Ok here is the problem.
I installed linux on my laptop some time ago. I used the niffty "Linux for Windows" bull ****. When it worked right i would turn on my computer and it boots up. It goes to a stage1 and stage2 then it ask which OS i want to use. Now on to the problem:

One day i mistakely deleted a file while i was in windows(not sure which one) and when i turn on the laptop it boots to stage1 and stops. Nothing else happens it just stays there. And i have no back up

If you guys have any advice or a solution please reply

P.S. it has win 98 and linux mandrake 8.1