but need to know if possible and how to install xp on an external harddrive then i can set bios to boot from usb hopefully