Blank black screen after starting up Windows XP

[msoda]

2 out of every 5 startups lately, start-up seems to initiate then goes to
black screen. Ctrl/alt/del does nothing, task manager does not appear,
computer usually starts normally after a hard shut down. Any suggestions on
what is going on? Thank you in advance.

 

[Byte]

It is possible that one or more of your system files may be corrupt
causing a problem startup. Once you have your PC booted, do the
following, have your Windows installation CD handy for it may ask for it.
Start>Run>type SFC /SCANNOW and press OK (space between C and /)
The SFC function is the System File Checker, which checks for missing or
corrupt system files and replaces them from you CD if any are found. It
may take a minute or so to run. You also stated that this problem only
started "lately". If the SFC function has not helped, try a System Restore.
You can go back up to 90 days, try it a week or so before your problems
started. Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.
Good Luck :~)