xp won't start

[Bill H.]

Worked fine one day, then next day, won't start up.

Windows XP Pro. Fairly current patches, but probably not the very latest.

Turn on computer, get the splash screen briefly, then it goes blank.
Computer is still on, but no activity.

I tried safe mode, and it hangs up at the \windows\system32\drivers\mup.sys
line.

Then tried last known good config. Get to the logon screen, but can't move
around to type in userid/password. Mouse not working, and tab key has no
effect.

Next tried safe mode, command prompt. Hangs up on the mup.sys line.

What else can I try?

Thx.

 

[Rich Barry]

Bill, Try resetting your motherboard's BIOS settings to vanilla (ie "bios
defaults" or "setup defaults") - hit the Del key at first boot to enter the
BIOS. Sometimes this works wonders with this particular problem. If it does,
try changing one setting only until you find the offending item.
Compliments of Tara. K.