Okay, so here's the deal.
Working on a winXP system running 2 NTFS partitions, windows installed on partition 2, partition 1 99% empty. I figure "Hey, I'll format the first part. into a fat32 part. so that I could play around with knoppix (haven't installed nuffin' yet).
So, now, after formatting, Windows refuses to boot again, something about corrupt system discs when the BIOS runs. I may be a totally untalented noob, but how do I get Windows to load up again? I managed to save a boot.ini file before formatting...
In retrospect, this is more of a windows/BIOS question, but whatever.
Can anyone help?

For linuxquestions.org, this seems 100% windows related.
boot the 2k CD and choose repair?

edit:
Install knoppix or any small linux onto partition 1 and use a linux bootloader to boot windows

Several questions:
1. How did the system wind up with 2 NTFS partitions and Windows on #2? It seems that whatever WAS on #1 before re-formatting may be a clue. As the other post says, try booting from Windows CD--rescue mode--and run "fixmbr".
2. Why not run Knoppix first from the LiveCD--this way you don't have to disturb your system.
3. Why FAT32 for Knoppix?--If you decide to install it, it will (I think) do the partitioning/format in a Linux file system.

Your best bet is to fix windows with the 2000 CD, backup the files you want from windows on some dvds, then reformat the harddrive. Make it NTFS for partion 1 (in the Windows Install), FAT 32 for partion 2, Ext3 for partion 3, and swap for partition 4 (those last 4 do with the linux install). After you have windows running again, copy the files you want to have onto the Fat 32 partition, and install Linux on the Ext3 partion. I just installed Linux for the first time (Kubunto) last night in that sequence and it worked for me pretty easily.