XP will boot, only to black screen with mouse pointer!

[kill_bill]

As topic, just installed SP2, restarted and was fine. Installed Windows updates it recommended, and now just boots into a black screen with a moveable mouse pointer. Tried safe mode, command prompt etc and all the same.

I did create a restore point prior to installing SP2 - how can I get this back? Or any ideas how to solve the above?

[kill_bill]

Ive just put an old HD on I was using up to about a month ago, and put the new one as slave so can access all that is on it - can I edit anything in the boot file?

[twankster]

The easiest thing to do would be to boot up with your XP cd in and choose to do a repair install. You will not lose any data, but you will need to update windows again. If you don't know how to do this, take a look at HarryO's site (http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How to Repair Windows XP by Installing Over top of)

[BlackDiamondJr]

The repair install is always a good option but it should only be used when all else fails.
Have you tried booting from the "Last known good configuration"?
Also you might want to insert the Windows XP CD and boot to the Recovery Console by selecting Repair when prompted. At the prompt in the Recovery Console type the command chkdsk /r so that you drive can be scanned and errors repaired if found.

[kill_bill]

Cheers BlackDiamondJr, that sorted it, don't know how it happened but that fixed it!

[BlackDiamondJr]

Glad to hear that you got it straightened out.
Enjoy!!!