Missing config file causing no boot

[timelessness]

Hello all. Windows XP will not start up and I get the following error;
\windows\system32\config\system.
I tried using the laptop's F11 function but it does no good. I have used Microsoft's article 307545 in the recovery console.
md tmp
copy c:\windows\system32\config\system c:\windows\tmp\system.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\software c:\windows\tmp\software.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\sam c:\windows\tmp\sam.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\security c:\windows\tmp\security.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\config\default c:\windows\tmp\default.bak

delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
delete c:\windows\system32\config\default

copy c:\windows\repair\system c:\windows\system32\config\system
copy c:\windows\repair\software c:\windows\system32\config\software
copy c:\windows\repair\sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
copy c:\windows\repair\security c:\windows\system32\config\security
copy c:\windows\repair\default c:\windows\system32\config\default

I can do the first copy, and then the deletion, but when I tried to copy the repair files, it says the files cannot be located. I tried copying all repair files anyway, but it did not work.
Please help. Thanks so much in advance!

[goldeagle2005]

Unfortunately, in such a case, if this method does not work, the only option you have is to reinstall your Operatin System. However, before you do, try the Last Known Good configuration and Safe mode options. If these don't work, an OS reinstall is the way to go.

[timelessness]

Thanks for your reply. I will try to reinstall the OS. I am just wondering whether or not my hard drive is still good. It's passed the hard disk test in the BIOS, but I really do not think that this test is performed in depth. I imagine time will tell. Thanks again