help me out!!!!

[cloud]

i'm fixin a friends laptop, a compaq with microsoft home edition

when i go to turn it on, it takes a few minutes and then says


Windows could not start because the following file i smissing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup CD-Rom
slelect "r" at the first screen to start repair



problem is.. my friend doesnt have the cd's... is there anything i can do?

also i downloaded a windows xp .iso file to make a bootable cd, but when i start it up with the cd in.. it takes me to an ms-dos command screen, any ideas on how to get it to windows desktop? Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[Inaris]

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prmb_tol_snry.asp

Read this link. There is a ton of info there. look around and see what you can find. I'm looking for the exact article...

edit:

look here too...
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

 

[cloud]

that stuff says i need the cds... which i dont have.... oy

 

[Seria]

you dont have the OS CD?

 

[Osiris]

Go to a working computer and make an iso that works, test it on the working computer, make sure the iso is bootable by booting off it then try to install it or repair ir