Windows couldn't start... error :/

CompletelyLost

My pc has decided to die on me this morn. I switched on and got this message -

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 setup cdrom.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

I did as it said but the CD doesn't start.
Can anyone help?

JJ_Egan

You have to boot from the CD either set boot to CD in Bios or try pressing F12 at boot and select CD drive . Initial boot screen normally tells you the BIOS and BOOT keys at the bottom of the screen .

jje

CompletelyLost

Thanks. F12 took me to the Boot Device menu.
I selected 'onboard or usb CD-rom drive' but it still took me back to that same error screen.

The other option on that menu are:
-system setup
-hard drive diagnostics
-boot to utility partition (guessing this wipes the whole thing? which I really don't want to do).

edit: ahh I got it to boot from CD. Nice blue windows setup screen. Will see what happens :S