Windows XP boot problem

Hi,

I have a Del netbook which is loaded with Windows XP. I've not had
need to use the netbook for about a fortnight and on trying to boot it
up today I find that I cannot get past the boot screen ( the screen
that has the MS Flag and the words "Microsoft Windows XP" and below
these a scroll bar).

The scroll bar is constantly scrolling from left to right, as it
always does, but for reasons best known to the netbook, this is as far
as it gets. The mouse is not yet visible

Any suggestions as to what the problem(s) mey be would be much
appreciated

--
Cheers

Peter