Can't get to Windows XP

[WallyG]

When I log on, the programs start to load, Windows XP screen appears, the
three blue dots start to move, then they freeze and I start all over again
from a page that says "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did
not start successfully, recent hardware or software change might have caused
this."

From then on I am in a continuous loop of going into the freeze mode
whatever I attempt.

Any suggestions?

 

[Daave]

When I log on, the programs start to load, Windows XP screen appears,
the three blue dots start to move, then they freeze and I start all
over again from a page that says "We apologize for the inconvenience,
but Windows did not start successfully, recent hardware or software
change might have caused this."

From then on I am in a continuous loop of going into the freeze mode
whatever I attempt.

Any suggestions?

See "How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good
Configuration feature in Windows XP":

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852

Also, what software and/or hardware changes have you made lately?

 

[WallyG]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I have tried each recommended logon procedure that appears on the screen.
That includes "Last known...", Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe
Mode with Command Prompt and just letting the countdown clock take me to the
Windows screen. In both the "Last Known" and countdown clock, the screen
appears with the three blue dots traversing from left to right but they
eventually just lock up and I have to shutdown but turning off the machine.
In the Safe modes, it displays a list of "items" but also stops at the same
point in the list and fails to do anything else.

Since I can't get beyond these points, I don't know what to do next. I did
find XP disks but am not sure if they match the version on the computer that
is not working properly. We have three computers so I can communicate but
all of my important files are on the inoperable computer.

Any more suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[WallyG]

I should have also mentioned that I moved my mouse and keyboard hardware to a
USB port that was open from another plug and now back again. I did this
without selecting the remove hardware method. The keyboard is now working
again. By the way, that was the original problem I had. The keyboard seemed
to be inoperative but I figured out how to "connect" the wireless logitech
keyboard. I don't know if the mouse is working yet but it doesn't scroll
from one option to the next when using the mouse roller. It does scroll when
using the keyboard roller but those are insignificant problems right now
until I can get into Windows.

Thanks!

 

[Daave]

Since there might be something wrong with your hard drive and it sounds
like you haven't backed up your important files, the first thing I would
do is remove it and place it in one of your other PCs as a slave. Malke
has outlined an effective method:

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/cf34d5f3f0f9b642

Once this is done, you need to determine if your problem is hardware or
software related. You may want to try a repair install first. You may
even want to try your recovery console. But in order to do this, you
need the proper disc! You said you weren't sure if your "XP disks ...
match the version on the computer that is not working properly." What is
the make and model of the problem PC? What kind of XP is installed? What
Serive Pack? Home or Pro? Royalty OEM? What kind of discs do you have?

If you'd rather rule out hardware issues first, have a look at:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

Regarding your other post, I recommend using a basic PS/2 keyboard and
mouse.

 

[WallyG]

Thanks. That is way over my head so it looks like the local computer repair
shop will have to bail me. Your help has been very much appreciated.

 

[Daave]

You're welcome. Handing it off to a local shop (not the big boys) is a
wise decision.