I'm pretty sure this can be solved without spending loads of money for repair, it seems to be a common problem and I have researched it and tried a few different things, however, I am stuck and here's why:

I have checked the memory sticks, they are in place and secure.
I don't have the original Windows XP disk, but I have a Dell disk that gets me as far as the repair console, asks for the password and asks which drive I want repaired. The only option it gives is 1. C:\windows, when {I }choose option #1 it shows C:\windows but nothing happens after that. I thought I was supposed to get instructions at this point.

Please help