Can't get past "Windows did not start successfully" screen...

Le Fish · 10-12-2009, 07:57 AM

Hi all,

Every time I turn on my Dell Dimension 5150, I get greeted with "We apologize for the inconvenience... Windows did not start successfully".

My options are:

Safe Mode,
Safe Mode with Networking,
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Last known good config...

Start Windows normally.

I have tried every option on several occasions... the windows xp logo comes up... then the dell logo comes up, everything seems to be running smoothly... then comes a black screen with a small flashing dot in the top left... and then I see the same"We apologize for the inconvenience... Windows did not start successfully" screen.

Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

TheBrit · 10-12-2009, 08:28 AM

Have you added any new hardware just prior to this happening? If so remove it and try again.

Did you install new software or run windows update just prior to it happening?

Without much to go on it may be worth doing a windows repair installation. It sounds dramatic, but it will not destroy any of your data or files, just attempt to repair the windows os installation.

There is a step-by-step guide with pics here. Hopefully that will resolve your problem if windows became corrupt somehow...

Le Fish · 10-12-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBrit

Have you added any new hardware just prior to this happening? If so remove it and try again.

Did you install new software or run windows update just prior to it happening?

Without much to go on it may be worth doing a windows repair installation. It sounds dramatic, but it will not destroy any of your data or files, just attempt to repair the windows os installation.

There is a step-by-step guide with pics here. Hopefully that will resolve your problem if windows became corrupt somehow...

Thanks for the swift reply,
unfortunately I don't have a copy of XP on disc.

TheBrit · 10-12-2009, 08:55 AM

Got a friend or neighbour who you can borrow one off?

Le Fish · 10-12-2009, 09:04 AM

I'll have a look round.
Hopefully this'll work.

10-12-2009, 07:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
Le Fish Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Can't get past "Windows did not start successfully" screen... Hi all, Every time I turn on my Dell Dimension 5150, I get greeted with "We apologize for the inconvenience... Windows did not start successfully". My options are: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe Mode with Command Prompt Last known good config... Start Windows normally. I have tried every option on several occasions... the windows xp logo comes up... then the dell logo comes up, everything seems to be running smoothly... then comes a black screen with a small flashing dot in the top left... and then I see the same"We apologize for the inconvenience... Windows did not start successfully" screen. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

10-12-2009, 08:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
TheBrit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, US Posts: 50 OS: XP/Vista	Re: Can't get past "Windows did not start successfully" screen... Have you added any new hardware just prior to this happening? If so remove it and try again. Did you install new software or run windows update just prior to it happening? Without much to go on it may be worth doing a windows repair installation. It sounds dramatic, but it will not destroy any of your data or files, just attempt to repair the windows os installation. There is a step-by-step guide with pics here. Hopefully that will resolve your problem if windows became corrupt somehow... __________________ Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. (Benjamin Franklin)

10-12-2009, 08:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
TheBrit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, US Posts: 50 OS: XP/Vista	Re: Can't get past "Windows did not start successfully" screen... Got a friend or neighbour who you can borrow one off? __________________ Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. (Benjamin Franklin)

10-12-2009, 09:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
Le Fish Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Re: Can't get past "Windows did not start successfully" screen... I'll have a look round. Hopefully this'll work.