[linux] help with grub

[Helen Petropoulos]

Hi,

I have a linux machine running RHE Linux, version 4, and today when 
trying to boot, it goes directly into
the grub prompt.  I tried the following commands:

root (hd0, 1)
kernel /boot/vmlinuz root=/dev/hda0

but did not get to the boot command because it came back and said that 
it could not find the file.  I looked at
a backup of the system and found the following kernels:

vmlinuz-2.6.9-22.0.1.EL
vmlinuz-2.6.9-22.0.1.ELsmp
vmlinuz-2.6.9-5.EL
vmlinuz-2.6.9-5.ELsmp

I tried to load each of these files and got the same error message, 
File not found.

I'm assuming that I have the root designations correct.  My experience 
with linux is limited, and this is my first box.
There have not been any special configurations to my knowledge.  I 
thought at first the kernel might be corrupt, but
they can't all be corrupt and it can't find any of them at any rate.  
If the filesystem itself is corrupt, would I be able to
get into grub at all?  If the filesystem were not mounted, would I be 
able to get into grub?

Do I need to boot from CD at this point to see what kernels are there?  
Is there any other way to look at the filesystem
and see what's on it?

Do you recommend that I try to boot off of a kernel that's on a CD?

it's probably clear that this is my first run with grub, so thanks for 
being patient and any advice is appreciated.

best regards,

Helen
Department of Radiology