I'm trying to format my computer, but when I use System Recovery it produces an error: " The file systemRoot\System32\Config\security is either corupt, or absolete. Can someone please help me. Thank you.

To format PC, you should boot from your XP installation disc.

Change boot priority to CD/DVD
Insert disc
Restart machine
Choose Install OS, It'll format and re-install

To format PC, you should boot from your XP installation disc.

Change boot priority to CD/DVD
Insert disc
Restart machine
Choose Install OS, It'll format and re-install


I cannt find my xp software disk. I don't even know if I had one to begin with, xp came already installed on my computer. Is there any other way that I can format my computer?

When you format your computer, you lose everything that's on the hard drive, INCLUDING windows. If you don't have the Installation CD for Windows XP, you won't be able to put it back on the computer.

It might be recovery CD's instead of an XP CD. Look for something that came with it that says "Operating System CD" or "Operating Software" or "Recoverdy Disc"

When you format your computer, you lose everything that's on the hard drive, INCLUDING windows. If you don't have the Installation CD for Windows XP, you won't be able to put it back on the computer.

It might be recovery CD's instead of an XP CD. Look for somthing that came with it that says "Operating System CD" or "Operating Software" or "Recoverdy Disc"


I don't have anything to that effect. Is there a way I can use system recovery and not get that horrible error?

You could try booting up in Safe Mode, then running System Restore. It might work.

You could try booting up in Safe Mode, then running System Restore. It might work.

I've tried that, it does the same thing. :(

How old is your PC? Because if is still under warranty they might work on it.

How old is your PC? because if is still under warranty they might work on it.


It's a 2003. So the warranty has expired. Someone from another forum has suggested ordering recovery disks from compaq (therefore hp) would those work? I also have a friend who has xp home edition (the same as mine) could I use her disk to reinstall it, therefore wiping everything off my computer? Or would I have a problem with the copyright thing? I still have the sticker on my PC having the xp product key. I am selling this computer, so I definitely need it wiped out.

Technically, you're not supposed to install from that disk, according to Microsoft. But, as long as you have your own sticker than came with it, it's legal.

If the sticker says OEM on it, make sure it's a CD she got with her computer, not one she downloaded off the internet or bought from a store. OEM Product keys are usually pretty picky about what CD they work with, so it may not even work then, but its still worth a try.

Technically, you're not supposed to install from that disk, according to microsoft. But, as long as you have your own sticker than came with it, it's legal.

If the sticker says OEM on it, make sure it's a CD she got with her computer, not one she downloaded off the internet or bought from a store. OEM Product keys are usually pretty picky about what CD they work with, so it may not even work then, but its still worth a try.


We tried my friend's xp disk. That doesn't work either, because for some sqrewed up reason my computer would not read the disk. This thing is giving me nothing but problems, does anyone have an idea what I can do? How much would it cost if I took it in somewhere and get them to wipe it for me? And maybe look at my cd/dvd drive as well? Thanks everyone!

When you boot the machine there should be an instruction t5o press some key (usually F10) to enter the Recovery partition. Use that,

I've tried that too.. hmm

And what happened when you tried it?

What can I do with my PC which has frozen after I was the desktop background

You can purchase an OEM Windows XP Copy on a disk from pretty much any local computer store these days. Let them know if your OS is 32 Bit or 64 Bit, I am guessing it's x32, and it is no more than $7.00 for the disk. Start your computer, open your drive, restart your computer running boot from cd/rom, when it starts, press any key to continue. At this point, based on what you already mentioned, a clean install is necessary which will allow you to reformat your entire hard drive. Delete all partitions on the hard drive and install Windows XP on the Main Drive, which should be the only partition left to install on, as all others are no longer listed assuming you clicked 'Y' (YES) to delete these partitions. Run an NTFS install and then let Windows XP do the rest. Don't lose this CD. After Windows is completed with setup and you are prompted to enter your Product Key, do so. Everything else is simple really. Just follow the instructions or if you are going to sell it, leave it in this state and allow the buyer to set it up from this point. Next time you buy a computer, make sure you keep your disks together and always back up your personal data.