Missing/corrupt file

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@atomicclio wrote:

I am new to this forum.  I have been struggling all day and finally set up another old pc to get on here.

I have a dell Dimension 3100.  Switching on yesterday gave the following message:

"windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system

attempt to restore file by starting windows set up using original CD-ROM"

 

First problem is that this is a new pc and did not come with a cd.  Other options found when troubleshooting on the dell website all seem to assume you have the CD or you can press start in windows

 

I would be grateful for any help

 

1) Call Dell and request all your CDs.

 

2) Reboot and hit F12 to run Dell diagnostics on your hard drive.

No, nothing new connected.  I have disconnected all printers, scanners etc as suggested but still no luck.  Hard drive diagnostics have passed. 

I am not overly familiar with compuuter jargon so am finding some of the technical support pages taxing!  I may have to call Dell tomorrow to request the CD.  I think they are only open during office hours