Help to restart my PC

[TGOOD]

Help I turned on my computer to find this error on a black screen.

Windows would 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.

I don't have the original Setup CD-ROM.

I'm not computer illiterate so need all the help i can get.
I've had my pc for a few years.

My pc is an Emachines 3240 with Windows XP Home Edition.

Help would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Archean]

Does it allows you to boot into safe mode? or safe mode with command prompt?

 

[TGOOD]

I am so ignorant when it comes to doing anything on my pc so wouldn't even know where to begin to try re-booting!
Thank you for getting back to me and would be grateful if you could run through that process?

 

[Archean]

Its ok, we all start from about the same level

Please keep pressing F8 key once the Power On Self Test (POST) is completed (i.e. when you turn on system it shows info about motherboard/processor/ram etc.).

Once, windows detect F8 key, it will present you with various options for booting.

Select Boot in Safe Mode, I hope that works.

If it does work, please go to Control Panel, then to Administrative Tools, then open Event Viewer and go through all logs, especially the ones with Red/Yellow tags, and let us know contents/details of such logs. Regards

 

[TGOOD]

I'll give it a try tonight.
Thank you so so much, I really appreciate your help.
It's nice to get a response even if it doesn't work...!
Crossed fingers!(I'll try not to be negative).

 

[Archean]

You are welcome; and please do keep us posted about the situation.