unable to boot in safe mode

HELP! I'm getting this error message: multi disk r disk partition 2 windows system 32 config system
I cannot get my computer to give me a prompt so that I can boot up in safe mode. It will not go to Windows (XP) either. I wanted to try to do a recovery but I'm not able to . I'm not a computer geek, but try hard to be one! I want to fix this myself without losing 4 years of documents, etc. that is on my computer.
Can anyone help?

 

Hi,

Can you give the exact error you get when trying to start normally? And the error you get when trying to get into safe mode (F8 repeatedly when first starting machine).

Do you have the XP installation disk or is it a manufacturer recovery disk?

 

I get the following error in safe mode: multi disk r disk partition\2\windows\system32\config\system
In regular mode I get nothing, just a black screeen
Thanks for replying
And I do have an XP installation disk. It came loaded with it on my computer, but I have one. It's caled a reinstallation DVD

 

"multi disk r disk partition\2\windows\system32\config\system" is it saying file not found or just the list of scrolling files halting at that file?

What make and model of PC? I'm trying to figure out if the installation disc is a copy of XP or a recovery CD that gives no choices but to completely format and reinstall to factory settings.

 

Its a Dell Dimension e510

 

list of scrolling files. Sorry, forgot to add that.

 

Sorry, I have had little luck when that System file is corrupt or missing.

I guess boot using Last Known Good Configuration did not work.

You could try booting from the Dell installation CD choosing "R" for repair. It will ask you which OS choose "1". It will prompt you for a password enter your Administrator password if you have set one or leave it blank and hit enter.

Then try a chkdsk /r to see if it finds any errors.