this exact fuckin same thing happened to me earlier this week. the thing to do was boot from a linux disc, back up all my stuff, and then reformat the hard drive. i had been trying to upgrade windows xp home to pro and discoverd that my motherboard wouldn't allow the system change with the simple "upgrade" option. i reformatted and left the Home edition on. it's good enough, lol. good luck, fella!
Ok I managed to get that to work, and now im running my new system ok now.. but.. lost 1,400 mp3s, about 500 personal pictures, 4gb of porn, 4 games, game saves and homework.. so a sucess? :S Alas, no sound, no where i can get the chipset drivers for my mobo anyone?
motherboard manufacturer or if via chipset go to this link http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=2
I know im too late, as you have semi-fixed your problem, but here is a link for other people that maybe get that Particular stop error. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324103 CJC
i just bought a new pc you fool, read the read before saying stupid things mate. cheers to you other guys though, you helped make this whole shitty experience almost bearable