Error while attempting to read the boot configuation data

Any thoughts on how to solve this problem?

When I turned on our Dell laptop yesterday this is what I got after a very brief stop at the Dell opening screen:
 
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Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.  To fix the problem:
 
1.  Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2.  Choose your language settings, and then click "Next."
3.  Click "Repair your computer."
 
If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.
 
File:  \Boot\BCD
 
Status:  0xc000000f
 
Info:  An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data.
 
ENTER=Continue                                                                ESC=Exit
 
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To the best of my knowledge we've not changed any hardward or software other than letting Windows Update automatically update needed changes to Windows.
 
I searched around and found the Windows Vista reinstall DVD that came with the laptop.  But when I put it in and restarted the laptop all it keeps doing is going right back to the message above.  Neither hitting ENTER or ESC does anything but send me back to the same screen.  I've tried this quite a few times with the same non-helpful result.