In trying to fix a dvd tv port enabled issue, I foolishly disabled the VGA device. Now when starting up, screen goes black after Windows XP startup screen. I tried starting with F8 key and then enabling VGA, but to no avail. I tried starting up in Safe mode but just got black screen with lots of white text...but nothing else. Any suggestions how to get my monitor to work again? Thanks.

Where did you disable the VGA Device?

Do you have a Graphics Card or on-board VGA?

Are you sure that Safe Mode won't start? It takes a couple to few minutes as the screen reads all the drivers (that is the text that you see). Have you let it run for a few minutes?

From Safe Mode Options F8 you can also try System Restore.

If you disabled VGA in the BIOS then re enable it there.

If you have an on-board VGA port plug the monitor into that.

Disabled the VGA in Control panels. I'm afraid I don't know if I have a Graphics Card or on-board VGA. It is my mom's computer and I am a mac guy. Maybe I just need to let Safe mode run longer.
If I can get into safe mode, I think doing a system restore to yesterday's date would fix the problem. How do I know if there is an on-board VGA port plug? Again, I'm obviously pretty PC ignorant. Thanks.

As a general rule an on-board VGA port will be parallel with the motherboard and on the edge of the tower whereas a Graphics card port would be perpendicular and towards the center of the tower.

System Restore is usually offered as soon as you choose Safe Mode (before Safe Mode starts).

Otherwise let Safe mode run for a while (3 minutes perhaps of text. Drivers are being enumerated but the line is so long that it appears as if nothing is happening).

Thanks! I'll give it a shot.

The Safe Mode option didn't work. Just the same black screen with white text. I let it try for over 15 minutes, but nothing. I don't think it has a graphics card either. Any other ideas? Maybe try starting in "Safe Mode with a prompt", then type in a command for system restore? Do you know what that would be? I'm stumped. Thanks.

%SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe

I'll try it. Thanks again!

Unfortunately, the safe mode with prompt just gave the same screen as safe mode...black with white text, no response.

If there is no Graphics Card then the motherboard VGA should be accessible from the BIOS Setup.

You may also need to reload the motherboard VGA driver.

Do you know the make and model of the motherboard (and or computer)?

Do you know how to access the BIOS Setup? Usually pressing the Delete key right after powering on.