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This is a strange one. I have a perfectly functioning computer and yet, for some reason, I can only currently get it to work when I login via Safe Mode. The rest of the time, it starts up, displays the XP Splash Screen (with the moving bar at the bottom), then just goes blank. No Welcome Screen, no Hard Drive activity.

I have tried various remedies, I started with ‘last known good configuration’ and one time that worked, the next time it didn’t (even though there had been NO new installations or any kind between them). I tried going into Safe Mode and uninstalling video drivers, virtual devices, all the things that I thought could stop my computer getting to the Welcome Screen – nothing is working.

It’s really confusing because one time when it happened, uninstalling video drivers in Safe Mode – then booting normally – worked just fine. Another time when it happened, I just reset, went into Safe Mode, then restarted – booting normally – and it started up fine. Another time, I just had to eject my CD drive!!

The only common factor I can think of in all situations is that I have SP3 installed – what a mistake. If you have a similar problem, I have tried everything, I would advise returning to SP2 until you see actual posted solutions to this specific problem on the ‘net.