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blank screen on boot sometimes

System: Dell Optiplex GX260
OS: Win2k
ServicePack: 3

About 7 out of 10 times I boot my computer it goes to a black screen after the progress bar gets to the end of the GUI and before it prompts for the username/password. My processor then proceeds to run as if it were in an infinite loop (I assume that is happening since the fan sounds like a turbo engine after a minute or 2 of running like this). I've tried "Last known Good Configuration" and debugging mode (which doesn't appear to do anything). I currently do not have the win2k disk with me to do a repair install (our sysadmin can't find it at the moment) so I was wondering if there was anything else I can try to get into it. It takes me sometimes up to 30 min to get into the system because of this. It started last week and I really don't know the cause of it. I have not installed any new software since/before it started happening.

any ideas?

thanks

guid

sunray_2003

Guid,

Not sure if this would ask CD

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q238359

Sunray

SOLUTION

sunray_2003

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guidway

ASKER

trying the boot disk now...

thanks Sunray, I'll let you know what happens. :o)

guidway

ASKER

Strange enough I created the disk and tried to do a manual repair of the system and partway through it the computer gave a blue screen with the message STOP 0x00000051 REGISTRY_ERROR which appears to be an error message fixed in SP4 (according to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321771) . However I can't install SP4 without getting into Windows if I'm correct. or is there?

thanks again...

guid

guidway

ASKER

or is there a way to install SP4 without getting into windows (I meant to say)? It seems my computer won't let me in at all into windows. I have not been able to get into it for almost an hour now. :o(

guid

guidway

ASKER

or can I install it in safe mode?

PaulHieb

Safe mode is a no go to install sp4, the installation requires the microsoft installer service, which doesn't run in safe mode.

You could integrate SP4 into your windows installation source before running the repair.

guidway

ASKER

Hi Paul,

How would I do that?

thanks
guid

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PaulHieb

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guidway

ASKER

thanks Paul but it sounds like I need the actual win2k cd for this (which at this time I don't have). Or can I use the boot disk I created? Out of curiosity can the service pack be loaded in VGA mode? I seem to be able to boot into there also. or is that too similar to safe mode?

guid

guidway

ASKER

well good news and bad news.

bad news: sp4 didn't help with anything (I did get it loaded)

good news: someone has a win2k cd they are letting me use. I'm now trying to do a repair of it. I'll let you know what happens.

guid

PaulHieb

cool, that should do the trick, although I've seen it not work before. Good luck

guidway

ASKER

It didn't work... I ended up having to do a reinstall by leaving the current filesystem intact. Not sure what the problem is but it is running now. thanks for the help

guid

guidway

ASKER

now that it is working I have another question (opening a new question here: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20797321/just-reinstalled-Win2k-what-to-backup.html)

thanks again

PaulHieb

It was probably proprietary drivers in there somewhere and reinstalling screwed the .inf's up.

guidway

ASKER

Well, I thought I had fixed the problem but it started doing something similar again so I tried something else. I disabled the hardware acceleration on the video card and then the system became 100% stable and works great. Of course graphics are not quite as good but at least until they can get me a new video card my computer works with full color. :o)

guidway

ASKER

and full resolution.

vivaz2

I ran into this same problem just today and from reading all of the comments I came to the conclusion that it was the video drivers. So I went into safe mode uninstalled the video adapter and when I restarted the system I went right into the logon screen, which I was not getting before. I logged in and it started the hardware wizard and installed the adapter drivers. Now I'm back in business...Thanks to all.