computer stays stuck at the windows splash screen

[shashgo]

Doesnt want to proceed to the desktop screen.  Its running windows xp home, and its a ibm thinkpad laptop. 

How do I fix it so that it will bootup properly?  I am defragmenting it right now, which is going by real slow.  I want to run an antivirus scan on it next, but if I go into safe mode, the antivirus software doesnt install completely.

so what can i do?

[Broni]

Will it boot OK to Safe Mode?

[JJ 3000]

Do you have your XP CD?

[shashgo]

yes it boots okay to safe mode, and  no I don t have my original windows xp cd.  I do have a windows XP CD for a different computer

[Broni]

Did this problem just occur? Any new software, hardware?
Please, describe when, and how it happened?
Did you try System Restore from Safe Mode?
You can use that CD to try some repairs, but answer the above questions, first.

[patio]

As long as it's not an OEM (manuf.) CD.

[shashgo]

broni,

The computer does go into safe mode, but even when I restore it to the earliest restore point the problem still occurs: the machine will not boot up past the splash screen in normal mode.  The first thing I did in safe mode is to defragment, and this was taking an awfully long time, I was at 40% after three hours.  But that didnt seem to do anything.  How do I run a  virus check in safe mode if there is no antivirus already installed.

[Broni]

Why you don't have any antivirus installed?
Is your Windows firewall on?

Did this problem just occur? Any new software, hardware?

[shashgo]

I tried to reformat the HD so I could start all over from scratch.  But the HD doesnt reformat all the way , it stays stuck at 57%.  Does that mean the HD is bad?

[patio]

You're trying things without waiting for replies and not providing info that is requested...
This method of troubleshooting normally leads to a clean install of Windows.

[shashgo]

okay, is there an antivirus intalled.  No there isnt.  Is the windows firewalll on. yes it is.

How would I know or find out if the drive itself is bad

[BC_Programmer]

how is windows firewall on when you've rendered it essentially non-bootable via a partial format?

[shashgo]

bc programmer,

no no , windows firewall was active when the non booting prooblem began.  I know it was cause i had activated it before the  problem started.

[BC_Programmer]

the problem vector is totally different now- how long did you wait for it to format?

[shashgo]

about id say four hours, it went fine till 57% and then just stayed there