please help.. nowhere else to turn

[djtizzy]

I downloaded the trial version of TMPG DVD Author. After installing it, I restarted my computer as prompted, but now my OS, Windows XP, will not load.. I just get a black screen every time I try to restart. WTF?

[bazooka]

Reboot and go into safe mode and select system restore.

[djtizzy]

How do I get into safe mode without first loading the OS?

[bazooka]

When you reboot, hit the F8 key and choose safe mode.

[djtizzy]

Oh yeah.. forgot about that. So I just tried it and that didn't work either! When I tried to boot in safe mode I still got a black screen. This time some system files (ex. C:\Windows\sys32\whatever.sys) were listed, but then it just stopped. Then I tried to boot the last known good configuration (last settings that worked) and still just a black screen. I hope it's not a HD crash. Any ideas?

[tekkieman]

You could try a repair install from your XP CD.

[bazooka]

Oh yeah.. forgot about that. So I just tried it and that didn't work either! When I tried to boot in safe mode I still got a black screen. This time some system files (ex. C:\Windows\sys32\whatever.sys) were listed, but then it just stopped.

You might give it a little bit. It sometimes can take a couple of minutes, and even though it may not look like it is doing something, it is.

[Soopafresh]

I've waited up to 45 minutes before the system started in safe mode.

Patience....

[bazooka]

I've waited up to 45 minutes before the system started in safe mode.

There is something really wrong with your computer. It should only take a couple of minutes.

[djtizzy]

Haha, I didn't even give it a couple of minutes. I only gave it a few seconds. Impatience is what caused me to **** my computer up in the first place. This time I'll give it a few hours.