WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM file missing or corrupt

I get this message: Windowscould not start because the following file is
missing or corrupt:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I have SP3. Tried the repair option. But, it's not automatic, so I have no
clue what to select. Any help is greatly appreciated. I just want it to run
one more time. I plan on saving what I need off C:drive & just reformating it.

I just tried chkdsk c: /r it didn't resolve the problem.

If you can run the recovery console (boot from Windows CD).

Navigate to C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\

do a DIR <enter> (that gets a file list)

Look for a file named SYSTEM.SAV.

Copy that file, Delete the file SYSTEM (no ext).

Commands are:
copy system.sav system.cpy
del system
Rename SYSTEM.cpy SYSTEM

Exit and reboot the computer.

Maybe with luck SYSTEM.SAV is OK.

SYSTEM.SAV is a backup for SYSTEM.

If that does not work, you will have to a clean install.

You probably got a piece of malware that did you in.

I have the same problem. I did format and when I have all the update done the
problem start again. I really don't know what to do. If you find a solution
let me know!!

Remove the Windows Update that caused the problem!
Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Check the show updates box.

One way is remove all updates on that day, then add each update one at a
time until you find the one that causes the problem. You can choose the
updates individually by doing a "Custom" update.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Remove the one.

Continue looking for the CD.

Or contact the manufacturer for a replacement CD.

If you built the system yourself, you can buy a new OEM CD from NewEgg.com.