Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
- Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
- At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
- Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1 - Enter in the administrator password when requested
- cd \windows\system32\config
- Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad - Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software - Take out the CD ROM and type exit