Windows XP startup problem

Hi, did it occur suddenly or did you try to install a second system to choose from when the computer starts? It sometimes happens with such configurations.
Regards
Smirk

Was this a system image?  It helps to know more in terms of troubleshooting.  
HAL options after Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;309283

How to force a Hardware Abstraction Layer during an upgrade or an installation of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299340/

There's a possibility in WinXP to go back to last system restore point. That is if the system has run before and created a restore point. For the restore you just need an ERD Commander bootable CD. There's a tool to restore when the system itself doesn't start. If you can get the ERD, you're saved. If not, the easiest thing to do is probably a fresh installation.
Hope you have at least 2 partitions, one of which is strictly for the system. With that you don't have to format everything.
Hope for the best

Smirk01:
I just want to double check if I use the Windows XP home Cd and select the Repair option my files will not be dleeted. Please confirm.

Is your CD a OEM version?
Is your version of Windows-XP a retail version.
Possible to repair Windows_XP pro with no loss of files.


d_may

If you can get into safe mode,(press F8 over and over) then you can go to command prompt
start<run<type in, sfc /scannow<enter
have you CD handy.

d_may

What I have is a HP System Recovery disk (6 disks) for a Windows XP home edition

If problem persists, and we're not helping,  you may benefit by checking with HP Tech Support via Live Chat, as I did just recently.
http://h20179.www2.hp.com/ipgna/caller/chat.asp?productCategory=12085

Thanks to everybody who helped me with this issue. Looks like I need the Windows XP Home Edition disk to try to recover the OS only without deleting the data files.