Windows XP crash

Hello,

I did a search first to see what was what, but i now need to ask my question.

Yesterday, I went to turn my computer on and it read "WINDOWS COULD NOT START BECAUSE THE FOLLOWING FILE IS MISSING OR CORRUPT:

\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

There are a couple of things i must add:

1. OS is Windows XP Home Edition

2. I did not create backup Recovery discs from the HD(laptop is a HP dv6000).

3. I tried to download a boot disc iso from another thread from thecomputerguy.com/rc.iso and that did not do anything.

4. I have gone to F8 and actually clicked on each option and I still get t he original message or a blue screen

So I am in dire need of any and all help. The last remaining option is to pay HP like $16 for recovery disc. However, I need access to my laptop quickly?

ty for any help

Edit:

I am now able to get to the start of the recovery console: It gives me the options of

1: C:\WINDOWS
2: D:\MiniNT
3: F:\WINDOWS

i PRESS "1" then ENTER, but nothing happens afterwards? I click on option one but nothing?

 

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

 

i am able to now get to the Recovery Console, however, each time i type in a command prompt, nothing happens?