My laptop which has information I really need has stopped working. When I turn it on it says a file is missing

Question

Please help, My laptop has stopped working and whenever I turn it on it says that a following file is missing or corrupt-- \windows\system32\config\system. It also says that to fix the problem I should start Windows Setup using the original cd-rom. The problem is that it didn't come with any Cds. It is a relativley new compaq presario c300. If it helps, it has a system restore feature, but I do not know how to get to it without the Operational System booting up. F10 only opens the BIOS screen.

My main priority right now would be getting the files from it.

Please help
Thanks

Answer 1

Don't panic. It looks like the system files on your hard drive may have been corrupted. As you said, the most important thing is to retrieve your files. There are several ways to do so. The easiest is to buy an external hard drive enclosure. Basically, you take out your laptop's hard drive and you place it inside the enclosure. The result is that you convert your internal hard drive in to an external one. Now, you can take this external hard drive and plug it in to any other computer via a USB port. Using this second computer, you can retrieve files from your laptop's hard drive. You will need to purchase a 2.5 inch external hard drive enclosure. They usually cost around $25 - $35 at your local computer store.

In order to fix your laptop, you will need a copy of Windows Installation CD. You don't need to buy one; instead, just borrow one from your friend or co worker. You are not going to use their product key so there is nothing illegal about it. Instead, you are going to use the Windows installation CD to perform a repair. A Windows repair will fix any corrupted system files on your hard drive. A repair in no way deletes or changes any files saved on your computer. Please read PC World Magazine's article on how to perform a Windows repair. If you have any other questions, just drop me a e-mail message. Good Luck.

"Answer Line: What to Do When XP or 2000 Won't Boot
Try several tactics to get a reluctant Windows to load; plus, keep XP's Start menu under control." -- written by Lincoln, Spector, pcworld.com (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,112479-page,1/article.html?findid=56021)

Answer 2

You need a pro. There are some around who have the hardware to retrieve your files and write them to something you can use later to reconstruct your data. They may also be able to revive your laptop which sounds like your best choice. If it is new and under warranty compaq should help.