Start up problem

Belgrave15 · #1 (**permalink**) 31-05-2008, 09:43 AM

My computer seems to start up but does not display any icons or the tool bar, just a blank screen with my background picture. I can't do anything and can't work out how to fix the problem.

Digerati · #2 (**permalink**) 31-05-2008, 03:54 PM

Hi Belgrave15 and welcome to D-A-L.

What version and patch level of Windows XP are you using?

When did the problem start? Did you make any recent changes?

Have you tried Safe Mode? If you can get into Safe Mode, then you can try restoring to a previous restore point.

When you press the Windows keys, does the Start menu open?

When you enter Ctrl-Alt Delete at your blank desktop, does Task Manager start up? If so, from the Applications tab, click on New Task, and enter: explorer.exe then press OK and tell us what happened.

Belgrave15 · #3 (**permalink**) 31-05-2008, 04:25 PM

Hello,

Thank you for your response; however, the Windows key doesn't work and ctrl, alt, del has been disabled. I have tried to reboot in safe mode; however, the alt F2 option won't allow me to change modes as it asks me to "enter file name for NEW BIOS:" but I don't know what to type in here.

Any suggestions?

Regards,

Belgrave15

Digerati · #4 (**permalink**) 31-05-2008, 04:41 PM

Alt F2? That sounds like you are trying to enter the BIOS Setup Menu and not Safe Mode. See Bleeping Computer - Safe Mode for instructions on entering Safe Mode using the "F8" key.

Belgrave15 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:59 AM

Hi,

Thanks again.

I took your advise and used F8 to enter safe mode and it appears to go through the motions bu then the monitor goes blank with only a warning notice saying "out of range" and that's where it sits. I have tried entering safe node several time now and it comes to the same end.

Anything else you can think of would be appreciated.

Regards,

Belgrave15

Digerati · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 05:14 AM

That sounds like you graphics card and your monitor are not communicating properly, either because one or the other is failing to sync up to the correct resolution, or the card has some how been set to a non-standard resolution.

You might try again in to Safe Mode, this time selecting the VGA option. If it works, your desktop will be larger and the colors may be washed, but it may allow you to press on with troubleshooting, or doing a system restore.

You might also try that monitor on another PC, or another monitor on your PC.