About Craig Thomson Expertise I can give some information on anything to do with computing and can give more detailed answers on the following subjects:
General computing questions
Application Packages
Fixing Software faults
Getting rid of virus, spyware, adware e.t.c
Keeping your computer secure
open source software
Html
Installing Graphics Cards
Installing Ram Expert
Installing Small Networks
Installing sound cards
Qbasic
Basic questions about the software development life cycle
Dos questions
Reformatting FAT32 drives and NTFS Drives
Windows Operating systems (95,98,ME,XP)
Experience I have a wide experience with computers.
I know a vast range of subjects to do with computers.
i first started writing computer software at the age of 4 and i was very gifted.
I have been using computers and helping friends and family solve computer related problems for years.
i have extensive knowledge in all subjects to do with computers and there is very few questions i won't be able to answer.
If i cannot find an answer which is very rare i will be able to point the person in the right direction.
Education/Credentials ISO 9001-2000 Computer Skills Test Certification
ISO 9001-2000 Windows 95/98 Test Certification
ISO 9001-2000 Windows XP Test Certification
ISO 9001-2000 DOS Test Certification
ISO 9001-2000 Word 2000 Test Test Certification
ISO 9001-2000 MS Excel 2000 Test Certification
ISO 9001-2000 English Language (Words and Phrases) Certification
Higher Chemistry module: World Of Carbon
Higher Computing various units and modules
GCSE/ Standard Grade Computing Intermediate 2 Grade B
GCSE/ Standard Grade Wood Work Intermediate 2 Grade A
GCSE/ Standard Grade English Intermediate 1 Grade B
Expert: Craig Thomson Date: 8/8/2006 Subject: Boot up error
Question My lovely children were on our 2nd pc and have caused me a major headache. When I went to reboot I got the following message:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
\windows\system2\config\system
You can attempt to recover this file by starting windows set up using the original setup cd rom
Select 'r at the first screen to repair
As I bought the system 2nd hand I do not have the windows disc. I can however obtain a copy of windows xp.
Many thanks, Sarah
Answer Hi Sarah
Sounds to me like your kids have deleted something they shouldn't have.
The system folder is the part of the computer that holds all the essential files for getting your computer out of all the black and white jargon stuff you see when you switch on your computer which is called dos and into the picture type stuff with all the icons programs you usually use which is called windows.
Because your computer is missing a file or files that bridge this gap between dos and windows it's stopped somewhere at dos when it was loading windows. So your stuck in the black and white stuff.
The best way to fix this is by getting the Windows CD and inserting it and choosing the repair option which usually is done by pressing (R) in any case just follow the instructions on the screen.
You said you can get a hold off a Windows XP CD this is great. If you have or had windows XP before the computer decided to die then the above should work however if you had another type of Windows (95, 98, Me). then the repair wont work unless you get the Same windows CD as the type of windows you have. It sounds like you have windows XP or ME cause they have the repair option.
You could change to Windows XP if you don't have it using the XP CD as this would solve the problem and give you a brand new Windows and the same time however you will lose anything you had on your computer that you did not backup. You will need a set of Windows Xp boot disks you can download these from microsoft.com i think its 6 or 7 boot disks.
I'm not sure which of these two options you want to try?
When you decide which or if your still stuck then reply back with more questions and ill be happy to try and help.
