xp repair - damaged config.sys file

have win xp. was attempting to repair it using the xp cd. it got stuck in the installation section last night and would not continue. now cannot get windows to boot up. says damaged windows\system32\config\system file. also says to try to repair this file by pushing r at the first window - nothing happens when I push r. do not have an xp boot disk. can I get the boot files elsewhere and download to the cd burner in my laptop to use on the bad desktop? How can I get my desktop to work again?

 

Re: xp repair- damaged config.sys file

forgot: have pent III clone at 550 megahertz. originally had win 98, then 98se and now upgraded to xp. cannot boot windows. cannot get to safe mode. cannot get to command prompt. only the above message.

 

Since the WinXP install-cd is actually the bootdisk, them I'm puzzled that you don't have a bootdisk

If you like to play with floppy disks then you can download bootdisks here (Notice that you need to select the bootdisk's that matches your WinXP depending on what service pack you are using):

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310994

If you are able to get a bootdisk working, then you have the option to access the Recovery Console. If you feel like a handy-man/woman then you can try to follow the guidelines provided here (Though it very much depends on having System Restore activate):

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

 

My cdrom that came with the computer won't boot for some reason..It leads always to the corrupt config/sys message.
My cdrw(#2cdrom) will start the set up program but then gets to a point where it quits with this message:
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
***STOP:0X0000000A(0X0A0A0011,0X00000002(OR Z, I AM NOT SURE),
0X00000000, 0X807D5FF9).

Does this help explain my problem? I am so frustrated. If nothing else works, would it help if I reformatted the c drive? then installed win xp?