system freezes at Windows XP start up screen

[yodes]

Help!

When my Welcome to Windows XP start up screen appears (where you choose which user), my arrow cursor is frozen. When I repeatedly press F8 to get to the Advanced Windows Start up Options, none of the options work. I am also unable to start in any safe mode option, and am unable to get to a DOS prompt. I was told by a compaq online help person that I may need to do a total system restore which will mean losing all of my saved data on the hard drive....

I really need to know if there is a way around losing all of my saved files, before having to reinstall Windows. I think I read something about an adapter of some sort (you can tell I am just learning about all of this....but I am game if I can salvage all of my hard drive stuff).

Thanks in advance!

y.

[Omardeth]

how long do you wait at the welcome screen before you try the f8 key or reboot it .

[yeadon563]

Have u made any system changes before this started to happen? Add any new hardware or software? Before u do a reformat, try to pull some of ur cards, see if it lets u into windows.


I had a problem of not being able to boot past the windows boot screen. Turned out it was a conflict between my new videocard and a soundcard. Pulled the soundcard and it booted right up.


Yeadon563

[yodes]

As soon as the red Compaq flashes across a black background, I begin pressing F8. I have also repeatedly pressed it at the part where it says to press F8 for advanced start up options.