Windows XP pro will not load after restart

This is a peculiar problem--When using the restart function (start--turn off computer---restart) windows will not reload---I get the post from the bios (hd is recognized) and can even enter my pwd to continue the reload process----But after entering my pwd---the screen goes blank and stays black----xp will not continue loading.

Now if I power off the pc using the power button---wait 10 seconds and then power on ---presto----xp loads as it should---what could be causing this peculiar problem----PS. using the reset button on the pc while xp is loaded-- forcing a restart yields the same results as in paragraph 1.

system
DFI lanparty mobo--nf4-ultra (socket 939)
Athlon 64 3.2 processor
ATI radeon 800 gto 256 mgb vid card
2 gig pc3200 400mghz memory modules--in slots 1 and 3(color coded) to use dual channel operation)
Win XP PRo sp2
Antec tru power 550 watt psu

Anyone have a clue as to what is going on??

hmm this may be caused on something you have done while using ur os , i suggest trying to boot into safe mode to see what the problem is , By pressing F8 till it comes up with options

Can get into Safe mode ---so what am i suppossed to look for after getting there?? to help resolve this issue??

If Safe Mode works then it may be a driver or program loading when back in Normal mode.
You could run MSCONFIG (Start-->Run-->msconfig) and select "Selective Startup" and clear the "Load Startup Items" and then confirm if Normal Mode now works.

If Normal mode then works ok, it would be a matter of selecting one startup at a time (whilst using msconfig and restarting after each change) until you find what Driver or Program is causing it.