Window Could Not Start

[jimbo264]

Hey guys. Please help. Don't know if I'm in right forum. My friend lost a camera card reader inside her desktop. She eventually got it out after a lot of shaking. Now all she has on screen is the following.

 

Blank black screen with message

 

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or courrupt

\Windows\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.

 

you can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Set-up CD-ROM . Select "R" at the first Screen to start the repair.

She can't locate original disc. I have a copy of XP would this help. And also if I used this would she loose all her photos on her hard disc (which is what she is terrified of)?

[Match]

My friend lost a camera card reader inside her desktop. She eventually got it out after a lot of shaking

 

first things first you are going to have to look inside and make sure that RAM, GPU, and all the cables are seated and connected properly.

 

Desk top Computers do not take being shaken around very well, it will also help if you can tell us the make and model as we will be able how to better advise you, and be able to point you to exactly where you need to look to check components and cables.

 

trying to re install until this is done would just be a waste of time. and would defiantly result in all data on the Hard drive being lost.

[jimbo264]

Thanks for coming back to me. The desktop is an Acer Aspire; though not sure if there of the model number. I did open it up and check memory and cables not popped out, and all seemed to be fine.

[Tootech]

Your profile says you are running Vista - I am assuming the faulty machine is another one running XP - hope that is correct.

 

The error is because part of the registry is corrupt, it used to be a fairly common problem with XP.

 

Microsoft have a help article to show you how to fix it - you will need your CD.

 

Have a look here

 

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

 

The basis of it is that you boot to the Recovery Console, backup the registry files, copy in a set of registry file that were made previously by System Restore, and reboot.

[jimbo264]

Yes it is another PC. I'll try what you suggest. Many thanks