WINDOWS/system32/config/SYSTEM missing or corrupt

When i boot my dell laptop up it says,

Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

Can I boot up using my windows xp bootable cd-rom even though my dell laptop is a windows xp home edition? I've heard I can still boot up using the cd-rom. Anyways when I insert the cd-rom and the blue screen comes up, should I choose to install and then Repair the installation (not the recovery console). I've heard this worked for some people and I'm wondering if I should do this too. Now if I do this, will all my programs, applications, etc. still be on my computer as if nothing happened?

 

Have you tried running a chkdsk c:/r (while in command mode/recovery console)?

 

No I have not. But please answer my questions.

 

I cannot backup any data because I cannot boot into Windows. So, I think I'm just going to try to do a repair installation. Unless anyone tells me otherwise.

 

Another option:

http://support.dell.com/support/top...d=89C2285FB22749B5ABF7CCB9CB612D47&doclang=en