ok, well that was the error part of trial and error. Looks like its time for repair install. Windows XP repair feature won't delete your data, installed programs, personal information, or settings. It just repairs the operating system! However, the system repair function will remove any updates you have previously installed that are not included on the CD. Drivers will also be reverted to their original XP versions, as well as some settings (network & performance settings may sometimes be reset to their defaults). It may be necessary to reactivate your Windows XP as well. When finished, you will have to download all of the updates from Microsoft Windows Update, because they are all replaced during repair.
Also note that system files becoming corrupt is sometimes a result of malicious software and this repair install isn't removing everything off of your drive so the malicious software could still be present so after you are up and running I recommend that you run through the malware removal steps here on the forums, I will provide a link after we get you back on track.
restart your computer.
instead of pressing R this time press enter
press the F8 key to continue from license agreement
Next, Windows Setup will find existing Windows XP installations. You will be asked to repair an existing XP installation, or install a fresh copy of Windows XP.
If no installations are found, then you will not be given the option to repair. This may happen if the data or partition on your drive is too corrupted.
Note: If you install a fresh copy, all data on that partition will be lost!
Windows XP will appear to be installing itself for the first time, but it will retain all of your data and settings. Just follow the prompts, and have your CD-KEY ready if needed.
a Repair Install will leave your system vulnerable. You can get infected within seconds. Do not go on line until you have enabled XP's firewall first.
Then run Windows Update!