Yes this problem is caused by either a power down or cut which corrupts some startup files. pop in your XP cd and boot from it choose recovery mode > login when asked and type chkdsk c: /f /r I think I usually just wipe and image , typing chkdsk /? will give you the options which are not the same as in windows. Just checked these are correct . When finished just reboot and then choose safe mode, once it boots just shutdown and restart it "DONT" try and log into safe mode, restart as normal and thats usually it lol.
RItchie (EX IBMer) :-)
July 2007