# Recover from a Corrupted Windows Registry

When a Windows XP sp2 system cannot boot, but system restore had been enabled (as is now by default), [How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting](http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545).

The procedure describes a method by booting from the Windows XP CD-<span class="caps">ROM</span>. Understanding the procedure, a technician can also perform the essential steps upon a hard drive extracted from the source computer.