Black Monitor Screen

[leon]

Hi Guys, I was just wondering if someone might be able to suggest a fix and/or a reason why a desktop computer will start up and just before the log in page comes goes black and stays like that. :shrug:

The machine runs xp and has had a couple of clashes with Nortons Virus Protection software in the past, but we thought we had it fixed when we removed that. :shrug:

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Leon :thumbsup:

[renormalised]

There may still be some values left over in the registry from when you pulled Norton's from the system. Best way to get rid of those is to use registry mechanic (http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/). Don't try and remove the Norton's software keys yourself unless you know what you're doing...otherwise you can crash the computer.

Another thing which maybe a problem is a corrupt video driver. Go into safe mode and reload the drivers. Although sometimes they just play up, so one way of fixing the problem in safe mode is to disable the screen and then allow XP to reload the drivers on boot.

I've never liked Norton's stuff. It has the nasty habit of taking over your computer and when something goes wrong, it either locks you out or stuffs something up.

Another problem might also be a corrupt boot file (boot.ini). Here's the MS KB page (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022)for the boot.ini file and how to repair it. Try here as well (http://support.microsoft.com/KB/314503). It could be a problem with your partition table or MBR, in which case open in safe mode and then go Start>Run>fixmbr. That'll rewrite the MBR and hopefully cure what ails you.

[citivolus]

I'd suspect video drivers as well. Boot into safe mode, uninstall the video drivers, reboot and log in as normal, and install new video drivers might work to fix it.

I concur on the quality of Norton software. They used to be reliable, oh, say, 15 years ago, but every encounter that I have had with them in the interim has ended with a crashed computer, and I'm not exactly clueless in that department :) Their software is just way too invasive in my experience.

Regards,
Eric

[mithrandir]

There is a standalone Norton uninstaller which is supposed to clean up all the leftovers. If you can't find it on Symantec's web site I've got a copy somewhere.

[RB]

Yep here's the link: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039

I used it when I was finally fed up with Norton's and switched to ESET/NOD32.
Best thing I did.

:thumbsup:

[leon]

Thanks Andrew, I will look into it and change I think.

Leon