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