XP boot error

[Guest]

when I try to boot I get the following error:

windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupt run
recovery console.

booting from the cd and selecting R takes me to a c
prompt not the recovery console and I am at a loss what
to do from that point. can anyone help. I am trying to
avoid having to re-intall XP if at all possible.

 

[Chris Lanier]

307545 - How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry That Prevents Windows XP
from Starting
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

 

[Shootist]

You could and should do a repair install. Boot from the CD and go by the
first R option and the screen after the license agreement there is a second
"To do a repair install press R" hit the R key.