I'm running Windows XP.

And there are tons of important information I need to retrieve from my hard drive. The only problem is when I reboot, my computer runs a scan, then a period appears. Like this ".". Then for about a spit second I get this message.

Stop: c0000218 (registry File Failure)
The registry cannot load the hive file (file):
\systemroot\system32\config\SOFTWARE
or its log or alternate
It is corrupt, absrnt, or not writable.

Begining dumpof physical memory
Physical memeory dump complete.
Contact your system administartor or technical support group for further assiatance.

The only way I could actually read what that said was to take a picture with my cell phone. Can any of you tell me what this means. Also, is it possible for me to correct this, or restore file. I've tried reboot it in each mode they allow me to, and I always have to scan, then the period shows up. "." Then a few seconds later it show that message then reoboots.

I was wondering if this may be a virus.
Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thanx in advance.
Wolf