Windows XP start-up error message

[Sandra]

I have a laptop which has Windows XP (pre-installed). Recently, when I try to start or restart Windows XP, I receive one of the following error messages:

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM, or
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

Windows does eventually start after several attempts.

I have used System Restore to revert to a restore point, but this did not resolve the issue.

To resolve the issue, Microsoft recommend running the Recovery Console from CD boot with the Windows XP CD.

However, XP was pre-installed and I do not have a Windows XP CD.

Can anyone please help?

[Bobinovich]

Two choices - depending on the make of your PC you may have an option during PC startup to boot into a service area which includes the Recovery Console OR you could borrow an XP CD and do it from that.

Once you're in the console use the command chkdsk /r which should sort the problem.

[Sandra]

Thanks for the help. There was an option on start-up to go into it.

Things seems to be working ok now.