i was going about muy business when computer stopped and a intermittent click started.
Then error message when trying to reboot saying

C0000218 Registry file failure
Registry cannot load the hive (file)
systemroot/system32/config/system
its log or alternate is corrupt, absent or not writetable.
I also cannot boot up in safe mode.

I have a dell dimension 2350 with windows xp home

Does this mean hard drive is shot?

Hi typhoon55,

I found a link that shows detailed repair instructions for your error.

Take a look here: How Do I Repair A Stop: c0000218

Microsoft also recognizes there is an issue but does not really give a good answer.

MS link

I hope this helps,

Rigel

Great links Rigel!

Thanks! I've added them to my toolkit!