Help! windows couldn't start because the following file ...

[Rose_999]

Hello!

this is my very first post here & i need help with this.. when i start my pc this message shows up : Windows couldn't start because the following file is missing or currupt

\windows\system32\config\system
I'm using Windows XP home edition
please help me ..I have very important files in my hard disk I can't loose them.

p.s: i'm very dum at these things.. so please if you could tell me in a very simple way it will be great..i just use my computer but i know nothing about the system files and stuff like that

 

[just_a_nobody]

Yikes, that is one of the most terrifying errors you can get, but here is a site that may help, as it is way too long to try and explain: http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=313