I cannot start Windows on my PC! I get an error message reading:

"Windows cannot start because "C:\WINDOWS\System32\config." is corrupted or missing. Insert original Setup CD-Rom and press ‘r’ at setup to begin repair."

I have looked at the software that I recieved when I got my computer (it was given to me by my neighbor two years ago), and I cannot find the original Setup CD-ROM, and I can’t get the others to run at all. I have gone to dell’s support website on another computer and tried their suggestions, which did not work. I tried the command-line string, but I can’t input anything. I’ve tried looking on here for solutions, and attempted what I found, but nothing’s worked so far.

Please help, it was working perfectly fine on Thursday evening, but on Friday, this problem began. I do not know what is causing it. To be able to get the best help, here are the details of my operating system:

Manufacturer: Dell
Edition: Windows Media Center Edition
Software Package: Microsoft Office Windows XP 2000
Year Manufactured (guesstimate): 2001
Virus/Malware/Spyware Protection Software: Avast!, Super AntiSpyware, Spybot: Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware.

I need to resolve this quickly, please. Any suggestions you may have will be tried, and are *very* welcome! Thank you very much to anyone who can help me!

IE 7.0 will not operate nor will outlook express yet microsoft office works fine. Firefox works fine. Norton works but only if started by going to the total programs listings not off shortcuts which appear to be corrupted. Machine is 2.0 Ghz but is slow as ….

I had Pop-up Virus and I used Mcafee to clean them. It didn’t clean them well. Then I used Spybot. But I think Spybot deleted some of my system files in Window XP. I can’t boot my computer now. I have Dell reinstallation CD. But I don’t want to install the Whole Window and erase all my data and softwares. Some of my softwares, such as Microsoft Office, came with my Dell computer but I don’t have the CD to re-install them. Is it possible I can boot my computer and repair my Window XP?
Please help!
Thanks everyone! I’ll try your advices at home tonight.