Windows XP will not boot because WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM missing or corrupt?

Question

Okay, I'm not the most computer savvy person but I have read the microsoft website advice and other Answers on this topic and realize I must repair the file using the Setup CD. It would also appear that the likely outcome of this action will be that either the registry will be reset or a full system reinstallation is required. So, before I jump in I was wondering what kind of data losses I can expect if :
a. just the registry is repaired or
b. the whole system needs reinstalling

I guess i'd just like to know if i'm in for any devastating losses of data files such as photos or work documents as, obviously, i'd like to minimise the losses as much as possible so if you can make me less nervous about reinstalling my entire system (which seems like a rather scary step to me) it would be appreciated.

Cheers, Ren

Should read"...CONFIG/SYSTEM..."

Answer 1

If you have the set up or restore CD you can try to fix the problem ("boot to last known working configuration") and there should be minimal data loss. Have you tried booting in safe mode? Sometimes you can solve problems that way and then reboot. There is a recovery feature on the cd that may work, too. Otherwise, if you have to reinstall, you'll lose everything. Try to access Microsoft's help pages (with another computer, of course) and read up on every possible scenario before you go at it. Or, if you're like me, just go do it and be willing to swallow the consequences (I've lost lots of data in my time)...

Answer 2

Choose the repair option at the second screen that offers that option and you will loose very little. Only registry changes. You may have to install some programs over, but no data loss.

Answer 3

Hi ren

I have a suspicion that you are likely to lose all your photos, documents etc by doing this. Is there any way you can get this stuff off onto a separate hard drive? I know there is a way of doing this using another computer as a slave drive, but not competent enough to explain it myself.

Good luck.