http://support.microsoft.com/KB/314503

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

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Article ID	:	314503
Last Review	:	May 7, 2007
Revision	:	2.3

This article was previously published under Q314503

SYMPTOMS

When you try to start Microsoft Windows XP, the computer may appear to stop responding (hang) with an empty, black screen immediately after the power-on self test (POST) is complete and before the Windows XP logo typically appears on the screen.

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CAUSE

This issue may occur if one or more of the following elements are corrupted:

•	Master boot record
•	Partition tables
•	Boot sector
•	NTLDR file

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1.	Create a Windows XP boot disk to start the computer. For additional information about how to create a Windows XP boot disk, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 305595 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305595/) HOW TO: Create a boot disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition with Windows XP If you can start the computer from the boot disk without receiving an error message, the damage is limited to the master boot record, the boot sector, or the NTLDR file. After Windows XP is running, immediately back up all data before you try to fix the boot sector. Use Disk Management to view the partition information and to verify that the disk partition (or partitions) is correct. To use Disk Management, follow these steps: a. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage. b. Expand Storage, and then click Disk Management. If invalid partitions are present or you cannot start your computer with a boot disk, consider reinstalling Windows XP on your computer and restoring your data and configuration information from a recent backup. If you do not have a current backup copy of the data on the computer, contact a computer specialist to determine the best method of data recovery and configuration.
2.	Run a current virus scanning program to verify that no virus is present.
3.	Repair the master boot record by using the FIXMBR command from the Windows XP Recovery Console. For additional information about how to use the Recovery Console, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 307654 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654/) How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP Note For additional information about an error message that you may receive when you use the FIXMBR command, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 266745 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/266745/) Error message when you run fixmbr command Warning If your computer is infected with a virus and you use the FIXMBR command, you may not be able to start the computer. Before you use this command, make sure that the computer is not infected with a virus.
4.	If the primary boot partition is a FAT partition, use the FIXBOOT command from the Windows XP Recovery Console to write a new boot sector on the system partition, and then use the FIXMBR command to repair the master boot record.

You may also use the Windows XP Setup program to repair the installation. To do this, follow these steps:

1.	Use the Windows XP CD-ROM to start your computer. On the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to set up Windows XP.
2.	Press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
3.	Use the ARROW keys to select the Windows XP installation that you want to repair, and then press R. Windows XP Setup repairs the installation files, Windows XP automatically restarts, and then the Setup program finishes the repair of your Windows XP installation.
4.	Follow the remaining steps to set up Windows. Note You must have your 25-character Product Key to complete these steps.

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MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about the Recovery Console, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

229716 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/229716/) Description of the Windows 2000 Recovery Console

235364 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/235364/) Description of the SET Command in Recovery Console

310497 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310497/) How to add more power to Recovery Console by using Group Policy in Windows XP Professional

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APPLIES TO

•	Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
•	Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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Keywords:

kbvirus kbenv kbfaq kbprb kbusage KB314503