codec stands for coder/decoder. As an example, a music file will be encoded, possibly mp3.. the codec unpacks the music from the encoded file, and can also create an mp3 file.
Codecs install to [or should be placed in] the folder of the program which will use them. Windows standard codecs are in system32.
Boot.ini parameter, /MININT
This option is used by Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) and causes the Configuration Manager to load the Registry SYSTEM hive as a volatile hive such that changes made to it in memory are not saved back to the hive image.
I do not know why your Recovery Console is listing D:\I386, which is the Recovery Console itself. Is there a C:\I386 also, by some chance?
Your problem was not a bad MBR because your sys is trying to boot, ie, going past that stage. Its failure comes at a stage when it is trying to initialise drivers and services.
I wonder if Minint is a leftover from a failed installation? It should have been removed by the installation process.
I would start RC in C:\Windows and run:
chkdsk /p -then try to restart.
{If it will not, go back into RC and run: chkdsk /r }
While you are in RC you should check your boot.ini file. Use :
bootcfg /list
As an example, mine looks like this:
[boot loader]
timeout=4
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
_______________

bootcfg /rebuild -will give you the opportunity to repair boot.ini
And if that fails then use your installation cd to do a Windows Repair [when first asked for a response, choose to enter Setup by pressing Enter]. You will not lose settings, but some software may need to be installed. The bigger pest is reloading all Windows Updates.