XP Boot Hangs

This AM my XP machine would not boot. It get to the XP logo and goes no further. I have been reading posts about similar problems and have a few questions.

I can boot in safe mode. I have tried to roll back to a session that worked. I selected a date and re-installed. When the system tries to re-boot I get the same screen. Then when I log back in via Safe Mode I get a message saying that the system was restored. Unfortunately when I re-boot after that I go through the same problem.

When I look at the device manager I see that under Other devices, the Ethernet Controller, Multimedia Audio Controller and 2 USB controllers have question marks. I can right click and update the USB controllers, but not the other 2. I am nore sure how to find the drivers for these. Do I need to open it up and physically look at the cards?

Could this device driver solve my trouble? BTW, I can still connect to the internet and to my network even though it shows this problem.

MSCONFIG did not reveal any problems with startup programs.

This machine had a fresh install of XP a month ago and has worked perfectly. There is very little chance of a virus etc as I only use this machine for editing digital pics and they come from my camera...

Well, I appreciate anyway who is still reading I have tried to include as much as I can to help you help me...

 

Hi JDUB,

It is possible that a driver is corrupt and causing the no-load problem. That's not too normal for the items you mentioned and more likely with video drivers.

That said, your case may be abnormal so let's go that way for now.

Unplug any USB devices.

Boot to Safe Mode > Device manager and right-click > Disable each of those flagged devices. Reboot for effect and see if you can now get into a normal Windows session. That may tell us if you have a driver or possible hardware problem.

If it doesn't boot properly, it could still be a hardware failure with one of those items so unplugging them would be the next step. That won't be an option if they are integrated on your MOBO so you'll have to research that first.

Also consider trying an even earlier Restore Point in hopes it may work.

 

I was in safe mode when you replied. I disabled the items via device manager and I also unplugged everything that was USB or firewire. Now it re-boots correctly.

I can get to the internet and I can see my other networked computer.

Since it works do I leave it be or what should the next steps be? The USB devices are external hard drives and a printer... None of them were powered up while this was being explored.

That was very weird... Also, I did try restore point from as far back as I could...

I never would have thought of that plan...THANK YOU.

 

Leave them unplugged and enable everything in Device Manager. Reboot for effect. If all is well, stay with the logic and bring them back on line by plugging in one at a time, testing for successful boot as you go, until you hit the culprit.

 

It seems that the culprit is a firewire/USB card. The device manager says all of the IEEE1394 ports are woring properly.

I enabled the previously mentioned devices via device manager and then re-attached every item one at a time and got a good boot each time. When the printer was attached the shut down was extremely long and the subsequent boot although successful was very very long.

Detaching the printer cable fixes the boot issue.

Now I have to sort out getting printer working. BOOO!

Thanks again