Hello:

I have a laptop with Windows 2000 and get the following error message when I bootup:

"Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM"


I wish to recover the data (files) from the hard drive. When I try reinstalling windows, i get the following message:

The following list shows the existing partitions and unpartitioned space on this computer. Use the up and down arrows to select an item on this list:

-to set up Windows 2000 on the selected items, press enter
-to create a partition in the unpartitioned space, press C
-to delete the selected partition, press D

19078 MB disk 0 at ID 0 on bus 0 on atapi
C: NTFS 19072 MB (7756 MB free)


I am unsure which option to choose. I want to keep the existing data on the hard drive and not erase it. Will one of the 3 options above be able to fix my bottup problem, while still keeping the existing data?

Thanks.

A Repair Install should retain all of your data although it is always advised to backup first.

A good guide here:

http://www.windows2000.windowsreinst...pair/index.htm

Slaving your hard drive on another computer before the repair might be worth it depending on the value of your data.

I have never had a Repair Install fail or remove data (other than Windows Updates and Service Packs which will need to be reinstalled) but again the general advise is back up first.

You have a couple options here:
1. Download this from another pc and follow the instructions:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
2. A repair install
http://www.windows2000.windowsreinst...pair/index.htm
3. take the hard drive out of the laptop, purchase an adapter that wioll allow you to install it in a desktop as a secondary drive, after it is in the desktop, copy your files to the desktop hard drive, put your laptop drive back in the laptop, and do a clean fresh installation of the Operating system, then copy your files back from the desktop over the network.