corrupt file preventing boot

my friend's dads computer crashed, and now shows the normal "corrupt or missing file" screen.

normally, windows will specify the file, and i can expand the file from a windows setup disk through recovery console... however the screen is not specifying a file this time!

the path reads C:\Windows\system32\config\system

but doesnt specify a file or extension.
I ran chkdsk -r and it fixed a few corruptions, but the screen still appears.

i told them i'd bring over knoppix and let them retreieve their files from the computer and then we could just reformat.. but is there anything else i could do to avoid a reformat here?

Last Known Good also did not work.

Running Windows XP Home on a Sony Vaio, and I have my own windows disk in addition to their recovery disks for use of recovery console and such.

 

That is a file, a corrupt registry hive.

Before you reformat you might try the steps here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545

 

thanks, i had already looked through the KB, but didnt relate it to a registry problem, i'll give it a try.