cannot start windows

[kukuju01]

Hi all,
I got a message saying "Windows XP could not start
because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM "

I have been using by back up Dell XP cd to run in BIOS
mode and followed this article
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-
US;307545

but I cannot proceed to part 2 becuse I can't get to the
start up menu. I have been going in circles...PLEASE HELP!!

Thanks,
kukuju01