WINDOWS XP WILL NOT START

[superflymx6]

Ok, its a lap top and I have not any many problems with it. I have McAfee(all up to date) virus scan, adware scan and search and destroy. I run both of the adware programs a few times a day. Plus I just ran the virus scan a few days ago.

Ok, my computer start to tick and it would not stop, so I turned the computer off and restarted it but when I did this it says this:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Set CD-ROM.

Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair

Ok, I have a Quick Restore CD, and the computer came with Windows XP but I dont see a CD labeled Setup. I will keep looking though.

I have this other laptop to check this post so please help.

What should i do??? need help ASAP please, the computer is used for school and I am summer school now.

 

[shadowfaX]

Sometimes doing a spyware scan and removing spyware corrupts the registry which causes your computer to have that startup message.

Usually, the setup cd allows you to reinstall/repair Windows, get into the recovery console, and some other things. If your computer doesn't have a cd that allows you to do those things (especially repair Windows), you might want to borrow a Windows cd from a friend (make sure versions match, e.g. WinXP Pro if you have Pro) and do a repair installation. Make sure the cd that you're using doesn't just wipe out everything on your hard drive and reinstall Windows... I think some laptop manufacturers include cds like that in the software bundle.

 

[superflymx6]

Thanks I just dont see it but I will keep looking, I kept all my CD in one place and I dont see it. I have been scanning for years and never had a problem.

I have a cd labeled Applications/ Drivers?

 

[superflymx6]

anybody have anything else to add please

 

[MisterJackson]

ticking sounds like a bad hard drive possibly.

 

[superflymx6]

Originally posted by: MisterJackson
ticking sounds like a bad hard drive possibly.

well thats is what I was thinking and that could cause this other problem, right?? It was coming from that area on the computer.

I just need to build myself a computer, dang it.

 

[shadowfaX]

superflymx6, what kind of laptop is it, and what are the names of the cds that came with your laptop?

[edit]
I guess if your computer is making weird (hardware) sounds when starting up, that could also indicate bad hardware. Didn't read that part carefully, sorry.

 

[superflymx6]

Its a compaq presario 2700US, its about 3 and half years old.

Quick Restore( 3 cds)
Application/Driver CD
Documenation Suite Cd

I have never seen any Cd with anything about Windows on it with this computer. But i have the Certificate of Authenticity paper.

well it just started that, never have i heard that ticking sound before. It started that while it was just sitting here. Then I turned it off and it would not boot back up. It does not make those sounds when starting up, it made them before i turned it off. But when i try to boot it back up you can hear the hard drive, sounds like its looking for something but never can do anything. If that makes sense.


Should I make a thread in the general hardware forums??

 

[Tremulant]

Find a friend with an XP cd, do a repair install from it. That way you won't lose everything.

But I'd work on building a new PC for yourself too.

Good luck

 

[superflymx6]

So pretty much if I do the repair and it does not boot up then its the hard drive? Is there anyway to back up the files if the computer will not boot up??