[seacomp]

Hi everyone --

I would be most grateful if anyone could provide some advice on my unfortunate situation...

I installed Spybot Search and Destroy this afternoon and used it to scan and remove some spyware/malware from my computer. Immediately afterwards, I used Ad-Aware (by Lavasoft) to do the same thing (as I had read that each may catch some things that the other does not). I have used Ad-Aware many times before with no problems, but this is the first time I have used Spybot S&D.

I then restarted my computer and this is where I ran into the problem.

I've tried starting in Safe Mode, starting regularly, and all the other start-up options available. However, each time, I get this message (on a black screen):

"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. "


Is there any other way to attempt a repair without having to use the original setup CD? I got my computer almost 3 years ago and I remember that it came with Windows XP already installed. I can't quite remember if a setup CD came with the system, but I can look for it if that's my only option.

Also, if I do try to repair using the original setup CD, does this mean I'll be reinstalling XP and will all my files and data that I had stored on my hard drive be erased?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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hey seacomp,

doing a repair does require your original cd, but it shouldn't erase any of your files...you will have to download the updates from microsoft again after though...

[neverborn]

hey seacomp,

doing a repair does require your original cd, but it shouldn't erase any of your files...you will have to download the updates from microsoft again after though...

[seacomp]

Thanks neverborn.

I'll go hunt for that original CD, then. I just wanted to be sure because a few years ago, someone else tried to fix my computer (a different one than the one I have now) with a tech on the phone and ended up erasing everything on my entire hard drive (which was at the time naively not backed up of course!).

Thanks again!

[seacomp]

Unfortunately, no luck.

I found a set of Vaio System Recovery CD's I must have made when I first bought the computer (Sony VAIO desktop), but the only recovery options are to "recover the c: drive", which says that all files and programs (on the c: drive only but that's where almost everything is!) will be erased and the drive will be returned to its original factory settings. Or, I can recover all drives, in which case everything will be erased and all drives will be returned to original factory settings.

I couldn't find an "original start-up" disk for just Windows XP....maybe because it came pre-installed. there is no original disk for XP for my computer??

I definitely cannot afford to lose everything on my c: drive. I have some things backed-up. but there is a lot that I need that isn't backed-up.

So, is there any advice for repair/recovery without having to erase my entire c: drive? Again, this problem only occurred after I had installed and used Spybot S&D today.

Thanks again for any advice.

[neverborn]

well, you could always ask for the cd from the store you bought it from...but you would need to enter your own license key. If (somehow) they're using it, i suppose you'd have to buy your own...