I have a bigger problem now, the machine will no longer boot even from safe mode. Using the CD it will, and it leads to a choice of R or Load XP. If I press R it leads to a C
prompt. In R, if I select FIXBOOT it warns me to go ahead only if I am sure (and I am not) and with FIXMBR it warns me I could lose access to the drive completely.
Using load it leads to a choice of only reinstalling XP, including formatting the drive. It does not allow a second shot at repair (R).
During the attempt to load in safe mode it tells me now I have a faulty \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIGSYSTEM file. It says I can attempt to fix it using the original disk and R console, but as I said, it does not open any such console.
Any help appreciated..