HELP!

Question

Hi everyone. I am having some trouble with my laptop. If anyone knows what to do, I'd appreciate it!

I started up my laptop this morning and it brought up an error screen that says:
"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\Windows\System32\Config\System." It also says: "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 original set up cd rom
did NOT come with my lap top, therefore I can't proceed forward. I called my
brother and he said to press F8 when the compuer turns on which brings up the
Windows Advanced Optioins Menu. I selected the Last Known Good Configuration and
tried almost every other option on the list. Nothing worked. It wouldn't even
let me go into Safe Mode. What in the world do I do? I need that set up cd and I
checked with other people here to see if they have it, but no one does. I need help! Thank you!

RoHe · Answer

Start by reading this: http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_winxp&message.id=214841 Ron

chelsea3349 · Answer

i did that and they sent me two cd's. i tried them both in my laptop after the error message came up to try and put them in to see if they would work. they did not. i have no idea what to do now. my brother said something about pressing an 'F#' key to boot the program so it would run. but he couldn't remember what it was. this is so frustrating. dell has been super helpful, it's just my laptop is a piece of you know what!   i know this is confusing:smileyindifferent:, but i'd appreciate any feedback. thank you!

RoHe · Answer

Don't know if you've solved your problem. If not read this:   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&docid=C04525C21BE449A49EBF23FECB79AC6C   You'll need the XP Installation CD.   Ron Message Edited by RoHe on 01-25-200711:55 AM

chelsea3349 · Answer

HI Ron, Thank you for the link. I am still having problems.   I checked out that linked and that's exactly what is wrong with my laptop.   This is what Dell sent me.   1) Reinstallation CD - Microsoft Windows XP HOme Edition Service Pack 2   2) For Reinstalling Dell Tools System Software   I put both of them in and they did not work. I assumed the #1 was the cd that would work, yet it did not. Did they send me the wrong one? I am so frustrated. Thank you for helping.

simpswr · Answer

You have to boot from the ReInstallation CD   This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell:  http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

Windows General

HELP!

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