I had the same problem. Very frustrating. I got the answers below that worked for me. I had to replace the file "system" every so often until I reinstalled my XP and the problem disappeared.
Jakob
the file is in \windows\repair
copy the file to \windows\system32\config and restart pc
if no success must start from XP CD begin a new install, and when in gui mode repair the selected XP partition
About every two weeks or so When I go to boot up my machine I get an error message saying
"Windos cannot start because the following file is missing or corrupt.
Windos\System32\config\system"
The machine was working fine when i turned it off but on the next startup I get the error message.
Can some one tell me what is the problem???
JON...

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