hi i recently was given a dell laptop model PP11L, i push power button and it starts to and then black screen appears and states that theres might have been a problem with new installation of hardware or software... so i tried all the choices and it will not let me go into safe mode it keeps SAYING that windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt System32\DRIVERS\isapnp.sys. i do not have the original installion cd. need help thanx http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315311
You could borrow another XP disc of the same edition to perform recovery console.Just to be clear, you don't "perform" a recovery console, you simply enter the recovery console

More important, I agree you should try to borrow an XP CD of the same version that is installed. If the process in the link jason posted doesn't work you can try a repair installation. But either way, you need the OS CD.Oh, thanks for the correction Allan. On the other side of the COIN, you did say that the PC was given to you. So there's nothing on there that you would want or need to keep.
I'd just BLOW it off and install a new OS.
If necessary, drivers can usually be downloaded from Dell for your particular Laptop.
I just did it recently myself.

Oh, by the way, Windows 8 Developement version is now available for download from MS. It's FREE and comes with a lot of drivers, for various computers.
Coincidentally, I'm running it RIGHT now and have been for over a week now. The only driver I had to install was the driver for my printer.

Your options are as varied and far-reaching as your own imagination. Eh?

Good Luck,
Try SUSElinux. Pretty good. SOUND comes with it.