Windows\System32\Config\System is missing or corrupt

hello everyone, i am new at computer. I am using HP Window xp media center edition right now. when i turn on my pc last night it said windows\system32\config\system is missing or corrupt. I tried system recovery by pressing F12, did recovery 3-4 times but doesnt work at all. Later i putted a window xp cd inside and see if i can solve the problem. After the cd finish loading it turned into a blue screen with the message said " 'A problem has been detected
and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. If
this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps etc'
Is there any other way to solve this problem without formatting because i don't want to lose all my data from my hard drives thank you very much

Yes put windows xp disc in boot from that press f8 to accept as if you was going to do an install you will see an option for repair, install press r and it will restore the operating system you will have to reinstall your drivers and any updates.

this will restore it to factory default settings

Sorry, but the above information is incorrect. Pressing F8 during a boot gets you into Safe Mode, and does not boot you to the CD. To boot to the CD, you must configure the boot sequence in the BIOS Setup Menu to look at the CD Drive first. Then during the boot, you will have a moment to press any key to boot to the CD, then you can start the repair process.

See Michael Stevens XP Repair Install.

im sure f5 is safe mode, im talking about you put xp disc in boot it you have to press f8 to accept MS conditions to do an install, then you get to the install repair or delete add partions screen. where you will then select the partion to repair and hit r

Sorry, but there is still some confusion here.

smskinner, you need to verify your facts. Use Google. F5 is NOT for Windows XP. As described by the Microsoft KB Article, A Description of the Safe Mode Options in Windows XP, you press F8 to enter Safe Mode, not F5.

What you are talking about happens AFTER you have already booted to the CD, which, as I described above, happens only after you have told the BIOS to look at the CD drive as the first boot device. If this is not set in the BIOS, you will never be able to do a repair install.

You are correct, however, that once you start the install/repair process, you are prompted to press F8 to continue, but again, that is only AFTER you have already booted to the CD.