Im my laptop knackered?

[TEAK36]

Last night after downloading an updated version of ImeshLite, my laptop locked up.I switched it back on expecting the system to run a scan,like it normally does,but this did not happen, and the following message appeared. Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt \windows\system32\c_1252.nls.You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original set up cd rom.select 'r' at the first screen to repair. I tried to boot up in safe mode,but the same message appears.Im not even sure if the problem had anything to do with the ImeshLite download because my Norton AV scans all of my downloads automatically.have 3 recovery discs that came with my pc, but I only want to use them as a last resort because I have absolutely loads of files that I really do not want to lose, and downloaded software that I had to pay for,which I assume I would also lose if I use the recovery discs.Is there any way to recover the files on my laptop?

[Headtime]

This website; http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;8300 88&Product=winxp Seems to have instructions for replacing the missing file. As a tip, I found the site by Googling "windows\system32\c_1252.nls". If you get any strange error messages, it's worth sticking the message into Google. It's helped me fix loads of strange problems in the past. Hope this helps.

[j2buttonsw]

That was an excellent answer Headtime. That explains how I would try and fix it: I would use the restore CDs as a final fix: you should also think about why this file is corrupt: is your hard drive failing? The next time it boots, backup everything!

[Headtime]

Cheers Mr Buttons!