Boot Failure

I recently had my computer tell me I was having a Boot Failure> That i needed my Boot disk and I had know idea what to do. I found something in my disks called universal boot disk and put it in but came to a prompt where i didn't know what to do so i just canceled the whole thing where it said exist program. I shut down and restarted and I seem to have no problems.
Can anyone tell my why my computer would say i had a boot failure and is this the same thing has having a computer crash?
What should i do to see if anything is still wrong with my computer?

 

What operating system are you using?

HERE is a Microsoft link on using a boot disk to replace files.

I would also do the basics like enabling S.M.A.R.T in your bios if you have it, as well as removing any unused applications, running System File Checker (If available), Scandisc (Or Chkdisk), and defragging etc.

 

Can we have the word for word error please?

 

Chipperwink, please don't DOUBLE-POST.

It makes things difficult.

 

I am using Windows 98.