Repair Windows using Recovery Console

Hi all,
I installed XP SP2 on a machine and it crashed it. It wouldn't let me into Normal or Safe Mode. I ran the recovery console and removed SP2, but when I restarted, it says that "Windows cannot start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\COnfig\System"
I decided to try to repair Windows by copying it over itself, but when I run setup, it says it can't find a previous version of Windows on the system. I'm not sure if there's a way that I can repair it in the Recovery Console and if there is step-by-step instructions anywhere to do this? Thanks!

 

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

 

Thank you sir for the quick reply. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

It keeps telling me that it cannot find the file specified. What can I do?
BTW, Windows is installed in the default directory.

 

At what point does it say it cannot be found?

 

It says that right at the first file to copy in Part One, step 5

 

Which file? Keep in mind your original error says the system file is either missing, or corrupt. So if its missing, just move on.

 

I actually copied that into a txt file like it said to and it said most of them could not be found. It did delete some of the files though, but I'm not sure which ones. I rebooted the machine like it said to, but still the same thing. What now?

 

Did you finish the article?

You need to copy over the repair hives.

 

No, I quit after Part One. In Part Two, it says I have to be in Safe mode to do the rest, but Windows won't boot into either mode.

 

Well, if you are missing repair hives, you are pretty much game over. Meaning, time for a new installation. You can do a parallel to avoid formatting though.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

Look at the section installing to a new folder.

 

Why would SP2 do this? What can be done before installing this in order for it not to happen?

 

Check driver, and application compatiblity. Make certain there are no viruses or spyware/malware on the computer.