XP registry errors are a common problem on PCs. As people download and install all sorts of applications and utilities more often than before.

A registry error is sometimes so frustrating that most users often decide to do a clean re-install of their operating system.

I have compiled here a number of common errors you may come across on your XP OS.
A registry error message may look like:

(1) Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSYSTEM”;

(2)”Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWSSYSTEM32CONFIGSOFTWARE”; or finally

(3)”Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): SystemRootSystem32ConfigSOFTWARE.

To solve these issues, one need to reinstall the missing files. This is done by rebooting the system using the Windows XP installation CD. Here is a step by step guide on how to solve XP registry errors using the windows XP recovery console:
• Access your BIOS at boot-up and make sure that the boot sequence is set to CD device.Accessing BIOS is done by pressing at boot-up F2, Del or any specific key, depending on your BIOS type. Once this is done, boot up your PC using the XP installation CD.
• Once you get to the “Welcome to Windows Setup” blue screen, press R to start the Recovery Console.
• Choose the Windows installation you wish to load, type the administrator password and Press Enter. This will take your to the command prompt: C:Windows> prompt. At this stage you will then copy the missing registry files I mentioned above.

This is done using the “copy” DOS command. Move the missing files onto your computer again and reboot onto safe mode once this is done.

All in all, repairing XP registry errors is pretty straightfoward and should not take you more than half and hour.