re-installing os on vostro 1000

I am trying to re-install my operating system on a vostro 1000. i have gotten as far as the first time it shuts downon its own but when it tries to reboot i still get the error message: file is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe. please re-install the file. I am using the installation disk that came with this doggone laptop and have absolutly no idea how to re-instale this file or even where i would get it from in the first place if it is not on the disk i have. i also have a disk with drivers and utilities on it but i am trying to do this with the instructions on the dell site and the thing is supposed to shut down and then re start. so whats up with this. i live on the second floor and this thing is real close to going over the balcony so any help i can get would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance

 

okay folks i think i have solved my own problem. i rebooted my system by the cd drive and when it said press any key to boot from cd i did absolutly nothing and in a few minutes the doggone thing astarted installing xp. it now says i have about 4 minutes to go to complete installation. so lets hope this will solve the issues i have been having. oh yeah i still had the os cd in the drive when i rebooted it.