Error message WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM on Windows startup

[inferno]

WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM on Windows startup

Windows XP.

Recovery CD Needed, but I don't have it.

Is it possible to fix this error without losing data on the computer.?

[Maybe inserting a copy of Windows XP, may fix the problem.?]

Thanks

[noknojon]

Recovery CD Needed, but I don't have it.

[Maybe inserting a copy of Windows XP, may fix the problem.?]

You can use your XP CD if you have it - A recovery CD is only the same thing -

Go Start > Run > Type or Copy/paste in:

sfc /scannow

Click OK .

Have Windows CD if available.

If System File Checker (sfc) will find any errors, it may ask you for the CD.

Thank You -

[TonyKlein]

Here's some more reading:

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting