Blank screen before Windows,cannot use safe mode,need help!

[bodine1231]

Ok,When I try and boot up my pc it will go through its normal Bios startup but right before the Windows XP screen pops up I get a blank screen and nothing happens.

When I try and go into Safe Mode,it will display 5 lines(instead of the full screen) and then hangs up. I tried every option available on that menu,nothing.

I tried removing one ram stick and the other and I also removed all non essential hardware,nothing.

I tried putting in the Windows xp cd and running repair. When I get to the part when it asks me which drive windows is on (only 1 drive) after I select it I get the blue screen of death saying 'irql not less or equal'.

Is there anything else I can try before having to replace either the mobo or hdd? I cant get safe mode to run nor Windows repair because of the blue screen.

I tried updating the bios using the flash utility but it hangs at 'Decompressing AWDFLASH.EXE'

thanks

Athlonxp 3000
6800gt
Nvidia VNF3-250 Chaintech mobo

 

[engiNURD]

It sounds like the drivers arent loaded properly. When trying to repair the xp install, did you press F6 to load the drivers for the HDD Controllers? If not, try doing that. If so, then your HDD may be dying. Do you have a spare HDD you could try? or another cable?

It might also be a memory issue. Run memtest overnight.

 

[Chernobyl1]

Enginurd has some good ideas
Try downclocking the PC a little in case something is running out of spec.
This wont show up a graphics card / hard drive problem but could show a CPU, memory, PSU or motherboard issue.