Old Dell- error unknown file system

I wasn't sure if this is where I was supposed to post or not. If not, I apologize.

Anyway, my mother was recently given a Dell Inspiron 1200 notebook as a gift from her aunt. She's (the aunt) old and the laptop is old and apparently the laptop had not been used in two years. So the laptop had xubuntu installed and my mother tried to log in using the old owner's information but apparently she was not allowed so she tried to uninstall xubuntu somehow and says she "got rid of it," mother speak for "I have no idea what I did but I think I did the right thing because I think I know SO much about computers." Now she gets a "error unknown file system" message every time we turn on the laptop followed by something about grub. She's tried installing Windows XP on it but it doesn't work. If anyone has any info that might be useful it would be greatly appreciated. I know it's an old lap top and possibly and old issue, but anything that might help is welcome. 

Thanks,

Gia