My computer refused to boot up claiming file
C:\windows\system32\config\system was missing. I reinstalled XP home from the
CD with a different user name. The files from the original user name are
still shown on C drive but access is denied to the desktop, favorites etc.
All my music and pictures are on the desktop of this previous user name and I
need to know if it is possible to regain access to this desktop and if so
how. Hope this is clear.

Take ownership of the files.
If you are using XP Home you will need to boot to Safe mode and log in to an account with Administrator privileges

To take ownership of a file or folder

1.. Open Windows Explorer, and then locate the file or folder you want to take ownership of.
2.. Right-click the file or folder, click Properties, and then click the Security tab.
3.. Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.
4.. In the Change owner to box, click the new owner.
5.. (Optional) To change the owner of all subcontainers and objects within the tree, select the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box.
Notes

a.. To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
b.. If you are not joined to a domain and want to view the Security tab, see To display the Security tab.
c.. You can transfer ownership in two ways:
a.. The current owner can grant the Take ownership permission to others, allowing those users to take ownership at any time.
b.. An administrator can take ownership of any file on the computer. However, the administrator cannot transfer ownership to others. This restriction keeps the administrator accountable.
d.. In Windows XP Professional, the Everyone group no longer includes the Anonymous Logon group.

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone- www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
"Night Haunter" <Night Haunter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:3D2529CD-3D00-4E53-9F7B-D0E4B1D05C96@microsoft.com
..
> My computer refused to boot up claiming file
> C:\windows\system32\config\system was missing. I reinstalled XP home from the
> CD with a different user name. The files from the original user name are
> still shown on C drive but access is denied to the desktop, favorites etc.
> All my music and pictures are on the desktop of this previous user name and I
> need to know if it is possible to regain access to this desktop and if so
> how. Hope this is clear.