Laptop start up problems

[Dan5670]

My two laptops have stopped working on the same day - none will start up

Both are Toshibas and are running Windows Vista

One goes through the start up process and the following appears on the screen

"Windows error recovery"

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change may be the cause

Give option to launch start up repair or start windows normally whatever one is chosen A grey screen appears "System Recovery Options"
The installed program cannot start. Click OK to turn off the computer.

The other one goes through the start up process but goes through the start up repair and checks the system for problems
It attempts repairs but goes no further
Sometimes during this it cuts out - power failure

Both are around 5 years old and do not want to fork out a lot to get them repaired - would rather put the money towards a new one

Any ideas of the problems and how to rectify

Many Thanks in advance

[dx100uk]

prob hard drive error poss by a virus.

best idea is to keep hitting F8 on start up

you should get a text menu pop up

select start to cmd prompt

then type

chkdsk c: /v /f /r

and let it do its bit.

if not give me a call

dx