I tried to boot my computer up today after using it without incident last night for a long time to work on a project. The "Dell" screen came up, but then a DOS-like screen came up that read:

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 using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

This has happened before with some other random files, and I found online how to fix that, but I cannot find anywhere on Microsoft.com that gives simple instructions on how to fix this problem. In addition, several times while in the Recovery Console or even just the XP Setup screen, the computer just shut off for no apparent reason. The fact that I have two papers and a powerpoint due on Monday and a paper due on Tuesday means I need to get this fixed now. I have the Windows XP Professional Disk, I just need to know what to do.

Please help.

Thanks,
-D

This post has been edited by countachmahal: Apr 28 2007, 02:41 PM

Cannot Start Windows XP if the System or Software Hive Is Missing or Damaged (Q303012)

You. Rock.

Thank you so much.