Hi,
I have a Dell computer (xp home) that boots up to a black screen with a working curser even in safe mode.
I've tried a repair install with SP2 slip streamed into the restore disk image.
It hangs about mup.sys but I don't think it is that file.
Tried FIXBOOT, FIXMBR and CHKDSK /r but it always boots to the black screen.

What do you think is the cause?

Thanks Dave

Your Boot.ini file may be corrupted. Cant you hit Alt+Ctrl+ delete? if the Task Manager does come up try to click File, New Task, type in explorer.exe

How To Repair or Replace Boot.ini in Windows XP

The boot.ini file is a hidden file that is used to identify in what folder on which partition and on which hard drive Windows XP is located. Boot.ini can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and is usually brought to your attention by an error message.

Follow these easy steps to repair the damaged/corrupted boot.ini file or replace it if it has been deleted.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Repairing or replacing the boot.ini file usually takes less than 10 minutes
Here's How:

1. Enter Windows XP Recovery Console. The Recovery Console is an advanced diagnostic mode of Windows XP with special tools that will allow you to restore the boot.ini file.
2. When you reach the command prompt (detailed in Step 6 in the link above), type the following command and then press Enter.

   bootcfg /rebuild

3. The bootcfg utility will scan your hard drives for any Windows XP installations and then display the results. Follow the remaining steps to add your Windows XP installation to the boot.ini file.
4. The first prompt asks Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All).
   Type Y in response to this question and press Enter.
5. The next prompt asks you to Enter Load Identifier:.
   This is the name of the operating system. For example, type Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition and press Enter.
6. The final prompt asks you to Enter OS Load options:.
   Type /Fastdetect here and press Enter.
7. Take out the Windows XP CD, type exit and then press Enter to restart your PC.
   Assuming that a missing or corrupt boot.ini file was your only issue, Windows XP should now start normally

Hi,
Thanks for the detailed instructions but this did'nt fix the problem.
At normal boot I still get a black screen with a active curser, nothing else.
In safe mode it gets as far as the safe mode screen with the description of the operating system at the top and safe mode text at the bottom. A working curser and nothing else.
A repair install did'nt fix it either as above.

Cheers Dave

assuming XP

If you boot up with the CD and take the repair option & it's says Recovery Console - take that option.

At the c: prompt type

chkdsk /r

If you can't get there, to me, looks like a reinstall.

If you have critical data on the drive advise.

Hi,

Thanks I tried that already but gave it a go again. Found no errors both times.

I have Ultimate boot disk is there anything I can try from there.

Cheers dave

I'm not familiar with product so can't help.

Others in the forum may have the knowledge.