Boot-up error

When I boot up Vista I have a black screen for a few minutes and then I get an error message - ????I,???? program not found - skipping AUTOCHECK -. The files start loading after this but the time it takes to load the start up files takes for ever.

Does any one know what the program or app is that shows in real time the start up files being loaded and any error messages or codes they generate. I remember using it back in college. ( It was back when DOS came on 1 floppy, I still have it some where.) I checked all my start up files and they all seem OK but I can't figure out which one is generating the error and I assume it'd also slowing down my computer. I have plenty of memory 53% free out of 3325MB.

Thank you

Can you boot into recovery mode if so that might be the place to start I believe it is F8 or F10, you could then do a system restore wihtout losing any of your documents, flies etc.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/194765-system-recovery-options.html

Do you have the full version of vista or did you get the factory recovery disk's, full version you can do a startup repair.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/91467-startup-repair.html

Here is some information from our and Sevens own Corrine. It is known as a KSOD, in the event you need further research
Mysterious Vista KSOD (blacK Screen Of Death) ~ Security Garden