Can't Start Windows XP

Before troubleshooting Windows XP startup, it is important to understand that XP startup is a process, not an event. If you can't start XP, it means that an event took place that prevented XP from completing its startup process. The distinction is important in this type of troubleshooting because the point where the event took place within the process is what should lead you to finding a solution. You could try one of the following method in order to rectify the problem.

• Hibernation and standby problems.
  

• Try the the Last Known Good Configuration feature now before you try anything else.
  

• If Last Known Good Configuration then start the machine as you would start it and get into Safe Mode.

• Perform disk error checking in Windows XP

If all the above failed, then try the following base on the particular problem:

• Black startup screen is briefly displayed and your computer restarts repeatedly when you try to start Windows XP.

• How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting.

• Hardware Malfunction Results in System Error Message.
  

• Error Messages When You Start Your Computer if Windows Program Files Are Missing or Damaged.
  

• Computer stops responding with a black screen when you start Windows XP.
  

• Windows XP Resource Kit: Troubleshooting the Startup Process.
  

• How to Disable a Service or Device that Prevents Windows from Starting.
  

• Windows XP logon screen does not appear and the computer continuously restarts.
  

• Windows XP Welcome Screen Appears to Stop Responding (Hang) During Logon.
  

• Your Windows XP computer stops responding after you log on
  

• How to troubleshoot registry corruption issues.
  

• The splash screen that appears at startup does not display the complete Windows XP version information.
  

• Your Computer May Pause with a Black Screen If You Press ESC During Startup.
  

• Advanced troubleshooting for general startup problems in Windows XP.
  

• How to Modify the List of Programs that Run When You Start Windows XP.
  

• How to edit the Boot.ini file in Windows XP.
  

• After you start Windows XP Professional, you may receive the following error message: dri_kbfiltr could not be found This issue may occur after you upgrade from Windows XP Home Edition to Windows XP Professional.
  

• The computer is stuck in a restart loop after you upgrade from Windows 98 or Windows Me to Windows XP.
  

• "Unhandled Exception c0000005" Error Message During Windows Startup.
  

• Black screen on startup after you upgrade to Windows XP Professional.
  

• The computer stops responding during startup.
  

• Blue-Screen Error Message Appears During Startup on Computer That Has Sidewinder Gamepad.
  

• Error Message: Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
  

• Error Messages When You Start Your Computer if Windows Program Files Are Missing or Damaged.
  

• You receive a "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: Isapnp.sys" error message at startup.
  

• "Windows could not start because the following file is missing: \system32\drivers\ntfs.sys" error message in Windows XP Service Pack 2
  

• A computer that uses an Intel EM64T processor may stop responding during startup.
  

• "Operating System Not Found" or "Missing operating system" error message when you start your Windows XP-based computer.
  

• "Windows Cannot Find Openme.exe" Error Message When You Start Windows.
  

• Problems when Windows XP tries to load the Agp440.sys service.
  

• You receive a "Generic Host Process" error message after you start the computer, or DBCS attachment file names are not displayed in Rich Text e-mail messages.