[Stu_computer]

First, don't use a non WinXP bootdisk for repairs, improper use (like the advice you were given about sys c can cause further damage that may not be recoverable.

Okay, boot from the CD again same as before and when you get to the command line type
CHKDSK C: /F
this will check/fix errors on the hard drive.

(need the /F switch for repair, no switches and chkdsk just scans drive and reports)

 

[Stu_computer]

Do the same as you originally ran recovery and type
<C:\WINDOWS>CD SYSTEM32
<C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32>CHKDSK /F

If that doesn't work then do a DIR C:\chkdsk.exe /s to get the path for it. Will return something like this: Directory of C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32
Then type the full path (ie: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\chkdsk /f)

Have you tried to get into safe mode? On startup tap-tap-tap the F8 key to access the startup menu.
If you can get into safe mode then START/RUN/ type cmd and press enter, then type chkdsk /f

 

[Stu_computer]

Well, chkdsk has used the /f switch (parameter) for as long as I can remember, so if it keeps replying it's not valid then chkdsk itself must be another corrupt file. Were there any system freezes/crashes before this started?

Go into safe mode then START/RUN/ type cmd and press enter, then type SFC /SCANNOW

This will run the System File Checker to replace any corrupt/missing files.
Then try CHKDSK again, first try it without switches to see if it reports.
Then do chkdsk /x (answer YES to run on next startup if busy with another process).

 

[Stu_computer]

recently I have been having issues with windows.
By the way, if I reinstall windows, would there be a possibility of me keeping some of the items in my documents such as personal picture I took with my camera?

Yep, you can reinstall and the desktop and personal files will remain the same as you left it. You will need to re-establish any file associations, IE start page, etc. that was set. Some programs require reinstall to work (ie: windows office will ask for CD).

Boot your CD and when menu...
To setup Windows....now press Enter
To Repair Windows.... press R

Press Enter and continue, then setup will detect a previous install on Drive C.
Select repair C:\Windows, setup will install a new copy of windows over the old one. When it reboots, You will need to enter the XP Product key.