Black screen; Windows won't start

[Guest]

After downloading some Windows updates for XP Home, my dial-up
connection disappeared and I received errors while trying to create
a new one. I did a System Restore to a time before I downloaded
the updates, and after the computer re-started, the Windows logo
screen appeared then changed to an all-black screen with just the
mouse pointer. I wasn't downloading SP2, just some security updates
and other files recommended through Express Install.

The computer now won't boot into any mode (safe, safe with
command prompt, etc.). All I can access is the Recovery Console
from the XP disc. I tried doing a Repair Reinstall from my XP disc,
and it looks like it's working but then after the installation, when
the Windows logo screen comes up it switches to the black screen
again and stays there.

I've tried a few things in Recovery Console, like CHKDSK and
reconfiguring the boot.ini file, but nothing is working. I'm about
ready to give up and do a fresh installation of XP, but figured I'd
post here first to see if anyone had any bright ideas.

 

[Guest]

I hate to say it, but I am suffering from just about the same exact problem.
I have recently installed Service Pack 2 on my laptop, which is an IBM R31
2656 Thinkpad. Also, I am up to date on security patches. I hate to think
of reinstalling Windows. Please Help!

 

[Guest]

It might be because of Service Pack 2. Here's a link from Microsoft
about how to recover your computer if SP2 didn't install correctly:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;875355