How to get computer to start up vista

have acer computer running windows vista. installed program go back 3 now the computer will not start windows. it starts up and goes to black screen with a command prompt cursor. but you cannot type anyting or load the backup system disks to start windows. what can I do?

When you see the blinking cursor, that usually means that your computer's not reading the hard drive. You should take it to some sort of computer repair shop. From the sounds of it, there's not much they can do though, but that's kinda your only hope right now.