the other day i was browsing firefox and suddenly my entire computer shut off. when i started it up again everything was normal until i got to the black screen where you select which mode to put the computer in. When I select anything OTHER than Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt (i.e. SM w/ Networking, Last settings that worked, Normal) it begins to reboot but eventually my monitor flashes "DSUB Power Saving mode" or something like that and it goes back to the same black screen.

Try System Restore, I have had good results using this way or Safe Mode, different to Last Known Good Configuration in Safe Mode. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx System Restore is accessed the following way: 1. It's a good practice to shut down all other applications before using System Restore, as it requires a full-system reboot to complete the installation. Connecting to the internet is not required, however. So shut all applications. Then click "Start." 2. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Then the program will load. Here's a screen shot of the program-entry screen: http://www.techbuilder.org/recipes/60402485 Or, If System Restore doesn't work in Normal Mode, it might work in Safe Mode. Toggle F8 or Press Ctrl ( depends on your comp ) during bootup ( just before, verifying DMI pool, message comes on ) Select Safe Mode. http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001060608000039 http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222&Product=winxp http://www.whtvcable.com/virusremoval%20.htm http://www.techbuilder.org/recipes/60402485 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

Also, you might see here>>>> Windows XP defaults to Safe Mode at every startup SYMPTOM Windows XP may default to Safe Mode at every startup. Even if you select the option Start Windows Normally, it still boots into Safe Mode. IOW, you cannot get out of Safe mode. This happens if the /safeboot switch is added in the Boot.ini file. /Safeboot parameter forces a start in safe mode by using the specified parameters. The available parameters are: minimal network safeboot:minimal(alternateshell) For more information on Boot.ini switches, see Reviewing and Correcting Boot.ini Settings on x86-based Systems RESOLUTION Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG Select the Boot.ini tab If you have dual-boot setup, select the appropriate entry under [operating systems] In the Boot Options section at the bottom, uncheck /SAFEBOOT option Click OK Restart Windows The /safeboot entry will now be removed from the Boot.ini file. PICTURE MISSING HERE Alternately, you can also edit the Boot.ini file manually and then remove the /safeboot switch. See article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q289022

first off the msconfig thing does not work and ive tried it a few times. the SAFEBOOT thing is not checked and i left it unchecked. also, yesterday night i didnt have any of my old programs so i used system restore but it didnt solve the problem of only getting access into safe mode, though i got my old programs and folders and documents back. Also I have no sound or internet connection in safe mode. Ive tried to change the resolution from the safe mode settings but when i change it and click Apply the Apply box turns clearish and nothing happens so I have to change it back.

Make sure you have saved all your important stuff, address book etc. Try repairing XP. Reinstall WindowsXP and keep all your current installed applications and settings: Put your XP cd in the drive. If " D " is your CD rom drive. D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend ( copy & paste that command into the RUN box, then press ENTER ) Your computer will do the rest. Or, Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. Copy & paste > D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend Press Enter. If you have i386 ( about 500mb ) on your hard drive, you can replace D: ( if D: is your cd drive ) with the location of it.