Won't Start up - Corrupt file

Question

This morning has not been the best! Right now the laptop will not boot up. It's an inspiron 2650, Windows XP Home Edition. This is the message I get:

"Widows 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."

THe problem is that one of my older kids broke the origianl set up cd-rom. Will Dell send me a new one if i ask? or do I have to pay for it? or is there a way around this problem? I have a Dell desktop with Windows XP Professional Edition. Can I use the disk from this? I really don't think so but ya never know.
Thanks for your help
Janet

ejn63 · Answer

Yes, you can use a setup CD from another Dell, as long as the OS version is the same.

Before you do anything else, though:

If there's data on the drive you need that isn't backed up start here:

Buy a notebook to desktop drive cable or an external USB 2.0/firewire 2.5" drive enclosure, attach the drive to a working desktop or notebook and copy your data for backup.

DO NOT PROCEED WITHOUT A BACKUP - DOING SO COULD BE FATAL TO YOUR DATA.

Return the drive to the notebook. Boot, press F12 and run the extended diagnostics on the drive. If the drive passes, skip the next step.

If the drive fails and you're under warranty, call Dell, report the error and they'll ship you a new drive.

If the drive fails and you're out of warranty, bin it and replace it - any notebook 2.5" drive will work.

If the drive passes, you can continue to try a repair (which fails more often than it succeeds) or bite the bullet and reinstall everything from scratch.

Recovery usually fails to restore the registry; in about 70-80% of all cases, it's a hardware fault that causes the problem.

Leo27 · Answer

I am having the same problem with my Inspiron 8500. It is still under warranty--I can't find a phone number to call, though. Do you know the number of the help desk? Also, about a year ago, I had to have the motherboard replaced because my battery wasn't charging--lately, my computer has taken a LONG time to boot up and now it won't boot up at all. Did I get a lemon?? Should I send it in for a full diagnostic?

Thanks.

cwmacd · Answer

I have an unknown start up file box. In the msconfig start up file, there are three lines that have little boxes, and no description. When windows boots it asks and can not fine the files. How do I get rid of them?

cwmacd · Answer

I have an unknown start up file box. In the msconfig start up file, there are three lines that have little boxes, and no description. When windows boots it asks and can not fine the files. How do I get rid of them?

cwmacd · Answer

I have an unknown start up file box. In the msconfig start up file, there are three lines that have little boxes, and no description. When windows boots it asks and can not fine the files. How do I get rid of them?

Tiger-sea · Answer

I just tried the F12 key >select diagnostic> Enter key and follow on screen intruction > the last step is to choose windows start up as normal. It solved my problem. Good luck. Tiger-Sea.

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Won't Start up - Corrupt file

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