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My WinXP computer wont startup it says its winodws\system32\config\system files is corrupt or missing. It tells me to insert the cd and press the r button, i do and it brings me to a command prompt and I've got no idea where to go from their. Oh yeah, and did I mention I dont want to reformat the HD

If I remember correctly, it just wants you to do a quick reinstall of the vital windows files. It wants you to hit 'r' after you are in the Windows Install screen. Just boot from the windows CD, and press 'r' when the option comes up.

If you need more detailed instructions, there's this magical information source I once heard of. It's on the internet somewhere. I think it's called or some other mathematics term. Good luck.

yah I think I might of heard of this "google" place you speak of once or twice...
I'm just so afraid of erasing everything on my computer.

yah I think I might of heard of this "google" place you speak of once or twice...
I'm just so afraid of erasing everything on my computer.

formatting will do that... back up your stuff beforehand, but formatting is a great way for a clean operation, I usually format every few months.

Well... You could Hook your harddrive up to another computer as the secondary harddrive and copy all your files to say your friends PC and then you can format it, and take the files back off your friends PC. Just my idea.

Well bad went to worse, now the computer wont start up at all, it doesnt even turn on!

Try putting your harddrive in another computer because it could be your harddrive. So if it cant be read in another computer you have successfully fried your first harddrive .

If it is not your harddrive than it could be your motherboard.
I once had exactly the same problem and it was not solved after reinstalling Windows. I formatted the drive and the problem was still there.
Then I went to the dealer and they changed the motherboard.

Tell us what happens if you change the harddrive.

If it is not your harddrive than it could be your motherboard.
I once had exactly the same problem and it was not solved after reinstalling Windows. I formatted the drive and the problem was still there.
Then I went to the dealer and they changed the motherboard.

Tell us what happens if you change the harddrive.

If it won't POWer up... the POWer supply is a better choice to test first, motherboards are more expensive

Do you have a spare computer case you can install the stuff in?

Honestly, If you are not adept with computer hardware, take it to a computer store, they will test it and let you know exactly what is wrong with it and show you how they know, they should test it and find the hardware problem for free, very simple to test each item, even if its past the POWer supply.

They'll give you a quote, but a good shop won't charge you for the test, bad customer serVice!

Also, some DVD R(W)'s Are good, about 4 or five for the Important files, and maybe some of your docs

nik was right. how far does your computer get?

Do you have chance to try to enter safe mode?
Can you boot to a CD or floppy now?
Does the POWer button have any effect on the system?

Depending on those answers your problem may become more easy to diagnose.