\windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupt - M45 S359 won't reboot from CD

\windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupt
you can attempt to repair this file by starting windows set-up using the original set up CD-ROM...

this is what I get when I open my toshiba M45 S359 using windows xp...
nothing works anymore !
F8 + safe mode is inoperative, and I can't access the recovery console.
I do not have an original set up CD-ROM and no windows XP disk either. I do have a toshiba recovery and applications/drivers DVD.
here is what I did so far (following excellent advices)...
- download the Recovery Console.iso : http://www.thecomputerparamedic.com/files/rc.iso
- burn it to CD with CDBurnerXP
- insert it into the Toshiba and try to boot from the CD after changing the BIOS boot order so that the CD drive is listed first

it appears that the laptop refuses to reboot from the CD even if I tweak the boot order. the cd boot works fine on my working destop computer
it does reboot normally and then gives me back the windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupt...

if anybody has an helpful advice it would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to recover some important pictures files from the laptop...

thanks !

my best, francis.

 

You don't have the XP (Pro/Home?) OS CD ?

 

oups, sorry, forgot to give thhat essential information...
no, I do not have an original set up CD-ROM and no windows XP disk either. I do have a toshiba recovery and applications/drivers DVD.

my best, francis.

 

^^ I am afraid that this error can only be "repaired" if you have either an OEM or a valid Windows media disk. No way around it.

cheers ...