winXP home won't start up

[andrew]

>-----Original Message-----
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>When starting up, I get the WinXP startup window, then
>it
>>goes into what looks like the WindowsXP standby screen
>>(minus the user profiles) without loading the desktop.
>At
>>this point, I can't do anything (although the mouse
>works).
>>
>>Help!
>>
>>safe mode, not save mode
>>.
>>
>.
>At startup screen hold down F8 and eventually a menu
will appear - select boot into safe mode - will get asked
if you want to stay in safe mode - yes - you can now use
diagnostic and maintance tools. once finished log out -
restart as normal. Also try unistalling anything you may
have recently installed by using the safe mode

good luck