I've got the same problem. I've found many more cases on the internet but not
yet with a solution for this issue.
So your not allone with this problem.

"lorne" wrote:

> ah well, nothing like a good old reformat every now and again.... life moves
> on! so do I....
>
> "Gazza" <Gazza@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6836836C-DE1C-4BB2-A2F8-F1744FB817D1@microsoft.com...
> > Presumably you can get to safe mode by pressing F8 at startup.
> >
> > "lorne" wrote:
> >
> > > havent touched a thing... computer never opened.
> > >
> > > "ByTor" <ByTor@snowdog.com> wrote in message
> > > news:QBDjf.903$Yb5.538@fe52.usenetserver.com...
> > > > In article <ey40fDo9FHA.1276@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl>, stoner_123
> > > > @hotmail.com, lorne says...
> > > >
> > > > > I'm sorry for reposting.. i am getting desparate now!!
> > > > > a quick scenario.... computer (fairly new P4 2.8, 512MB RAM)...
> starts
> > > up,
> > > > > gets to the xp splash screen, then screen goes black with arrow
> cursor..
> > > > > system is not frozen as the mouse moves the cursor around.
> > > > > ctl-alt-del does nothing..... ctl-shft-esc does nothing. safe mode
> same
> > > > > issue..... i can access the BIOS (meaning video card works).
> > > > > should i try toreinstall OS on top of existing one?
> > > > >
> > > > > please.. all suggestions/comments are welcome.
> > > > >
> > > > > (again sorry for the reposting)
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Did you check to see if all your inner hardwares are seated properly?
> > > > Have you touched anything or changed hardware recently?
> > > > --
> > > > *************************************************
> > > > The Tobes of Hades, lit by flickering torchlight
> > > > The netherworld is gathered in the glare
> > > > Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the north light
> > > > The sign of Eth is rising in the air.
> > > > By-Tor, knight of darkness,
> > > > Centurion of evil, devil's prince.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
>

Had this happen also. It turned out to be a device that Windows couldn't
open. In my case I was using hibernate to shut down and on start up my usb
attached scanner wouldn't open properly until a complete reboot. I detached
the scanner and all worked. Just a thought.
"Frank" <Frank@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:728A0BAB-8BC6-4500-B2A2-AE1215ED1072@microsoft.com...
> I've got the same problem. I've found many more cases on the internet but
> not
> yet with a solution for this issue.
> So your not allone with this problem.
>
> "lorne" wrote:
>
>> ah well, nothing like a good old reformat every now and again.... life
>> moves
>> on! so do I....
>>
>> "Gazza" <Gazza@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:6836836C-DE1C-4BB2-A2F8-F1744FB817D1@microsoft.com...
>> > Presumably you can get to safe mode by pressing F8 at startup.
>> >
>> > "lorne" wrote:
>> >
>> > > havent touched a thing... computer never opened.
>> > >
>> > > "ByTor" <ByTor@snowdog.com> wrote in message
>> > > news:QBDjf.903$Yb5.538@fe52.usenetserver.com...
>> > > > In article <ey40fDo9FHA.1276@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl>, stoner_123
>> > > > @hotmail.com, lorne says...
>> > > >
>> > > > > I'm sorry for reposting.. i am getting desparate now!!
>> > > > > a quick scenario.... computer (fairly new P4 2.8, 512MB RAM)...
>> starts
>> > > up,
>> > > > > gets to the xp splash screen, then screen goes black with arrow
>> cursor..
>> > > > > system is not frozen as the mouse moves the cursor around.
>> > > > > ctl-alt-del does nothing..... ctl-shft-esc does nothing. safe
>> > > > > mode
>> same
>> > > > > issue..... i can access the BIOS (meaning video card works).
>> > > > > should i try toreinstall OS on top of existing one?
>> > > > >
>> > > > > please.. all suggestions/comments are welcome.
>> > > > >
>> > > > > (again sorry for the reposting)
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > Did you check to see if all your inner hardwares are seated
>> > > > properly?
>> > > > Have you touched anything or changed hardware recently?
>> > > > --
>> > > > *************************************************
>> > > > The Tobes of Hades, lit by flickering torchlight
>> > > > The netherworld is gathered in the glare
>> > > > Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the north light
>> > > > The sign of Eth is rising in the air.
>> > > > By-Tor, knight of darkness,
>> > > > Centurion of evil, devil's prince.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>>
>>
>>