XP pro wont boot

[Retlaw5]

After upgrading my bios and Video drivers, Xp started working funny(clicking noises and when I press the start key , outlook expres will lunch . So I reboot my pc and I got this message "Windows could not start because a file is missing or corrupted" the file is " windows\system 32\ config\system" Also the message told me, that to repair the problem boot from the XP cd and run the repair application. I did that and the PC just froze everytime. I activated XP 3 days ago. Wold I be able to reinstall XP without problems? or Do I have to contact Microsoft for a new activation?

 

[mss242]

where were the clicking noises coming from? from your case? Do you by any chance have an IBM deskstar hard drive? It sounds like it might be dying. If you do, run and grab a ziplock bag to put your hard drive in and throw it in (the HDD in the bag) the freezer until you find someone with a computer who will let you transplant your needed data onto their computer. Then return the hard drive and never buy an IBM again. If you have another hard drive, then do the same thing and still never buy an IBM again.

As for your other question about activating win xp again - this is tricky. Did you get win xp with your computer or did you buy it yourself? If you bought it yourself, did you buy an OEM copy or a retail copy?