Laptop start up problems

[nicky999]

I did a disc clean up on my laptop yesterday. Half way through, it suddenly shut down and now when I try and restart, I get an error message saying

load needed DLL's for kernal.

The computer then shuts itself down when any key is pressed and restarts until it gets to the same error message again. I cannot start it in safe mode either.

I am no computer expert but can do things with help.

Thanks

[vehelpfulguy]

You say you did a disc clean up. What did that consist of ?

Did you run a cleanup program and if so which one ?

Or did you just delete some programs or files yourself ?

It sounds as though some important files needed for Windows have been deleted (the Kernal is a key part of Windows).

If you have the Windows CD you could try a re-install over the top of the existing windows.

If you dont have a Windows CD and have a recorvery CD you may need to do a complete recovery of Windows, but you may lose any files you have on the laptop.

[nicky999]

Hi vehelpfulguy

The disc clean up was just the one you can access from start- all programmes-accessories-system tools-disc cleanup. I was running windows xp professional

I haven't got the windows cd. Think I have the recovery disc.

How can I do anything if I cannot even get the laptop to start in safe mode? Any help is much appreciated