Help to Install Linux

Hi I have an Acer Aspire 3000 series laptop which has just recently broke down. When I turn it on it starts to boot up but very soon gets the error..."Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM"

My only option is to shut down or re-start the computer. I've tried running it in safe mode but this and most recent sucessful restore point but I still get the same error.

The advice that is given when the error comes up is to put the install disk into the cd drive and try to restore it from there, I however have a problem. The CD drive doesn't work. when a cd is placed into the drive you can hear
it start to wind up but it always seems to stumble, the CD drive tries to start again a few times before giving up. What I really want to do with this computer is install Ubuntu 8.10 on the computer but again the CD drive does not go and without windows starting up I cant install from the desktop.

Is there possibly something easily fixable in the CD drive that I can do myself or an alternative method to get into the system and repair the above file or install ubuntu. The resources I have available are a usb flash drive, the use of a usb harddrive and the use of another laptop.

NOTE: purchasing any new hardware is not an option at present.

I appreciate any help given.

Regards,

John Curwood

 

If you can use another computer to download ubuntu 8.10 and boot the live cd, you could possibly install it to a usb drive (usb install is in the main menu). then boot your laptop from the usb drive and manually make the required file changes that ms suggests:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

 

Still need another computer with an OS, but
You can use unetbootin to create a LiveUSB to boot Ubuntu 8.10 on your main PC.