Is it possible that you are too impatient and do not allow Vista to install
a few updates? I has happened to me quite a few times before I realized what
was going on. I am way too impetuous, when the screen goes blank for a
couple of minutes, it seems like an eternity for me, so I would turn the
system off.
Something like this may happen after some major software changes. There
should be also malware option to consider.
Try F8, of course, as that On the Brink anti-Vista crusader suggested. It
may get you into the safe mode. Choose Safe Mode with Internet. Once there,
check ALL error messages in the event log, copy them to a text file and post
them here. They will tell you if there is any problem on a fundamental
level.
"kdanieli" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news

3A4AB25-3979-4F19-A840-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Booting up a Dell Inspiron E1705 laptop:
> •BIOS works fine and (can interrupt and get into BIOS or Bootup if I want
> to)...after BIOS
> •I then see a Microsoft screen with a horizontal animation bar showing
> bootup progress, with "Microsoft Corporation" below it.
> •After a few seconds of that, the screen goes black and the HD stops
> activity.
>
> I ran the diagnostics in the Boot setup and they came out clean.
>
> What could be wrong with Vista that it leaves me at a blank screen after a
> few seconds of the startup routine?