Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

If you get the error:
Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

   1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
   2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
   3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
      Typically this will be #1
   4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
   5. cd \windows\system32\config
   6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
      ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
   7. Depending on which section was corrupted
      copy \windows\repair\system
      copy \windows\repair\software
   8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit