Data error in reading file C

After I turn the computer on and the Windows 98 screen appears the next screen indicates Data error in reading file C. Abort,Retry,Ignor Fail? I am unable to click on a single word. Regardless of what key I depress on the keyboard, the response is always the entire second line Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail? I have turned the computer off,and depressed the reset button but I still get the same response. Help