computer only starts in safe mode after downloading XP updates

[bronte]

I've been working on my father's computer (an HP pavillion zv5000), and
realized that he had some Windows XP updates to be installed, so I decided to
download them. What I didn't realize at the time was that he hadn't installed
any updates in almost 2 years (though Automatic Updates appear to be
enabled). When I rebooted after the installations were complete, I could not
start in Normal Mode. I tried starting using the previous settings, but it
didn't work. Now it only works in Safe Mode.

I'm not really sure what's happened, and if it's related to the updates or
if it could be a virus. I'd appreciate any and all help!

Thanks in advance

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I've been working on my father's computer (an HP pavillion zv5000),
and realized that he had some Windows XP updates to be installed,
so I decided to download them. What I didn't realize at the time
was that he hadn't installed any updates in almost 2 years (though
Automatic Updates appear to be enabled). When I rebooted after the
installations were complete, I could not start in Normal Mode. I
tried starting using the previous settings, but it didn't work. Now
it only works in Safe Mode.

I'm not really sure what's happened, and if it's related to the
updates or if it could be a virus. I'd appreciate any and all help!

Thanks in advance

What does happen when starting normally?

Could be a driver issue (given it loads in safe mode.)

Did you update a driver from the Windows Update web page as well?

What about System Restore to a date before you installed all the updates?

 

[bronte]

When starting normally, I get a black screen with white writing saying that
thre's been a problem with the computer (can't remember word-for-word), and
gives me the option to start in safe mode, safe mode with networking, and
another safe mode. It also offers to start up with the last settings that
worked, or normal mode. When I try to boot up in normal mode, it sends me
back to that same screen, and likewise when I try to boot with the last
settings.

As for driver updates, I'm not sure. According to the list that appears in
the "Add or Remove Programs" list from the Control Panel, there were 23
Security updates for Windows XP, 3 Updates for Windows XP, and 5 Windows XP
Hotfixes. How could I find out if I updated a driver? I didn't do any of this
from the website.

As for System Restore, how would I go about doing that? I seriously doubt
that my father ever knew about backing up the system, if that's necessary for
restoring the system.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

When starting normally, I get a black screen with white writing
saying that thre's been a problem with the computer (can't remember
word-for-word), and gives me the option to start in safe mode, safe
mode with networking, and another safe mode. It also offers to
start up with the last settings that worked, or normal mode. When I
try to boot up in normal mode, it sends me back to that same
screen, and likewise when I try to boot with the last settings.

As for driver updates, I'm not sure. According to the list that
appears in the "Add or Remove Programs" list from the Control
Panel, there were 23 Security updates for Windows XP, 3 Updates for
Windows XP, and 5 Windows XP Hotfixes. How could I find out if I
updated a driver? I didn't do any of this from the website.

As for System Restore, how would I go about doing that? I seriously
doubt that my father ever knew about backing up the system, if
that's necessary for restoring the system.

When starting in Safe Mode it should ask if you want to use System Restore
to restore to a previous date. If not - someone may have foolishly turned
off System Restore.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084

You need to quote the text word-for-word for clues.

 

[bronte]

The message says:

"We apologize for the inconvenience, 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 setup 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"

I did see the option to use System Restore when I started in Safe Mode, but
I wasn't sure if I should do that or not, so I stuck with Safe Mode.

 

[bronte]

Also, there's another message on a blue screen that flashes on the screen for
about half a second, so I can't read it. It's just after the "Windows XP"
logo comes on the screen. The message says something about BIOS updates --
that's about all I can really read in the moment that it flashes. Wish I
could tell you more.