XPS 400 help...

As soon as i start up my desk top it shows the following message..

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: windowssystems32configsystem

you can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original CD-ROM. selest 'r' at the first screen to start repair."


I do not have the original CD-ROM and i have tried multiple times to Reboot the system and nonthing seems to be working.

i don't want to pay 500$ to get this thing fixed, could someone please help me?

Unless you have the system disk your pretty much screwed. Win32 system files are an essential part of the Operating system. If one is missing 9 times outa 10 windows will not work. YOu could save yourself some money and buy a fresh laptop hardrive then install Windows on it. Best part is....no bloat wear.

is there any way i can just get it repaired?

i mean it was working one moment, i go to restart it, and all of a sudden the icons arn't appearing. After that then it just goes to what i stated earlier

Yeah....pay $500.

Or buy a Windows CD. Buying the windows CD will be cheaper but with Vista's weird registration process may give you some trouble.

Missing Win32 files= not good

how much do you think a windows CD costs?

Depends on the version.

Question for anyone: is it piracy to download software (in this case Windows) as long as you use your OWN volume license key?

i have not idea what that is...

by the way how does a file of such importance go missing..?

It might not be missing at all, and it's just a figment of Windows' imagination that it is, Windows could have randomly deleted it, or a virus could have.

Can you start your computer in safe mode?

no, i can't even reboot it

If you can gain access to the bios and set the boot sequence to have the first boot device be your cd or dvd you may use an XP or Vista installation disc to repair your operating system

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341