My initial problem was that my WindowsXP gave the message " Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt --
C: Windows\system32\config\system.
I tried many things to solve the problem. One was that I formatted my computer drive. ( I have the original disk for WindowsXP; therefore I am able to reinstall WindowsXP )
Another message was " Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: " <Windows Root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe.
Please re-install a copy of the above file. "
I put Windows98 ( from another computer that I have ).
I also have a cd of Ubuntu Linux ( that my daughter lent me ).
After trying out Ubuntu Linux I followed the instructions for shutdown. I then tried to turn on my computer but it will not turn on.
Sometimes ( during my many efforts to power it on ) I would see a momentary green led light at the disk location.
I now have a dead computer. ( Did Linux implant something into the BIOS ? )
( I am presently surviving on my old and sickly slow Windows98 computer and also going to the public library computer. )_
Ghelp

 

Will it even power on or at least POST? You may have a bad PSU.

 

That is correct. It will not power on at all.
Ghelp

 

I seriously doubt that Ubuntu did anything to your computer as I have never heard of it causing any problems to a computers bios. Many charitable organizations when they sell a computer put Ubuntu on before they sell the computer at their thrift stores. Also a great deal of ebay sellers do the same. No I think though I have an idea of what happened to your computer and it could be worse than just a bad power supply. I think it probably is a bunch of blown capacitors. My old computer did something like yours did it just kept on being slower and slower until I had trouble accessing the hard drive and received errors. It wasn't until I took the old motherboard out that I saw the blown capacitors. The capacitors can be replaced if you are handy with a soldering gun but most times it is just easier to replace the motherboard. The prices for the boards have gone way down in price as have the psu's. Good luck to you!

 

My first guess was motherboard with it throwing a hard drive error first, if the 12v rail would have went out on the PSU it wouldn't have even powered the drive to get the error.

 

For some strange reason, I now am able to power-up my computer. ( Was it a lose connection between the power source and the main board - whatever the cause - I am not concerned now ).
I will terminate this thread here.
I may initiate a new thread if/when I can state a clear description of my new problem.
Thank you.
Ghelp