Windows XP won't reboot?

I have a Sony Vaios that won't reboot. It says that I am missing the Windows\system32\config\SYSTEM file. I can't even reboot into "safe mode". I'm trying to boot off the CD-Rom using a Windows XP Pro install CD and it won't even do that. I've tried rebooting from every option given and it just won't do it. I don't have the original install/setup cd's either. This is a laptop and actually belongs to a friend.

Thanks,

 

Try scan disc and see what it finds. If a file is missing or corrupt it will find it and then you can put your disc in to replace it.

 

I don't think he'll be able to run a scan disk without scheduling it to run on boot-up, which is the problem here. Have you tried simply removing the battery, and then starting it up?...at which point scan disk would perhaps be able to do its thing.