when i typed dir rstrui.exe it shows the file info

even when i try to see the file "filelist.xml" i get the same thing saying the command is not recognized

That

And maybe forget Kaspersky next time
I use free Avira Antivirus
And I'm running Windows firewall (running it for years, and no ill effect !!!, NO idea what other support are talking about with all this other stuff)

As I stated just above (ok previous page now)
Make sure that you are logged in as Administrator

but the problem is that when i try to enter my files in dos i get "access is denied" =S

Oh dear

You just need to start your working computer in Safe Mode
Then right click on the "access denied" folders
Select Tools > Folder Options > Security Tab
Then give your user account (still on the working computer) full access to your slave harddrive folder

Strange I know

ok heres another problem hahah
i cant access safe mode as i get this message
"windows xp setup cannot run under safemode. setup will restart now"

Are you saying that your other working computer does not have Safe Mode working?

System Restore does not work at the Recovery Console

so your saying i should put the hard drive on a working computer as a slave drive and change the settings so that i can have access?
is it possible to reinstall windows xp on the existing hard drive without delete my files?
basically like over writing it

OMG !

I have to log into my Recovery Console and 100% confirm
But it looks as though you're right. d@mn! All the times I've mentioned this
Anyway here goes...

Oh and Safe Mode Repair is here: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic108404.html#post638518
In case your other computer doesn't work in Safe Mode

Edit: Confirmed (doubled up basically) that System Restore cannot be run from the Recovery Console
Thanks WinXPert, I'll go edit a few posts now :/

for the safe mode repair how do i run that file ?

Yes, see here: Microsoft's Windows XP Professional Repair Install step by step

Forget the Safe Mode Repair file
That was a bit of confusion, I thought you meant in a working computer

i actually tried repairing it already but when it rebooted i still got the same problem
whenever i try to repair i get to the screen telling me to press "R" for another upgrade or press enter to do a clean install....when they mean clean install does it format my hard drive?

is it possible to put my hdd onto another computer as a slave and access the files from there?

I thought you had already tried that

But yes you can do that
And I answered that above as well (how to give yourself permissions on a working computer)
Note: I've been off and about editing posts that I mentioned System Restore
Here's what I've edited in:
Hmm, I seem to have a few of these bad posts :/