\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM corrupted + system frozen

[leuven]

As some others, I’ve got, at startup, the message regarding the
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM being missing or corrupted, which
prevents my Win XP SP2 to boot.
The system suggests to fix the problem with the original CD, making
use of the recovery procedure. Since I do have the CD, after having
modified the boot sequence, I let the system to boot from the CD. The
system starts, writes smth like "inspecting your system" on a dark
background and brings me to a blue screen with the only text line
"Windows Setup" and nothing more, plus the system is frozen (except
for the ctrl-alt-del sequence to reboot the system itself).
Any idea on how to solve the problem?
Thanks a lot

 

[neil]

I can't offer any suggestion about correcting your error but try this
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

I have seen the system lockup using the XPCD when I have a USB card reader
connected, if you have one connected unplug it and try again.

Neil