help help windows\system32\config\system missing

callumps1995callumps1995
edited December 2010 in Science & Tech
when i start my computer it comes up with:
windows\system32\config\system missing

i have read around and i think i need to boot the xp cd however this pc did not come with one
please help! thanks
p.s i dont really mind about loosing the files on that computer because i want to restore to facory settings

Comments

  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited December 2010
    Is this a computer you bought from a store? What brand? If not, what version of windows did it have? No matter what answer you provide, you are probably out of luck because w/o backup/restore capability and no original CD/DVD, not much you can do.
  • callumps1995callumps1995
    edited December 2010
    yep bought it from a store but it already came with all the software on it already and its a hp pavilion.
    so theres no way of just restoring it back to factory settings?
    thanks
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited December 2010
    The vista/windows 7 machines usually came with a restore partition created already that should be bootable. Here is a quick guide on using HP's restore partition, so see if that helps.
  • callumps1995callumps1995
    edited December 2010
    lol sorry i forgot to mention that it is xp. but i will try that anyway when i plug it back in, thanks again
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited December 2010
    I find it very unlikely that the machine came (new) without XP discs, but check for a restore partition anyways. If you can't find one, you can order replacement discs from HP and while you are waiting, you should use something like UBCD to test your HDD and make sure it isn't bad.
  • callumps1995callumps1995
    edited December 2010
    ah thats a good idea to order replacement discs
    thankyou for your help!!!!
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