Sometimes Windows begins to load but then stops responding during the startup process. In most cases, the problem is a new piece of
hardware, a new program, or a corrupted system file. Follow the instructions below to troubleshoot the problem. Try to start your computer after each step. Continue to the next step only if Windows continues to fail during startup.
To troubleshoot startup problems
• Restart your computer. Immediately after the screen goes blank for the first time, press the F8 key repeatedly. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If the menu does not appear, restart your computer and try again. Use the cursor keys on your
keyboard (your
mouse will not work) to select
Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER.
Windows XP attempts to start.
• If you recently installed new
hardware, shut down your computer and disconnect the
hardware. Then, restart
Windows XP and troubleshoot your hardware
• Restart your computer and press F8 again. This time, choose
Safe Mode and press ENTER. Windows XP attempts to start in
Safe Mode, which does not automatically start programs and
hardware, and displays very primitive graphics. If Windows XP starts successfully in
Safe Mode, you can remove any programs or updates you have recently installed
• Additional troubleshooting is possible, but it can be complicated and may require reinstalling
Windows XP. Contact
technical support for further troubleshooting assistance. Alternatively, you can perform a repair installation of Windows XP