I get this error message upon starting my Dell Dimension 3100

 

STOP:c0000218 {registry file failure}

The registry cannot load the hive (file)

\SystemRoot\System32\Config\SYSTEM

or its log or alternate.

It is corrupot, absent, or not writable.

Beginning dump of physical memory

Physical memory dump complete.

Contact your system administartor or

technical suport group for further assistance.

 

I can't even start in safe mode/ safe mode with prompt or regular windows start up.  It was working fine 2_18_11 and started getting stupid on 2_21_11 no clue as to what happened.  Dell support is hard to contact and they never provided startup disks for reinstall of OS or included in documentation that I had to create my own disks when I purchased the pc in 05_2006.  I know the pc has been in service for quite some time and lately it is rarely used except for kids games, internet and unfortunately my taxes.  I won't be out anything if the hard drive took a dump, which is what I figure it has done.  thanks