In my stupidity, I have managed to disable my default graphics adaptor/monitor and although windows sounds as though it is still booting ok, of course the screen is now blank. This means that I cannot see to re-enable the display. Can I perform this using the Windows XP repair console and if so, how. I have loaded the repair console ok but I come to a dead-end when it gets to the command prompt.

Can anyone help?

Many thanks

Type the following command at a command prompt:

start devmgmt.msc

I am getting "The command is not recognised"

ENABLE

enable servicename start_type

You can use the enable command to enable a Windows system service or driver.

Use the listsvc command to display all eligible services or drivers to enable. The enable command prints the old start type of the service before resetting it to the new value. It is a good idea to note the old value, in case you have to restore the start type of the service.

Valid options for start_type are:

SERVICE_BOOT_START
SERVICE_SYSTEM_START
SERVICE_AUTO_START
SERVICE_DEMAND_START

If you do not specify a new start type, the enable command prints the old start type for you.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

many thanks Jephree

I am rapidly getting out of my depth here though.

Could you possibly give a quick rundown of what these mean

Sorry I missed this yesterday.

My thought was in the Recovery Console try listsvc in order to try and find the service or driver/device you disabled then run a SERVICE_..._START on that service or device/driver.

On further reflection I am not sure that this will work but it is worth a try.

As the monitor works in the BIOS you might try the BIOS Setup and Restore Defaults.

Also if you have on-board VGA move your monitor plug to the motherboard from the graphics card.