Windows XP Professional: Missing/Corrupt OS File: No Disc Drive

Hello,

When I attempt to start my Lenovo ThinkPad X100e (laptop) I get the error message:

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

And the normal repair attempt information. I have seen a previous forum post addressing this issue by inserting the XP OS disc (found here: https://ccm.net/forum/affich-22815-windows-system32-config-system-is-corrupt ) but this model of laptop doesn't have a (visible) disc drive, nor do I have access to a disc.

This laptop was loaned to me by my school, but I would rather not go and ask for their assistance if there was a fix I could apply at home. Upon startup before the error, it would go to a "TLC School Connect" login page, where I would enter my school-appointed username and password, and then Windows would start.

I was hoping someone would know a fix where instead of inserting the OS disc, I could just stick in a USB flash drive with just the vital files for the fix (system.bak and the Recovery Console). I have already downloaded a USB applicable Recovery Console, but I have no idea where I could get this system.bak file.

Any help/advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. I left this configuration note at the bottom, but this just applies to my home PC, not the afflicted laptop. I believe it runs on XP Professional.