How to restore corrupted files from Windows XP CD

Use XP System File Checker

Insert your original XP cd and wait til it loads. Click EXIT but leave the cd in place.
Click Start > Run and type in: sfc /scannow
And let the computer work her way. You'll see a horizontal scroll bar showing the progress.

If the thing just blinks and you don't see the scroll bar immediately, you'll have to type in the sfc line at the command prompt. This does nothing to your existing files except it replaces corrupt or missing files but it
works (almost) every time.