NOTICE: There is a newer version of this tutorial on my new website:
What is the Recovery Console used for?
The Recovery Console is used for various repairs of your system. It can be very useful when you are unable to boot Windows XP.
How can I get into it?
First, you may have to configure your computer to boot from the CD drive.
This process varies with the manufacturer of your Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS. When your computer starts up, it should say "Press xxx to Enter Setup" It may also say to enter BIOS. Press the key to enter CMOS Setup. In some versions of BIOS, there is a boot tab, in other versions, the boot options are under "Advanced." If you look in your manual or do a bit of searching, you should eventually find it. Move the CD drive above the hard disk drive in the loading order and Exit saving changes.
1. Boot from your Windows XP CD
2. Wait for the drivers to load and press R to enter the Recovery Console
3. Choose the installation folder (probably 1) and press Enter.
4. Type in your Administrator password. If there is none, leave it blank and press Enter
After this, you should see a prompt. This means that you have successfully entered the Recovery Console.