Corrupted registry prevents Windows XP from starting

[Belinda Reagan]

After loading an updated version of QuickBooks today, I attempted to restart my computer and received this error message:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEMS32\CONFIG\SYSTEM.

Attempted "typical recovery methods", then inserted Reinstallation CD for Windows XP Professional (SP2) that came with DELL computer (pre-installed). Followed steps to "Welcome to Setup" blue screen. Pressed r to repair. Followed steps to chkdsk /r command. Process began.

After process reached 38%, there was no more activity---for almost 1.5 hours. Seemed frozen.
Turned off computer.

Tried, unsucessfully, to follow Microsoft instructions found online. At the Recovery Console command prompt, created 'md tmp', then attempted to copy c:, etc. Each time I entered a "copy c:" line, I was given the message: "Cannot copy...". Not sure if this is happening because I have a DELL disk, rather than original Windows XP disk?!?!? If so, any way around this?

HELP! What, oh, what can I do???

[Belinda Reagan]

Resolved my issue with a new HD & recovery program....