My Windows XP will not power up completely

Maybe some of you have an idea what I can do about this problem. Just tonight, after attempting to setup a home network from my Windows XP machine (Gateway Computer), it said it was successful and proceeded to have me restart Windows.

When I did, the Windows XP "flash" screen appeared with the flashing blue dots indicating that it was powering up. This is all normal, but that's all it did--stay on the Windows XP flash screen. After waiting an extrememly long time, I did a power down (pressed the off button) and powered it up again.

This time I got a screen that says something like "I'm sorry for the inconvience, but .... ". It basically told me the system was powered down prior due to a hardware or software change. It gave me some choices to select from using my up and down arrow keys (mouse wasn't working on that screen). One was to start up in safe mode (with or without networking), another for starting up from the last GOOD configuration and third, to simply start windows as normal.

I took the Start Windows as Normal option. But when it got to the Windows XP flash screen, it just sat there with blue dots scrolling. I finally powered it down again (power button) and powered up.

This time I chose Start up with the last good configuration.

It was slow starting up, but it finally got me into the system and back onto the internet.

I decided to shut down windows again normally and restart it again. What happened was the same thing as before: Windows XP flash screen with the blue scrolling dots. It appeared this is the only way I can start up windows: is by powering it down, powering up and selecting "Start up with the last good configuration." Now today, I try to "Start up with the last good configuration" and it gave me the same thing with the WindowsXP flash screen. I can't get any farther than that.

I hope this explains my problem well enough for any savvy PC guy/gal out there. Why would setting up a Network cause this sort of problem?

I have a firewall and anti-virus. I don't seem to find any problems virus-wise. However, it just installed them yesterday. They are called e-Trust Firewall and anti-virus. Any known problems with them? I still think it has something to do with trying to setup a home network.. (which didni't work, btw.)

How do I set my Windows XP so it will startup using a good configuration that works without having to manually tell it to do it?

Thanks for your help if you can give it. I've tried virus scans and nothing comes up wrong.

Can I reload Windows XP? What will happen if I do that? What will I lose?

Dave

 

Step #1 - try sfc /scannow from a start-run line.

Step #2 - if no luck after the SFC scan, then open your event logs (start->run->eventvwr.msc) and see if any errors or warnings look like they can offer more information. If you find any, feel free to post details here. Easiest is to open an event, click on the icon below the up/down arrows to send a text copy to your clipboard, and paste the information in a reply.