Brand new computer, windows will not start

[bleach87am]

I just brought home a computer today my father bought. The first few times I started it up, windows (xp) loaded up bought the computer would freeze within a few minutes. Other times it would go to the blue screen and say that windows is closing because it found an error or something like that.
Now windows wont even start, it now says

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt :
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at first screen to start repair."

I can't even get to that... Here's whats in the computer if needed:

AMD Athlon 64 3000+
DDR 1gb PC3200
Seagate SATA 80gb 7200
ATI Radeon 9600xt

I called the store that put it together and they said they don't know and want me to bring it in. I can't bring it in soon so I was thinking maybe I could reformat or something?

Please help

 

[Win2kpatcher]

Whoaa man! That is a very important file ;-) Yep I would boot from the CD and try to repair it first..just pretend like your going to do a clean install "dont hit the R" then it will say yatta yatta found this windows installalation would you like windows to fix it..click yes..that should solve it.

 

[jaun1477]

if you take it back its the best
if you mess with it will void warranty
its your call mess with it no warranty
take it back and all you loose is same fun time and wait till you get it back