Solve : Windows XP logs on and off, can't get into Windows?

My pc logs on and off quickly and gets back to the main windows xp menu (with all the users listed).
 
I can't get into any part of the system in order to check the registry. I have tried making a boot diskette


I have changed the boot.ini to be rdisk(1) and partition (1) instead of 0, and 2.


I have the two other NT files on the diskette

boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home


The only CD I have from Dell is the REINSTALLATION CD that doesn't boot up or do anything.

Any help would be appreciated.. I am stuck..Did you happen to save a COPY of the bootini before you edited it ? ?I actually copied it from another Pc in my home.. it looked like this:


boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition"
/fastdetect /Noexecute=OptInHere is what I did

I copied the boot.ini and 2 NT files onto a diskette. The diskette was FORMATTED to be a system disk.  I read that the broken PC will read off of that. And it does.. BUT it takes me to the a:\ prompt.  I don't have the RECOVERY Console installed, so I can't get to that.  I have tried BOOTING in Safe Mode, that gives me the same results. I have tried booting from the last good configuration, that gave me the same results.

I have found many forums with people having the same problems. EXACTLy.  but their solutions always mention going into the registry... But I can't even get to it - it order to change it.  It is possible I don't know the correct commands.

You can run the Recovery Console from your XP CD...

Here Ya Go

I only have the "Reinstallation CD" for Windows Xp - does that have Recovery Console on it?

F10 doesn't do anything when I press it with this CD in. I hear the drive spinning, but nothing is running off of it while booting.  once it stops, f10 doesn't do anything

is it possible it is the correct cd and I am just not using it to boot from?

thanks for your quick response..