[buzz25]

So this is a bit of a complex problem but I will be as clear as I can.
p.s. I am a complete newbie

I was running Vista Ultimate.
I installed Vista updates from microsoft and got BSOD.
I tried rebooting into safe mode but it would crash and restart the computer before the OS loaded up.
I found an old XP SP1 boot disk from an ancient compaq laptop and thought I would use that to install XP and figure out what went wrong.
The XP setup utility started and I allowed it to copy files into my C:/Windows folder (So I guess it overwrote the old Vista files in that folder)
Then it asked me to restart the computer but I got "Error Loading Operating System"
I rebooted and restarted XP setup and can access th Recovery Console but don't know anything about Recovery Console and what I should look for or do.

I have a Vista Ultimate DVD and tried to boot from there but it still gives me "Error Loading Operating System"

I have a CD with "Active BootDisk" on it but even that doesn't load up. It still gives "Error Loading Operating System"

I read somehwere that I may need to change my BIOS settings but I keep getting prompted for a BIOS password and don't know what it is since this machine has had several previous owners.

I am completely lost now and would appreciate any help I could get.

[Masterman10]

It sounds like you have just merged 2 OS into one. Which is a very bad thing. Sadly, your best bet is to use either the XP or another program disk and entirely wipe your hard drive and then start from scratch loading whichever OS you want. If XP did overwrite your Vista like it sounds like it did. Your files are probably already gone.