I get a black screen after signing on at the sign on page. This happens every time that I attemt to sign on. I also cannot turn off the computer with the power button, it only turns off if I unplug the power cord. This happens after I get the black screen.

Is this a new problem? Any new hardware or software?

Can you boot into Safe Mode?

What is the make and model of the computer?

Thanks for the reply. I'll get the answers back to you as soon I can. The computer is my daughters and she does not live at home. I know it is an emachine PC purchased in 2002.

jefree, I'm back! The computer is an emachine T1150 with XP Home. Here is an update, when I power on, I get nothing but a black screen except for the small box with the monitor setting icons in it. I cannot get any movement when trying to change the settings and when I attempt to power down the PC, I have to unplug it for this to happen. Could it be the graphics card? Any help would be appreciated.

Are you familiar with working inside the case?

If so I would remove all the RAM and then try to boot.

You should get continuous BEEPING if your case or board speaker is working.

Here is a good general read regarding working inside the case:

http://www.d-a-l.com/articles/library/72.html

Thanks!! I Am Somewhat Familiar With In Case Work, Such As Ram Install. I Will Try This When I Am At Her House In The Next Couple Of Days. I Will Contact You Then. Thanks Again!!!

If I Do Not Get A Constant Beeping, What Does That Mean???

If the speaker works and you get no BEEPS with no RAM it is highly suggestive of a dead motherboard. There are many other tests to go to from here/there but if it does BEEP we can assume at least that the motherboard is alive.

Sometimes just re-seating the RAM works wonders.

Could very well be a failing PSU.

jefree, I removed the ram as you advised and I got no sound at all when I tried to power on. After reseating the ram I still got very little response: black screen, cd/dvd won't open, won't shut down with power button. Couldn't tell if the speakers were working. The fan does come on in the PSU and the light is on at the power button. Now it doesn't get to the sign on page, it is black from the getgo.

Do you know if the case or board speaker ever worked?

On a good boot you should hear one BEEP after the BIOS POST clears.

Do you know if you were accustomed to hearing this one BEEP?