DELL INSPIRION 1720 HELP

[XFILES]

I need help with my lop top computer

here is the problem i try to turn on the computer on and  on the top
the first line says that

windows error recovery

 lunch start up repair (recommended )
and then I click there
 and a window comes
system recovery options
us
if I click next
other window come up  and it says
select a operating system to repair and click next
only windows vista operating system are listed and can be repaired 
and if I click next
other window come up and it says system recovery options

1. start and repair
2. system restore
3. windows complete pc recovery
4. windows memory diagnostic tool
5. command promt
6. dell factory image restore

if I click start and repair
the next window come up
it says
startup repair can not repair this computer automatically 
sending more information can help Microsoft create solutions
and then I click send information about this problem (recommended)
then other window come up and it reads
A hard disk problem is preventing windows from staring
does it mean that my hard drive is not working
do I need to get other hard drive?
help please

[Mulreay]

does it mean that my hard drive is not working
do I need to get other hard drive?
help please

Whoa slow down no new HDD yet.

lop top computer

Can I get one?

lunch start up repair (recommended )

Are you sure it says that?

Can you start up in safe mode?

[XFILES]

no I don't get that choice to start on safe mode

[Mulreay]

You may need to do a full re-install of your OS.

[XFILES]

excuse my ignorance but how do I do that?

[XFILES]

what is os?
is that operating system?

[Mulreay]

what is os?
is that operating system?

Yes but first try clicking on number 2 restore... do you have a restore point?

[XFILES]

I have a system restore
is that good?

[Mulreay]

I have a system restore
is that good?

Yes very good. You will lose all files after that restore but it may repair the problem.

[XFILES]

no I meant that I have a system restore bottom or choice 
but I have not clicked on that yet because I do not want to loose my files
I have a program (photo shop) that cost more that my computer,and more that a new HD

[XFILES]

will this be a good idea?
if I get a new hard drive and restore my computer to its original factory  settings  and keep the old hard drive.

so maybe some day I can get my old files if possible?

[Mulreay]

will this be a good idea?
if I get a new hard drive and restore my computer to its original factory  settings  and keep the old hard drive.

so maybe some day I can get my old files if possible?

No when did you last backup? A system restore takes you back to the last time you backed up. It does not wipe your files completely.

[XFILES]

I did try system restore
when I clicked system restore a window come up and it reads

to perform an office system restore, you must specify which winnows installation you will like to restore

for example, if the installation locates in "C:\Windows" should be restored, enter the following command:

rstri,exe/OFFLINE:C"\Windows

and I have a OK button
when I click to the OK button
it takes me to a the systems recovery options window

1. start and repair
2. system restore
3. windows complete pc recovery
4. windows memory diagnostic tool
5. command promt
6. dell factory image restore