Here is a weird one,

Got computer with Windows XP. It's getting stuck on a black screen with cursor blinking.

What did I do: - Boot from installation CD (recovery option - command line):

  chkdsk C: /R
  copy D:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\
  copy D:\i386\ntldr c:\
  fixmbr
  fixboot

Chkdsk showed 0 bad sectors and no problems during scan. dir on C:\ shows all directories and files in place (Windows, Program Files, Documents and Settings). BIOS shows correct boot drive.

Still does not boot. Not sure what to think of.

Please help.

UPDATE: Just performed these steps:

• Backed up current disk C: (without MBR) using True Image to external hard drive
• Ran Windows XP clean installation with deleting all partitions and creating new one.

Hard drive booted fine into Windows GUI installation!!!

Then:

• Interrupted installation.
• Booted from True Image recovery CD and restored archive of disk C to an new partition.

Same issue with black screen.