i bet the bootup procedure of windows has got corrupted. I doubt it is a bootup process, so hijack this might not be anyuse, it is probably something before there in the bootup sequence - as the main kernal has not loaded yet.
Lona is right, has the machine been switched off incorrectly? This is what usually causes this error.
It could be that the machine is not switching off correctly, windows has a history of doing this. Is it a laptop or desktop? It occurs more often on laptops.
Are all the latest windows updates installed? It could also be due to one of these not installing properly, or in the process and the machine being incorrectly swtiched off.