Windows Registry Error c0000218

Hi, I have a Dell Inspiron E1505 and I am getting this blue screen of death everytime on startup.

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
WINDOWS\ SYSTEM32\ CONFIG\ SOFTWARE Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}
The registry cannot load the hive (file): SystemRoot\ System32\ Config\ Software

I've read from some places that I should get into the Recovery Console to fix this, but I can't even get to the Welcome screen, so I don't know how to access the Recovery Console. Other people have suggested that I install a fresh Windows XP over my current drive and try to salvage my files. Would I be able to take out my hard drive and use an external 2.5 case to transfer my files to a desktop?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

all info floating out there pointed to either corrupted registry, incompatible hardware or defect hard drive

yes u can, if the drive is not damaged - sometimes one can be lucky and get to run scandisk/checkdisk on the drive for repair

cheers ...

 

Here's how I fixed my computer when the same thing happened a couple years back.

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

 

You get into safe mode and such by repeatedly hitting F8 on your keyboard before windows boots. See this if you're confused.