XP Logo screen stuck!

[Bev]

Hi,
I have been trying on and off for the last 3 days to fix my son's computer
which has XP. I turn it on and it just sits at the logo screen with the blue
lights going backwards and forwards for hours. I've done a system restore
twice and it still does it. I tired booting with last known good
configuration and that doesn't work and I have unplugged internet connection
(read that somewhere here) and it still does it. I can boot in safe mode but
when I get there I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do??? Thank you

 

[DL]

Maybe try the boot logging option
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222
Then when it stalls, restart in safe mode and open the boot log to identify
what the sys is hanging on

 

[Bev]

Thank you (so far) I did what you said and had a look at the boot log. It
loaded approximately 30 drivers and the first one in the log it said "DID not
load" was ACPI Multiprocessor PC and then there are hundreds after that one
that it didn't load. sorry but what should I do now??
Bev

 

[DL]

I'm a bit perplexed, if you get that err I wouldn't have expected you to be
able to boot in safe mode at all.

You could initially try entering the bios, often by hitting the Del key,
continuously, when you start your PC (But some PC's use a different key)
Then set the bios to defaults, save, exit and reboot .

Someone else may suggest something more appropriate.
BTW Do you have a real winxp cd or only a recovery cd?

 

[Bev]

Yes I am able to boot in safe mode, maybe I'm reading the log file
incorrectly. I tried hitting the delete key when I turned it on but it came
up with the same screen as before asking me how I wanted to boot the computer.
I do have a CD with "Operating System CD Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Service Pack 2" on it. Should I just try and start again? if I use this CD
am I going to lose everything on my computer?

 

[DL]

Not if you undertake a repair installation
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
However if you can boot in safe mode it would be wise to backup any docs /
data first.
I would still reccomend getting into the bios first, and setting it to
defaults, before you try the repair.
What make is the PC?