xp loads but can't do anything

[Guest]

xp home, loads ok, up to point of loading AV and other startup
programs.(don't see those in the tray)
icons on screen, system appears ready to use
can't do anything - can't launch explorer to look at disk properties (maybe
close to full as had to make some space a couple weeks ago)
can't do start run
can't double click on icons to launch program
screen saver eventually kicks in and works ok
this pc on home network, is print server. printing from other pc is ok
did boot in safe mode, got to dos prompt. removed some files to make space
(in case close to full) but still get same behavior on reboot
since never get to ability to run programs, can go to restore point.

anyone have similar experience, idea on next steps to try?

 

[Guest]

more information on situation...
clarify that can NOT get to start/run so I can't go to restore point
if move cursor to bottom toolbar, shows system is busy (hourglass)
never see icons (AV, win update) on lower right of toolbar - maybe that is
where is hung up?
can access my shares remotely (via other pc on network) so I copied over
some files (Photos) to other pc and as mentioned earlier, print server works
reboot and run dos commands
chkdsk shows about 4 GB free space now that I have since removed some files
(remotely) after copying

when try to restart (from task mgr) ccApp and explorer.exe are programs
that system shows ending program, please wait (and I have to manually end now
on explorer)

what else can I try to do?????

 

[Richard in AZ]

Boot up into the Safe Mode.
Go to START - RUN and type in "msconfig" (without the quotes)
Uncheck all items in the STARTUP section.
Reboot and see if you can get into a normal startup.
If not, post back.
If so, use the msconfig window to add one item at a time until you find out
which start up program(s) is (are) the problem.
Post back for more help then.

 

[Guest]

Richard,
Can't get to Start/Run, even in safe mode. I can get to Start/Run (after
bootup) via CTRL-ALT-DEL and then Start/Run. Have been working to isolate
via msconfig, need to redo today what I did late last night - was likely too
tired to make good sense of what I found. I will post again later today once
I am sure of what I am seeing. Maybe the fact I don't get a good load, even
in Safe mode is an indicator that the problem is upstream some? I don't
know, will take good notes today as I work this.

 

[Guest]

Ok Richard, here is more info
Safe mode boot never gets to a screen with windows loaded, wallpaper up, and
my icons on screen. Just a black screen, no command prompt.

Normal boot, with system.ini and win.ini enabled, but NOT services or
startup, I at least get to a mode where I can run basic programs (windows
explorer, simple games - no sound though).

In this instance I can use cursor to launch, and start/run works via cursor.

With system services enabled, I get "hung state" where I can move cursor but
no response to clicks.
Start/Run does not work via cursor.
It does if I ctrl-alt-del and do start run. In that case I can do msconfig
and start to try to isolate what item(s) in system services are the culprit.
I tried only Microsoft items, rebooted and got "hung state" again.
With only 3 essential services again cursor ok, just can't do anything like
Internet explorer, no sound, etc.

Another observation, in "hung state" when closing down as part of reboot
process IExplorer doesn't close by itself, needs me to close it (get prompt
to end program now, and even after waiting it need you to close it). Perhaps
a clue in that fact?

There are so many services, the combinations are daunting. Any help in
navigating through what is minimal set to run network access, printing,
sound, etc. would be much appreciated.