windows is not starting

When I try to startup my computer the first dos screen shows asking if I want to use recovery console but nothing happens after that. Even when I select using recovery it gets stuck in "starting windows recovery console" screen with the white bar across the bottom.

System manufacturer and model?

You have the Recovery Console on CD...or is it installed on the system?

You've tried safe mode options?

Any error messages? Post the exact wording, if such appear onscreen.

At what point does the attempted boot fail?

Louis

System manufacturer and model?
Custom built by daughter's exboyfriend.

You have the Recovery Console on CD...or is it installed on the system?
Installed.

You've tried safe mode options?
No, l'm not sure how to do that.

Any error messages? Post the exact wording, if such appear onscreen.
No. Last night I'd been downloading a beta client for a game and it seemed to get bogged down so I stopped the download and shutdown planning to resume today. I don't know ifthis is important or irrelevant.

At what point does the attempted boot fail
None of the windows initiating screens come up. The screen never progresses past the black screen.

Attempting safe mode by f8 has no effect. I can access BIOS but don't know enough not to mess things up.

Hi -
Just a thought , has someone used Combofix and that is the recovery screen that you see -
Have you got another option except using 'starting windows recovery console' , as it may also have Normal startup listed there -
Arrow down from your keyboard could give another option -
If this is not relevent , please stay with hamluis and his instructions -

Thank You -

When you press F8 at the start do you get to a black page with white lettering? If you do there should be options toward the top for Safe Mode. Use the up and down keys on the keyboard to maneuver to the option that you want. To select the option press Enter on your keyboard.