The Dreaded Missing File Syndrome

After rebooting into windows XP professional, if an error: "C:\windows\system32\config\system file not fond." Is encountered, windows then stops loading. How can then the OS be repaired?

Is there any way one could allow a guest to write CDs from their account?


The file 'system' that resides in the 'config' directory of windows XP's 'system32' directory is part of thr Registry. If this file is corrupt. Windows will naturally have problems booting. But you can attempt to repair this error:

Insert the windows XP installation CD and boot through it.

When prompted with the "R=repair" option. Press[R]

Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of windows you want to repair. Typically this will be number 1 if windows is installed on the C drive

Enter the administrator password when prompted.

Type in the following commands at the command prompt:
cd\windows\system32\config ren system\system.badcopy\windows\repair\system

Eject the CD ROM and type in 'exit'

Restart your computer, you should be able to boot into windows XP properly.

Now for query: a user logging on using a Guest account can only view files but cannot modify files in Windows XP. They also will not be able to write CDs.