windows/system32/config/system

I think my pc got infected and now this is what i get when i start my computer:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt.
/windows/system32/config/system

You can attempt to repair this file starting windows setup using the original setup CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the first screen to start.

...
So i inserted my cd but my PC doesnt detect it.
Anyone has a file i can put on a floppy disk to repair it?

When you put in the Windows CD you'll get a black screen that shows for 4-6 seconds that says "press any key to boot from CD" .. at that point you want to press any key or else it will simply boot into windows.

Once it boots to the CD and loads you'll have 3 options. Select the Repair option by pushing "R". It's really straight forward...

Here is the in depth version straight from MS: How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

i remember i was continually tapping the r button but it seems that my keyboard is not immediately recognized when i start the computer.

if i install my PentiumII hdd on it, what might happen?

No no, boot on the cd. You'll get a blue screen, drivers will load (this will take a few minutes).

After that, press R to repair (there will be a menu).

maybe he does not have the boot option to boot from CD first


when you see your boot screen press the esc or delete boutton to go to the boot menu then go choose your boot order and make it boot from cd fist then HDD save it and it should work

^^ What he said. You need to change the boot sequence to put CD before HDD. Press "del" when you boot the computer to enter the bios.