I've had the problem with Windows XP where the machine boots up, but stops before getting to the login screen. It just sticks on a screen displaying "Microsoft Windows XP". I've tried starting in safe mode, but no luck.
I'm not sure if this is a virus or a serious problem with my system.

Any ideas?

Hi there!

I have exactly the same problem as dford!
My WinXP Pro SP2 stops just right before the 'Welcome' screen.
It just displays a blue screen (not BSOD!) with the Win XP logo on it. I can use the mouse arrow (but nothing to click?!?!), but I can't CTRL+ALT+DEL or anything!

Even with safe mode the error occurs.
And even with 'Last Known Good Config'

Before heading to a repair install over my previous one, I will wait for some feedback on this because I guess this is a rare problem... (I've searched the net and dford's post was the closest/similar description I've seen to my problem...)

On XP install I had only the necessary services, Sygate Firewall and spybot updated and AntiVir software updated....

With a rescue CD I have, I can access eventlog, but I can't find anything helpful or any hint in it...

Any clues?

I also have struck this problem with a customer with a Compaq laptop. Exactly the same symptoms, and not easy to find a cause.
Anyone out there able to help?

Have you tried updating the BIOS which may fix issues with your motherboard?

http://www.motherboards.com/

Agreed, I just fixed a laptop that was doing this very same thing. The new bios took care of the problem.