Windows XP forum: win xp hangs on startup

Thanks knees. I tried all that you suggested and it goes to the backdrop screen but no start or task bar. The first time I booted up after your suggestions and removing all in the start up from msconfig it restarted and everything came up. When I shut down and restarted later it hung up without the start or task bar.

Did you try the old tricks? That is, control alt delete, task manager, new task and EXPLORER?

I'll not duplicate web pages about that old trick and write that once you do your first order of business is to backup your files.
Bob

I tried the old trick as you suggested task manager new task and explorer.
Nothing happened for a while then when I tried to reboot and a message explorer.exe not responding came up and the only way out was a manual shutdown by the power switch.

There is a well known (well, well known to folk in the know) issue with screen backgrounds. That is, if I drop an image on the desktop or desktop background Windows Explorer can fault with a "not responding".

SINCE SAFE MODE WORKS. Create new account there (make it an admin) and while in safe mode set the background to none and remove any file/folder off the desktop.

Reboot normally and try that new account.
Bob

Thanks Bob but:
I think I have followed your instructions when I reboot I get a log on screen. I click the new account.
I get a small block in the upper left corner that has a title" personalized settings. No start button no task bar just sets there. If I point to it I get and hour glass on my pointer. Then after a few minutes the screen goes black. The power is still on and I have to hold the power switch until it turns off. When I restart It repeats the same procedure.

In SAFE MODE we get to that new account and set the background to none, move folders and files off the desktop before we try a boot to normal mode.

Since SAFE MODE works it's something but in these posts I don't see enough detail to say what it is. But I thought we'd try a new account but there is a little more to get it setup while in safe mode.

MSCONFIG should have a lot disabled too.
Bob

I am now able to boot up Sometimes.
I went to system restore and after about 5 attempts I was finally able to restore to a previous date.
and it booted properly. When I shut down a later tried to boot up the old problem returned. I restarted using f8 and last known good configeration and it booted. When I shut down and then re started the old problem came up again. I had to manually power off. When I booted up again it worked. Go figure what the problem is. I give up.

That's a clue. Not much but by now your files should be safe on backups. That's the next order of business when this happens.

Repair of Windows is never a sure thing when the nasties get in there. But I will try but here it's hampered by I don't get to see all that happens and I can't ask folk to give me a hijackthis log and more.

The safe mode, new account is to sniff out one of the issues I encounter a log.

If you get it running try Grif's advice for scanning at link to follow.
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6132_102-5098912.html?tag=posts;msg5099421
Bob

Thanks Bob and all
It is running normal now. I changed so many settings and setup new accounts I am not sure what did it. I am now guessing that it may have been my cd drive. I caught a message on boot up once that new hardware found and it listed the cd drive. I removed the cmos setting of 1st boot order on it and ever since it has been booting properly. Time will tell I guess. I will also use Grif's recommendation if I encounter any more problems.

Those have been seen to throw trash infomation on the IDE bus and cause a slew of issues. Changing the order is a good idea, I unplug the old drive.
Bob