Verified answer

Windows and Mac are not the only computer operating systems in the world.

These aare free Visit these websites then you will have no more problems I run these on a 13 year old Dell 1100 laptop

http://zorin-os.com/

http://sparkylinux.org/download

http://vectorlinux.com/

Hi Ben C,

You may try to boot the system using last known good configuration. Switch on the computer and start tapping the F8 key which would take you to Advanced Boot Option screen. Using the up and down arrow key, select - Boot Using Last Known Good Configuration.

The system will now try to startup using a configuration that has worked in the past. If the issue still persists and as it’s Windows XP, you will need a Windows XP CD to access the Recovery Console. If you could get a Windows XP CD, access the Recovery Console and use the commands mentioned below:

md tmp

copy C:windowssystem32configsystem C:windowstmpsystem.bak

delete C:windowssystem32configsystem

copy C:windowsrepairsystem C:windowssystem32configsystem

The issue still remains perform a factory reset. Refer to the link to guide you through the steps of resetting: http://dell.to/11I8IlP

I recommend you to run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant before upgrading the system to Windows 8. It scans the computer and checks if it is ready for Windows 8 and provides a compatibility report. Use the link to download Upgrade assistant: http://bit.ly/Sz6gJP

Once the system is eligible for Windows 8 upgrade, you may install the Operating System from a DVD/USB key. Refer to the link for detailed description of Windows 8 upgrade: http://dell.to/ZpQHJ3

Hope this helps.

Thanks and Regards

Priyanka S

there is a copy in several folders on the hard drive, download a linux rescue disk and boot from that and copy the system file to the system32\config folder, first check it really is missing and not just renamed to syste_ or something similar like system(1)