Server 2003 SP2 - I'm having a problem getting a server to boot properly, it just sits at the Microsoft Windows screen with the scroll bar scrolling forever. I can boot the system into Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking but if I run Msconfig (from safe Mode) and select Diagnostic Startup the system still sits at the Microsoft Windows screen with the scroll bar scrolling when I try to boot normally. What would still be loading with a Diagnostic Startup that wouldn't when booting to Safe Mode?

Hi Don, In safe-mode when you access msconfig. possible to untick the unecessary startup services ? Perhaps you wanna try to performed a clean-boot ? Well i suspect the OS wasn't stable. in the safe-mode possible for you to check eventlogs ? Kindly check if there is any apps or systems error message :) start > run > eventvwr alternative solution will be systems restore. Try to role back to the earlier stage before this problem occur :) Hope to assist you further ;)Guowen Su | CCNA, CCIP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, MCITP, CEH | http://www.microsoft.com/en/sg/default.aspx Our Goal? VERY SATISFIED Customers. If you're not...let's talk!!

Hi, When you start the computer in Safe mode, Windows loads only the basic drivers and computer services that you need. The diagnostic startup option enables Windows to determine which basic device drivers and software to load when you start Windows. As the server can only boot into Safe mode but not Diagnostic Startup now, the boot up issue may be caused by a conflict with the hardware settings or the resources. There may be incompatibilities with programs, services, or drivers, or there may be registry damage. In Safe mode, you can disable or remove a program, service, or device driver that may prevent the computer from starting. I would like to suggest you refer to the links below to troubleshoot the startup issue: How to troubleshoot startup problems in Windows Server 2003 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325375#top Repairing Windows Server 2003 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa998051(EXCHG.65).aspx Disaster Recovery - Boot Options for Windows Server 2003 / 2008 http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/disaster_recovery_boot.htm Regards,Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.