unique twist to my system32\config\system problem

[mjukic]

Trust me to have a unique twist to a reasonably documented problem.

Problem
When I start up my computer I get the error message:

“windows\system32\config\system is corrupted” with a suggestion to use the Windows XP Pro installation disk for a repair of this file

I follow these instructions, get to the recovery console, choose ‘r’ and that’s where the difference in normal process occurs. According to the help forums I should be presented with a numbered option(s) of which Windows installation to repair :

1: C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows Installation would you like to log on to
(To cancel, press ENTER)?

Instead I get nothing other than:

C:>

I need advice to either get back to normal functioning from here or to get me to a stage where I get the C:\WINDOWS up so that I can initiate the normal solutions

Info

I recognised the difference in my problem so I haven’t done any major changes such as bootfix fixmbr etc because I might do more damage than good before I get some advice. Here are some things I have tried:

1. Installed a different HDD with the same XP pro installation on it and it booted up without a problem. So associated hardware problems such as dust, bad RAM etc is not the issue.
2. Changed my BIOS to make boot from CD Rom the first option
3. Hit F8 and tried each option available from Safe Mode down the list. Each option presented me with the same “windows\system32\config\system is corrupted” message
4. In the recovery console instead of choosing option 2 repair I chose Option 1, went to the license screen, then to a screen showing the partitions available. There was no repair option available in this screen so I quit out of it. Of note there was only 1 undefined partition showing when I know there are 3 partitions on this drive. It also had a different total disk space showing than what the HDD should have.
5. in the recovery console I only have the C:> so I tried a chkdsk p and r but get "The volume appears to contain one or more unrecoverable problems”
6. Tried to get C:\WINDOWS up by typing in the WINDOWS command line but get "command not recognised" mainly because if you type in HELP that is not a recognized command function and I was just getting desperate.

As further info it’s a Seagate HDD with NTFS not Fat. I do remember when it was still working properly that after shutdown there was a message that Windows was initiating updates and not to turn off computer and that it would turn off on it’s own, this took about 60 seconds. After that the problem started

Are there any solutions that you could think of as this is not a common problem and I can’t find a way forward from here.

[Ant]

Such would lead me to believe that the HDD was seriously corrupted or even damaged beyond repair.

[mjukic]

what would be the steps to take to make sure this is the case and then how to recover what files I have.

also has anyone heard of a virus that corrupts / erases registry files on shutdown?