Starting up windows...

Okay. I've got this PC that I recently built that had no problems starting up or anything. I hadn't touched it for about a month, and went to go install some software on it, and it has problems starting up windows now. It shows the windows colored image with the little bar and the loading, then it goes to a black blank screen, then to a different shade of a black blank screen. Then it simply does nothing. If I move the mouse, a pointer from the left appears and I can move it around the blank black screen. I tried clicking places and everything, with no luck. I've tried starting the computer into safe mode to see if I could figure anything out, but no luck. I tried restarting from safe mode, I tried starting windows with last known good configuration, both with no luck. This is really weird. I think last time I had the PC running it downloaded updates and was installing them as I shutdown the computer and said it would automatically turn off. Is there a way to go and take away the latest update? I fear that may not be the problem though. Input appreciated.

Dustin

 

^Never a good idea to shut off a computer while applying updates,^

So just to clairify you cannot boot into safe mode or last good configuration?
If this is true you may have to reinstall windows or repair it, You can do this by using the Windows Install CD if you still have it. However there might be other ways in which tot ake care of this problem, my solution would be a last resort, if nothing else works try that, unfortunally i an not to familer with repairing a windows installation so you might need to ask someone else.

Also to boot to your CD you need to change the settings in your BIOS, While booting hit either F2 or Delete (depends on your computer) somewhere int eh menut hat will pop up there will be a way to select your boot order, make the CD drive the first device it looks for. Insert the windows cd and reboot your machine.

 

Can you get into the Recovery Console and try a System Restore? I would attempt that first.

It sounds like a bad situation tho, sounds like it could be hardware related. Did you recheck all of your wire connections and such? (just a thought)

 

Thanks guys for the quick replies.

I can successfully boot into safe mode, but I'm not sure what I should mess with in safe mode.

And I didn't shut off the computer while it was doing updates. I was done on the computer and hit 'shut down' then it said that windows was going to install some updates then turn itself off, so I just let it be.

Yeah I would have to use DEL to enter the setup to change the boot device to cd-rom.

What is getting into the 'recovery console'? Is that the mode where you can choose if you want to boot into safe mode, safe mode w/networking, etc.?

I can access that.

Well, not sure what to do from here. I may try the windows cd repair option, unless anything better is suggested. I won't get a chance til Tuesday evening to try anything, so I'm open for suggestions til then.

Oh another weird thing, when it shows the black screen where I can move the mouse pointer around, I tried flipping out on the keyboard pressing ctrl alt del a bunch of times and a bunch of f keys and esc too(kinda pissed at the time), the pointer got an hourglass for a couple quick seconds. Then at some point my background showed up, but that's as far as it went. Maybe I should start the PC and let it sit for an hour? Maybe its finishing installing updates or some crap? The longest I've let it sit is like 5 min, and I don't feel it should need longer than that.

Thanks once again guys.

Dustin

 

I'm sorry i misunderstood you previousally, since you can get into safe mode i would recommend booting into safe mode and restoring your computer to an earlier point, here's a guide by on how to use system restore, you will need to scroll down to the section labeled "Use System Restore" (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx)

I think though if you are booting into safe mode and before the desktop shows up but after the loading screen it asks you if you wish to use system restore, if it does you can use it there also.

Hopefully this will solve your problems.

 

Yes, you're absolutely correct that before the desktop shows up when you are asked if you want to boot into safe mode, you can also choose an option that says 'restore to last good known configuration' or something like that. And I have already tried that, however will try the method listed at the windows website.

Maybe I will try safe mode with networking, and would I then be correct to assume that I have online access available? If so, maybe I will check for updates from Microsoft and see if I can get some and install them and then try a restart.

I suppose a windows re-install wouldn't be so difficult, as I haven't really messed with it much yet, but it is still a huge pain in the ass. Ah we'll see tomorrow if I get a chance to mess with it.

Thanks for your input snipergod.

Dustin