I don't know what that means.

[astridv]

My computer, upon booting, informs me of this (roughly translated):

---
Windows couldn't be started, since the following file couldn't be found:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.

You can try to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original CD. On the first screen choose option 'R' to start setup repair.
---

I inserted the original CD, I pressed [delete] to get to the setup menue... there is no option 'R'. None of my computer-savvy friends can be reached, and of course it's a Saturday so I can't reach anyone at the shop. Murphy, shut up!

At least I saw this coming and did a major data backup. Yesterday's work is lost, but I can re-scan those pages. Provided I can ever get the %§& thing back to work.

Anyway, it's a beautiful, sunny day and the plan was to go swimming today, for the first time this year. And that's what I'll bloody well do. So I shut the thing off and I won't touch it until Monday, I guess. Unless one of you guys has a miracle remedy at hand...

Comments

[speakr2customrs.livejournal.com]

It could be that the error stopping it from finding the file is a temporary one; restarting it might work.

Alternately insert the original CD and let it start up - don't press Delete to get to the set-up menu - just let it run and it will ask "Boot from CD?". Tell it Yes, and the option 'R' should appear shortly thereafter.

[(Anonymous)]

Oh, thanks. You're right - I thought I'd tried that as well, but when I tried again it got me past the 'R'. Now I'm stuck at the part where it first asks me at which Windows installation I want to log in, and then wants the administer's password. Problem is, there is no password. I installed the OS myself, with a friend, and we're both sure that we didn't enter a password. But at least it's a little progress compared to this morning.

I'm pretty sure the HD is shot anyway... the question is just whether I install the new one myself, and install XP and four years worth of updates and a thousand drivers... or if I let the guys at the shop do it. I'm really tempted to go the lazy route.

[astridv.livejournal.com]

... and that comment was me, obviously ;)

[astridv.livejournal.com]

It could be that the error stopping it from finding the file is a temporary one; restarting it might work.

Hey, you were right on that, too. I tried it earlier today without success, but just now the computer booted like nothing happened. I'm convinced it's just a temporary respite (my system's been crashing at least once a day for weeks now) but I'm happy nonetheless. :o)

[herself_nyc]

Did you try using the 'option' key on your keyboard and the letter R? Press them at the same time.

[astridv.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I have an option key, but anyway, I got past the 'R' part and am now stuck at the part where the computer asks for a password where there shouldn't be one. Maybe I'll try throwing a few more default passwords at it.

But I've already resigned myself to the fact that this harddrive's a goner. Fortunately I'm a compulsive data-upbacker. I mostly shudder at the thought of installing the whole system again... it'll take days.