The 'core' files are the files that are installed by Joomla itself and required for it to function. The startTabSet function that's being reported as missing above should be in the file below:
/libraries/cms/html/bootstrap.php
That's a 'core' file of Joomla and if it doesn't exist, that function isn't in there, or it's not being loaded, it means there's something wrong with your Joomla installation. You'll need to determine what's wrong, or re-install Joomla.
I hope that helps, but if not, again, let us know what version of Joomla you are using.
Thanks,
Alex