XP System file missing or corrupt

[Dario]

As I turn on my pc, the start up process stops and after awhile the message: "The file C:\Windows\system32\config\system file is missing or corrupt" comes up. I don't want to restore the entire operating system from the cd because it means loosing all my data; any suggestions about how to correct the problem?
Thank you all.
D.

[ADDD$%]

well if you have another hard drive that works and an open slot for a hard drive put that in ur computer than boot from that hard drive. after u log on, place the win xp cd. my computer than right clik the cd rom drive and click explorer and locate the file on the cd that is missing or corrupt on ur bad hard drive and copy and paste it where it belongs on the bad hard drive. sry if it dont work

[ADDD$%]

well if you have another hard drive that works and an open slot for a hard drive put that in ur computer than boot from that hard drive. after u log on, place the win xp cd. my computer than right clik the cd rom drive and click explorer and locate the file on the cd that is missing or corrupt on ur bad hard drive and copy and paste it where it belongs on the bad hard drive. sry if it dont work

[plthayer]

This is a really common problem. It's almost always caused by a virus or spyware. You can follow the instructions from microsoft at:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

Be sure that you follow them exactly and update your virus scanner and run a full scan after you are done. Let me know if this works for you.