computer doesn't start

I'm trying to fix Grandma's computer. It starts up like usual, but the screen comes up black. No background, icons or taskbar, just the cursor. Stays like that for hours, have to shut off manually. The next time I try to start it, since it was not shut down properly, I'm asked which mode I want. I have never been able to start this computer in safe mode. All I get is a black screen with safe mode in the corners and I have to shut down manually. Never tried safe mode with command prompt to see if that works. She runs winxp, and its a hand me down, so there are no installation disks available. Please help! She's just had a new great-grandchild and SHE NEEDS HER EMAIL!!! Cappy

Yes..I had exp that before.. But I dont know if this could help your computer Did you check your Disk Rom ? If you forgot to remove your disk inside your computer, the WinXP wont start. Just dont leave a diskette inside your computer coz thats makes the windows wont start. Well thats my solution earlier dont know bout yours.. Best Luck Eumic

Nope, no disk. I gave it to a high school kid to look at. If he can't fix it, he'll just reload windows and she'll be good to go. I hope. Cappy