Insert the Windows Vista reinstallation disk, power down the computer, power it back up, and when you see the blue DELL logo, press F12. Select CD/DVD Drive, and perform startup repair. Be sure to take a look at this:

 

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/5c59f8c1-b0d1-4f1a-af55-74f3922f3f351033.mspx

I sure hope not! Try reinstalling Windows. Boot from the disk again, but this time, continue with setup to reinstall Windows.

thanks, i tried and it seems to think it can't repair itself, could there be an underlying hardware issue causing it?

It can't reinstall itself either *shakes fist at the world*

thanks for the help though!

Why can't it be reinstalled?

It comes up with "Windows cannot nstall the required files.  Make sure al files required for installaion are available and restart the installation."

Which is odd, as this disk has worked before.

Also when I try to repair I get this code in the command prompt box:

BFSVC:  BfspPrintFileOwnerProcess: Failed to open file! Last Error=0x5

BFSVC: BfspCopyFile failed! ast Error=0x5

BFSCV: No process found using C:\Windows\System32\Boot\en-US\winload/exe/,ui file.

 

 

I hope this helps, and/or makes sense. 

And that happens after you boot from the reinstallation disk and you start the installation?

 

If so, something is really wrong and you should call Dell and see what they can do for you.