unable to boot / corrupt file

Question

This is a long one, I tried to document it as best as possible.

The computer is a DELL Dimension 4400 (approx 4 months old now and has run flawlessly since early May 02)

The operating system is Windows XP Home Edition
The problem is when I boot I get the following message:

---start of screen message-----
"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"
-----end of screen message-----

So I insert the cd, reboot, press F12 at the DELL screen,
select ATAPI CD-ROM
Press any key to boot from CD ROM
Windows setup starts...
The "Welcome to Setup" screen comes up with the following options:
1. ENTER to set up XP...
2. R to repair..
3. F3 to exit
I select "R" for repair and get the following screen message:
(this screen message is on a black screen now)
-----start of screen message---
1: c:\windows
Which windows installation would you like to log onto
-----end of screen message-----
So I select "1" And get a blue screen with the following:
-----start screen message-----
A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.
BAD_POOL_CALLER
Technical information:
***STOP: 0x00000043, 0xc2eb0000, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)
-----end of screen message-----

So I try to boot in safe mode F8
and get the same message about missing or corrupt.. try to repair....
So then I try the advanced options of safe mode
there are 10 possible options here and each one produces the same results:
...missing or corrupt.. try to repair....

Anyone know how to fix this problem?

shesagordie · Answer

Hi, engallagher. Have you tried a Repair/Reinstall of XP? See these instructions. http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document_print.asp?DN=FA1056993 Bev.

Denny Denham · Answer

engallagher,

See the information here.

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unable to boot / corrupt file

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