computer says x:\windows\system32> it wants a command to start up

Open up the recovery console in Windows XP using the Installation disc...

type in *cd c:* and press Enter

then type in *fixboot c:* and press Enter

then type in sfc /scannow and press Enter

then type in chkdsk /f and press Enter

cd will change the active directory to the c:\ drive

fixboot will automatically fix any startup problems

sfc /scannow will look for any corrupted or missing system files and replace them

chkdsk will scan for disk errors and repair them.

If the above doesn't work... do the following...

For System Recovery useC:\Windows\System32>rstrui.exe 

or Directly fire this Command rstrui.exe i.e. c:\rstrui.exe

See this:

How To Use The Recovery Console

How To Enter The XP Recovery Console