[young gotti]

when I start up my laptop message pops up and says:

windows could not start up because file is missing or corrupt
WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

to attempt to repair run original windows setup CD-ROM. At first screen press 'r' to begin to repair.

Now I've had this problem before and I brought it into Geek Squad and they had told me one way to fix this problem is to get and run any windows xp CD-ROM and follow instructions and this would be able to fix it. What I ended up doing since I've only had the laptop for a little over a month I just decided to buy the recovery discs to fix the problem. The difference now is that I've had my laptop for a while and using it consistently for business purposes. Now to avoid restoring my laptop to factory settings using the recovery discs and risk losing all my hard work, downloads, upgrades and settings do you recommend the same solution as geeksquad or do you have a better solution. Please get back to me ASAP. Thank you for your time.

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the repair install with an actual xp disk would be the best for saving your data...

you have to have an xp disk of the same type that was originally installed (i.e. xp pro, xp home) also you must use the cdkey that came with the computer (should be on a sticker underneath your LT)

[dsenette]

the repair install with an actual xp disk would be the best for saving your data...

you have to have an xp disk of the same type that was originally installed (i.e. xp pro, xp home) also you must use the cdkey that came with the computer (should be on a sticker underneath your LT)

[young gotti]

can u please provide step by step intructions for the repair install with an actual xp disk?

i apologize i dont know anything about computers..

[dsenette]

yup
Repair the Windows XP installation.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Make sure that the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive is the first priority startup device.
  See your computer documentation for information about how to do this.
• Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.
• When the instruction to "Press any key to boot from CD" appears, press a key. Your computer starts from the Windows XP CD.
• When the computer starts from the CD, the system verifies your hardware, and then prompts you to select one of the following options:
  

  • To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER
  • To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.
  • To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

• Press ENTER.
• Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement.
• A box lists your current Windows XP installation, and then the computer prompts you to select one of the following options:
  

  • To repair the selected Windows XP installation, press R.
  • To continue installing a fresh copy of Windows XP without repairing, press ESC.

• Press R.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards.
NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to Perform A Re-Install Of XP