windows did not start successfully...

[scuddles]

I'm not sure what I did but every time my PC boots up now
(Win XP Pro), I get a black screen with the following
message:

---
We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not
start successfully. A recent hardware or software change
might have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding, restarted
unexpectedly, or was automatically shut down to protect
your files and folders, choose Last Known Good
Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that
worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interrupted due to a
power failure or because the Power or Reset button was
pressed, or if you aren't sure what caused the problem,
choose Start Windows Normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings
that worked)
Start Windows Normally

Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to
your choice.

Seconds until Windows starts: 30
---
I choose to Start Windows Normally and everything seems
fine. I'm able to get to the Windows Desktop without any
further problems. I just would like to know what's
causing this message to show every time on bootup.

Thanks in advance for any help provided.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I'm not sure what I did but every time my PC boots up now
(Win XP Pro), I get a black screen with the following
message:

---
We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not
start successfully. A recent hardware or software change
might have caused this.

If your computer stopped responding, restarted
unexpectedly, or was automatically shut down to protect
your files and folders, choose Last Known Good
Configuration to revert to the most recent settings that
worked.

If a previous startup attempt was interrupted due to a
power failure or because the Power or Reset button was
pressed, or if you aren't sure what caused the problem,
choose Start Windows Normally.

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings
that worked)
Start Windows Normally

Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to
your choice.

Seconds until Windows starts: 30
---
I choose to Start Windows Normally and everything seems
fine. I'm able to get to the Windows Desktop without any
further problems. I just would like to know what's
causing this message to show every time on bootup.

Thanks in advance for any help provided.

Look through your event log for any and all errors:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308427

 

[bullwinkel J. Moose]

This could be a virus.