BleepingComputer.com: Problem installing XP

I attempted to reinstall Windows XP on my computer.
I followed all of the instructions on this tutorial here
While the computer was in the process of reinstalling XP, the computer lost power midway.
Now, when I turn on the computer I get "Error Loading Operating System"
I tried booting it from the CD, but I get the same error.

How do I reinstall/repair Windows to fix it?

I *do not care* about any of the data on my computer. I had already backed it up ahead of time.

For clarification, here is what happens when I turn on my computer
1. Turn on
2. Dell logo appears. The bar loads
2A: I can press F2 to successfully enter the blue screen diagnostics
2B: I can press F12 to successfully enter one-time boot (I tried booting CD from this, no success)
2C: If I press nothing, the bar loads normally.
3. After the bar loads, it switches to a black screen with a blinking cursor.
4. "Error Loading Operating System"
5. That's it. Nothing else.

This post has been edited by thrilljack: 24 October 2010 - 01:50 AM

I see you've tried booting from the disk, that's a good try. Now, does the error show when you boot it up just instantly, or is there any other things shown when you boot from the disk? If you can get to the hard drive screen, you may have a chance to delete the old (failed) windows XP drive, and then create a new partition.

Friskd, on 24 October 2010 - 01:41 AM, said:

I'm not sure how to get to the hard drive screen. Unless it involves F2 or F12, I don't see how I could get to it, because my computer completely stops after the Dell loading screen.

Hi -
Please try This Version of instructions on a repair install -
It is one of the better written versions , and you do not need to watch a video while doing it -

Thank You -

Black screen with blinking cursor in upper left corner...indicates a damaged MBR often.

Black Screen (fixmbr) - http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;314503

Since you have a Dell system...please read Dells and Fixmbr Command - http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/p/19304465/19589396.aspx.

Louis