error-vfs can't mnt root fs

Trying to get the 2.4.1 kernel to work. This is my first try at it. May
have selected the wrong options during the Q&A. Most were defaults. I'm
dual booting also. Original install is Mandrake 7.1. Had tried 7.2 but
it really screws up the screen. So I thought I'd take things a step at
a time. Ideas? Been looking at the FAQs, and going slowly blind!

thanks all!