Windows cannot start-corrupt file

[ArmandoC]

I have a Dell desktop with Windows XP on it and for some reason I tried turning it on today and as it's loading I get a message that says:
"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: /Windows/System32/Config/System"
Then it says I can try repairing it by starting windows from the set up CD-ROM. I tried that and nothing different happens I get the same message. I am at college and this is my home computer so I hadn't used it for some months and it was fine last time I used it so no idea what went wrong. Any type of help would be really appreciated.

If I need to give any more info. please let me know.

[Broni]

Check here: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

[ArmandoC]

Thing is, the computer originally had WIndows ME and I put XP on it later on. And now I only have the original Windows ME set up CD-ROM and it won't recognize it or at least it doesn't load it up when I start the computer. I can't even get to the first step they describe in the article.


THanks though

[Broni]

You'll need XP CD. I can't see any other way around.

[ArmandoC]

Well what do you know I got my hands on an XP CD but again, the computer won't load it up. I keep getting the same error message. Nothing differently happens when the CD is in the computer than when it isn't. I really don't know what to do now.

Edit: Do I have to do something myself when booting up the comp? Safe Mode or something I'm missing somewhere?

[ArmandoC]

Ok so I pressed F12 and it gives me options to boot from and I select the IDE CD-ROM device but it just tells me strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility. Does it not recognize that there is a CD in there or am I doing it wrong. Sorry I am so clueless about this.

[Broni]

You need to enter BIOS, and make sure CD drive is listed first in boot order.