Moniter displays blank screen after switching PC on, just before its supposed to display windows logon screen?

Question

When I switch my PC on, it initially beings to load up as normal, displaying the DELL logo, proceeding on to showing the Windows XP logo 'loading' sequence 'bar'. Instead of then proceeding to the Windows XP Welcome Screen (where one would normally type their passoword and logon to windows), the PC moniter just results in a blank screen.

The computer remains switched on (i.e. does not switch off/restart) and just remains on a dark blank screen. You can tell the moniter is on, however it is blank.

- The only way to get to windows is via safe mode. When i enter safe mode, windows loads and i can login to windows via administrator and other users.

- "try last known settings that worked" does not fix the problem
- entering safe mode, performing a system restore does not work, as when i restart afer performing the restore, the same problem occurs.

What does it mean given i can access windows in safe mode but not in normal mode?

Could it be Bios issues? Corrupt system files?

Answer 1

Its more than likely your motherboard or your graphics card. I had this happen to me once and i replaced the graphics card and it did nothing, so i replaced the motherboard and it worked perfect next time round. My motherboard was like 6 years old so it died,and maybe that might be your problem, how old is your computer?

Answer 2

When you switch your PC on, it goes through a startup process.



You said that initially, your computer displays the DELL logo and this would be expected because your monitor is running on a basic monitor setting when your system initally starts up.



During the Windows startup process, Windows loads all of the drivers that control the various hardware on your computer. So the soundcard driver loads in - you may hear a click or a pop as the soundcard driver because enabled.



Your graphics card driver will also load during this period, just before the Windows logon screen appears.



Now you mentioned that your computer will load in safe mode. That makes sense because in safe mode, your computer loads only the most basic drivers to get the computer started - not the ones that come with your graphics card, which is why you only get basic colours and resolution in safe mode.





It seems to me that there is either a problem with your graphics card (its faulty) or there is a problem with its drivers.





Now there are a few avenues you can choose to resolve this. Basically my recommendation is to reinstall the drivers for your graphics card. They should be on a CD that came with your computer (you'll need to do this in safe mode).



You could also replace your graphics card. Contact the manufacturer for support if you PC is new and/or still under warranty.

Answer 3

I have quite recently had this problem and i did a full re-install but that was un-neccessary. Your problem is with your graphics card drivers.

You may have installed some new hardware (or even software) that has partially overwritten some element in your system that was important. Try re-installing your graphics drivers first (via safe mode) but if this doesn't work do a fresh re-install.

Good luck

Answer 4

when you start in safe mode, it is just loading a basic set of drivers, ect. have you added any new hardware or software before this happened? could do with more info, mail me if you need help further, and i will gladly try to help you.