Windows XP - Black Screen of Death

**RhysJD3** · 09-19-12, 08:03 PM

So, I've got a pretty good idea I'm going to be rebuilding my bother-in-laws computer but if anyone has any ideas so I don't have to spend that kind of time, I'd appreciate it.

When starting, the Windows Logo comes up, then everything is black and no hard drive activity

Starting in safe mode, everything's fine. Boots in without issue. Can't see anything in the event log that's worth while.

In safe mode, putting msconfig to diagnostic startup, same issue with black screen

I'm running his Norton antivirus in safe mode and it's already come back with 25 risks. It's still scanning so I can't see what they are (Cookies for all I know).

Any ideas? I'm thinking they need a Mac

**HeavyG** · 09-20-12, 06:36 AM

Have you tried reinstalling XP? Sounds like the OS is borked, will not load, and needs to be reinstalled.

**WileECyte** · 09-20-12, 11:09 AM

Could try removing/reinstalling the graphics drivers or running a system file check in safe mode. 'sfc /SCANNOW' for the file check.

**nihilanth311** · 09-20-12, 11:18 AM

TDSSKiller, Combofix, sfc /scannow, msconfig disable all non-ms services (i think your "diagnostic mode" should have covered this actually)

Can you ctrl/alt/delete in normal mode at the blackscreen? if you're lucky explorer.exe just isn't starting and you can start it manually with "New Task" .. or if it is running, kill it and restart

**RhysJD3** · 09-21-12, 06:02 PM

I'll give some of that a try. I also don't want to spend an eternity fixing it since it's 6 year old computer...

Tried to disable services and tried vga mode and replacing the video drivers...

I have an i7-920 with MOBO and 6 GB's of RAM sitting around (sort of). Offered to build them a PC for $190 (price of case, PSU and Windows license after $30 rebate). Going to see if they're interested.