Ubuntu upgrade gone bad

[Curtis Vaughan]

I was updating to 8.10 from Hardy Heron. It was already installing the 
software (so it was nearing completion) when I lost power. Now the 
computer won't boot. I don't remember the exact error, but something 
to the effect that something's wrong with the kernel. 
I decided to download the 8.10 CD, but it turns out there is no 
recovery mode on it. I'm wondering what actions I can take to restore 
something so I can complete the update.

Thanks for any input!