Corrupt 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 Windows XP 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