kernel panic

Hello: I recently attempted to automatically update my Suse Linux 8.0 and after having done so am no longer able to launch the kernel, i.e., I get a KERNEL PANIC unable to mount root ~ error message. I am however able to mount the root using the rescue system, and able to boot normally from the installation disk. Does anybody have any ideas as to how to fix this? THANKS very much for your help. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Dennis