hi blue_wolf
there are usually 3 or 4 hive files in the registry. this error comes up whenever you switch off the machine while its booting up. the registry stops reading the hive file it was reading during that time. i had run into this problem with the error for security part. i had to reload the windows again.
this is what you do
1) start the machine and insert the windows xp cd into the drive.
2) let boot up and show the error and restart.
3) on resarting it will boot up from the cd.
4) one of the first few options you will come to, one of them will be advanced recovery option.
5) use that to fix Master Boot. (FIXMBR).
6) remove the disk and see if that works.
if it doesnt.
follow steps 1-3 as above
4) you will come to an option of "formatting everything and reloading windows" or "leaving the file system intact and just reload windows"
5) choose the option for "leave the file system intact and just reload windows"
this option just deletes the windows folder and reinstalls the windows again. and leaves all the files in "my documents" intact.
the changes in your machine will be- all your installed programs will be there, but not in your "programs" folder in c drive. so you might have to reinstall them.
best part is, all your documents and music gets saved
p.s. you can always choose to abort/quit till the time you tell it to format. after that there is no turning back.
so keep off the beer while you r at it
cheers
