Equium A200 - Boot problems after update

Question

*After installing what i gather is the most recent update for windows vista and when the computer re-boots itself, i am greeted with the following message:*
' +WIndows failed to start. A recent Hardware or Software change may be the cause. To fix the problem:+
+1. Insert your windows installation disk and restart your computer+
+2. Choose your language settings, and then click "next."+
+3. Click "repair your computer."+
+If you do not have this disk, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.+
+File: /Boot?BCD+
+Status: 0xc000000f+
+info: An error occured while attempting to read the boot configuration data.'+
*Iv tried starting it in safe mode by holding F8 on the start up but this just causes the startup screen to flash whilst emmiting a high pitched noise, like an alarm.*
*Am i right in assuming that when it tells you to insert the windows intillation disk it is referring to the 'Product Recovery' disk i got with the laptop? if so, i am reluctant to use this disk as on the back of the casing it says 'WARNING: If you use the Product Recovery you will loose all the data on the hard disks....' Is this the only option or does it offer just a repair funtion which does not remove any files as i do have quite a number of very important files which were yet to be backed up.*
*Any help would be much appreciated*
*Thanks*
*Stores*

Answer 1

ok, took it to my dads work the other day and he used the proper windows vista disk to repair it, however, now every few days, if not every time we turn it off, when turning it on again it comes up with the same message, so dad has to take it into work again to get it restored.
I took it to the ICT team and school and they basically told me the hard drive is nackered, and buy a new one.....however, i just wanted to make sure there was nothing else i could do before going to this extreme.
Thanks
Stores