Windows Error Recovery PROBLEM. NEED HELP!!!!

Hello,

My computer was working fine this morning until I did a hard shut-
down. Now I'm getting this following error message every time I turn
on the computer:

"Windows Error Recovery

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

If Windows files have been damaged or configured incorrectly, startup
repair can help diagnose and fix the problem. If power was interrupted
during startup, choose start windows normally.

Launch Startup Repair (recommended)
Start Windows Normally"

Neither of the options provided work. Loading in safe mode brings me
back to the "Windows Error Recovery" screen. No system restore points
work. Startup repair from the Vista boot disk doesn't find any
errors.

I've read a bunch of posts on this problem. So far, none of the
proposed solutions have worked. Any suggestions? I'm looking for an
option that doesn't involve restoring factory settings and losing all
the files that I (shortsightedly) failed to back up.

Please help asap