Missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

[Bry]

Hello. I turned on my computer today 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 am typing from a friend's computer.

I can neither start through safe mode or normal mode.
I don't have the original Setup CD-ROM, but I'm hoping a friend would have it...

The computer itself isn't as fast as I would like it to be, but I've spent countless hours for the files that are on it. Even then, I never made a back-up disk - the restore points are in the computer. Shame on me =(

It's a Windows XP Home Edition.

Help is gratefully appreciated!!

 

[CCT]

'Slave' the drive and copy off anything vital First Thing.

The threads listed below this one on the page have advice - the top one has a lot but jobeard knows whereof he speaks.

 

[kimsland]

but jobeard knows whereof he speaks.

Yes here: https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic98544.html