this is the message that i get while trying to switch on my laptop. i dont even know why this is because i was on it this morning and did nothing out of the ordinary with it. obviously i know what this means and that i will most likely have to re-install windows but is there anyway i can keep the data on my hard drive? id be really upset if i had to lost the information to get my laptop working again. thanks in advance

You could do a Windows Repair Install.

To affect a repair install of Windows XP you need your Windows XP disc, pop it in, and boot from it

It should show "Press any key to boot from.."

Once there go through the setup, select "Install fresh copy of Windows" and then it'll ask you to read the Terms agreement, hit F8, and it'll try to detect for any current Windows installations. It should recognize your old install, at which point it'll allow you to either install over it, or repair it, select repair.


Edit:
It could also be your HD is dead