In my desperation I did a google search using the error above and found this page:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_sys32.htm
I followed the instructions and it repaired my windows (tho I have to reinstall my service pack 1 and critical updates....there were no system restore dates, tho I'm sure I had manually made one recently, and windows had to do the 'find new hardware' thing.).
At least I didnt lose my data.
Are there any precautions I can take to protect from this kind of situation in the future? (back up disk, etc...I have no idea...?)
I'll paste the solution below...hopefully this will help someone in the future.
RM
Cannot Start Windows XP if the System or Software Hive Is Missing or Damaged (Q303012)
SYMPTOMS
When you try to start or restart your Windows XP-based computer, you may receive one of the following error messages:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate
CAUSE
This issue can occur if the System or Software hive for the Windows XP installation is missing or damaged.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.
Use the Recovery Console Tool
To restore a damaged registry hive, use the Recovery Console to restore the backup copy of the hive from the Repair folder. The Repair folder contains a copy of the system's registry hives that were created after the first successful startup of Windows XP.
WARNING : Although data should not be affected by the following procedure, you may need to restore changes you previously made to programs or system settings since the first time you successfully started Windows XP.
To replace the damaged registry hive and restore the backup copy of the hive from the Repair folder: Start your computer to the Recovery Console.
Determine if the file that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section of this article is present, and if it is, rename it:
In Recovery Console, change to the c:\Windows folder.
Type cd sytem32\config , and then press ENTER.
Type dir system , and then press ENTER.
If you cannot run the preceding command successfully (because the file is missing), skip to step 3. If you can run the preceding command successfully, type ren system system.bak , and then press ENTER.
NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you would type ren software software.bak (instead of ren system system.bak ), and then press ENTER.
Type copy c:\windows\repair\system , and then press ENTER.
NOTE : If the message that you received referred to the software file, replace "system" with "software" in the preceding command. For example, you would type copy c:\windows\repair\software (instead of copy c:\windows\repair\system ), and then press ENTER.
You should receive a "One file copied" informational message. For additional information about how to use Recovery Console during startup, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q307654 HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP
IMPORTANT : If you encounter problems when you run the preceding commands, you may need to use the Change Directory command ( cd ) one folder at a time before you run the preceding commands. For example, type cd system32 , press ENTER, type cd config , and then press ENTER.
Type exit , and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console and restart the computer.
You Cannot Start from the Windows XP CD-ROM or Use Recovery Console
If you cannot start from the Windows XP CD-ROM or use Recovery Console and you are using the FAT file system (not the NTFS file system):
Use a startup disk from one of the following operating systems to start your computer to a command prompt:
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
