got this error message but i dont have my windows xp setup disc. i have a dell inspiron e1405 with the media center edition. can i use another setup disc? i have an unopened office xp pro 2002? if yes, will i still retain all my info, pics, etc? thanks from someone who is computer illiterate

Windows system32/config/* is the System registry location containing five critical files.

The recovery goes like this:

• use anything you can (even a linux cd) to boot the hardware
• find the original C:\ disk
• cd to the \windows\system32\config location
• now copy \repair\*.* .

this will make the system bootable, but it will NOT BE CURRENT

once you reboot (with an ADMIN ID) run C:\Windows\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe

and select a system restore point of your choice

@jobeard: I think you mean to copy from C:\windows\repair?????? Not
> C:\windows\system32\config\repair or
> C:\repair or ???

@kurtg44: Take a look here

/ *EDIT */
Also see this Guide How to recover your folders/files when Windows won’t boot
> For any easy method to simply recover your files/folders first (should you want to do that first)
> As well as if you can't find your Windows CD and you want the Recovery Console and/or an easy boot CD (e.g. to boot into Knoppix)

yep. \windows\repair is the correct source location.

I still prefer the use of restoring using the System Restore points