missing file windows\system32\config\system

Hi, im trying to help my friend out, he is getting that error message. I have booted from the windows xp pro disk, and went though the recovery console, but it freezes. I have also tried using a different xp disk to boot off, and i get BSOD before i even get far enough to do anything. I have also tried using last known good configuration, and booting in safemode. Get the same message, or BSOD. Although he would prefer keeping his data, formating is an option, but i cant even get that far.

BTW..the BSOD error message is setupdd.sys- address F77E9FEA base.......

Anyway, thank you for any help.

EDIT:Ok, i went ahead and tried to just format the Hd, by choosing install new copy of windows, and it gets to the screen "Searching for previous versions of Windows" and just sits there. So basically, to my knowledge, there is absolutely nowhere to go from here, besides possibly some kind of floppy boot, or maybe using another Hd, (my linux HD) to use a partition manager, and delete the windows partition?? I have no idea if this will work though. But..i do have access to another hard drive so once again..any suggestions.

Hi

Download a 98se bootdisk and use FDISK to clear the drive completly , then try installing XP, chances are the drive is on its way out, so as a thought download the manufacturers test tool and test the drive.

Regards

here's my saga on the same symptom

If you're carefull, you can reuse the existing partition (assuming no HD failures
and a good filesystem),

choose a secondary install point, eg \windows2

documentation says SHIFT+f10 will drop you into a C: prompt

I've managed that once in 5+ cd boots. I want to update
boot.ini with a copy that has the Recovery Console parms,
if possible, run SFC /scannow
and attempt to locate a 2nd copy of config\system

As a last hope, I'll upgrade XP/Home SP2 to XP/Pro, but have heard
that may require DOWNGRADING Home to SP1 GRRRRR!

{sure wish I had taken the time to complete the Slipstream project!}