X40 won't boot up

[javanaut]

My X40 will not boot up. It is definitely out of warranty. The message I get follows:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\Windows\System32\Config\System

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

I can't find the original Setup CD-ROM. Am I correct in assuming that Setup CD-ROM refers to the Recovery CD-ROM or will a Windows XP bootable disk (which I don't have either) do? Anyone willing to share an X40 Recovery CD-ROM? Even if I had the Recovery CD-ROM is the disk likely to be hosed? Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Dan

[Harryc]

You'll need an original XP install Disc to do a repair. Is your original Rescue and recovery partition intact? You could rebuild from that. (F11 on boot) Also, since you have file corruption it would be a good idea to drop by the hard drive manufacturers website, grab their diagnostic, and run it. Another good idea would be to run a memory diagnostic like memtest86.

[javanaut]

Thanks so much for the speedy response! Unfortunately the original Rescue and Recovery Partition is long gone -- I won't do that again. I guess I'll have to find an original XP install disc or buy one. Then I'll follow up with your suggestion to use the manufacturer's diagnostic and a memory test like memtest86. The disk is an Hitachi Travelstar 40GB 4200 RPM ATA/IDE manufactured 01APR2004 which after removing the gummed label that IBM attached for the FRU P/N revealed the model number HTC424040F9AT00 which means it is a Travelstar C4K40.