Resolved Windows xp not loading after updates

i didnt make any changes to my computer before the updates were installed, i think my automatic updates feature had been disabled a while back and i re-enabled it when the updates came up thats when the problems with the black screen starteded. when i start the computer i dont get the option Start > Run > type in chkdsk /f > OK. the computer starts and you get the system details like f2, f11 then it lists what hardrive specs i have then you get a black screen with the underscore at the top like its loading up and then it just goes to the black screen with the options of how i want to reboot windows like safe mode, start windows normally etc, its just an endless loop like this.
I've added some system details on my profiles basically its all i can remember as i dont usually check this out much (i know i should do really tho...)
By the way whats a barebone start? you'll have to excuse my ignorance as im not too familiar with computers.

 

one other thing, does it make any difference if you try to run a windows xp cd for a different service pack?
for example say if you have a sp2 and you got a sp3 cd would that still work?
im only asking this as i think my windows xp version was windows 2 does that mean it was sp2?
the cd i got off my friend was for a windows xp sp3.

 

Hi Askanison, Minimum start = just your bare necessary parts to run. eg. disconnect your Optical drive and your router cable and peripherals (USB sticks) camera etc. Try and see if it will run--if not then Evan's recommendation should be followed. The codes that came up refer to RAM or HD or video cards. LAN cards etc.
Have you taken your RAM out to ensure its dust free and seating properly? Your SATA connectors likewise.
All I can think of at the moment as it's my turn to cook dinner. Catch you later. Neil.

 

Hi Guys apologies for the late reply, been busy with work, anyway to recap i tried all solutions that were presented to me including the barebone reinstall (removed all non-essentials) however none of these worked and i was right back where i started.
There was however a bit of good luck, the guy i bought the computer from found the original windows xp cd, so i decided to try complete windows re-installation followed all the instuctions and with some luck i managed to fix the black screen problem, restarted the computer and windows was back on my computer.
The really fortunate part was that all my files and had been safe they are still there and im able to access them without any problems.
I think the problem may have been with the updates as at some point in the past i may have turned the automatic updates feature off, when the computer was fixed there were a lot of updates ready to install so without making the same mistake i made before i decided to install the updates in small batches, this has worked and my computer is now up to date.
I'd just like to thank everyone who helped me out with this problem evan, neil, arie anyone else i've missed out just want to say thanks for all the advice, much appreciated and i've learnd alot here too
Anyway i may ask for your help in the future, im thinking of building another pc.

 

Hi Askanison, thanks for letting us know you're back in business. I have had the odd moment when MS updates have done something queer and the usual thing is to Restore to a previous time and see if that gets it back and running.

There are quite a number of guys here who don't leave Auto Update switched on. It means that you will have to go into MS Update and have a look at the relevant updates on a regular basis and choose what you think is appropriate for your application.

I've just recently done this with two of my comps on a trial. I now have to remember to do the manual check myself.

Just one more thing, are you running SP3? Cheers. Neil.

 

hi guys, i've recently installed the internet explorer 8 update and its working ok i do run a regular virus check etc so its hopefully protected, i haven't installed the sp3 update yet as i think it would be better to back up all my stuff first before having this update installed just in case, im going to get an external hardrive hopefully next month so i can back up all my stuff first before installing the sp3, just one more thing. how to i copy everything from my computer onto a hardrive? as i've never done this before.

 

I'm hoping to get an external hardrive end of next month at the earliest, i'll let you know how the transfer goes in due course.