Trying to boot the PC and getting error message that the file "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM" has been corrupted or is missing, thus windows can't start. Tried to boot using safe mode, etc. Put in the Win XP disk to try to repair Windows, but I'm not sure how to operate the Recovery Console. Thanks guys.

if you have a bootable windows XP cd, then stick it in and let your PC boot up to it. it'll act like its installing but pay attention. It'll get to a menu part where it talks about new install, format blah blah or "Recovery Console" that is what you want to choose.

Choose that, and it'll boot into a "dos" looking mode. from the "dos" looking prompt, type chkdsk /r and let it run its course. when it reboots take out the cd.

If that still doesnt work, after it runs the course, and you reboot (and most likely it'll run scandisk for you...).. then try this..

Once you get into the Recovery Console type:

copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system

and reboot.

Whatever you do.. do not.. i repeat do not REINSTALL WINDOWS xp (unless you really want to) otherwise you'll lose all your programs and docuemnts etc.. that would be the last resort...

hope that kinda helps eh.