Computer Occasionally Stops in the Boot-up Phase

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

I have a new Dell Dimension 8400 and use Windows XP/ Professional Edition.
Recently, I have noted that computer stalls during the boot up phase and
never gets to the Windows XP screen. This problem began last Saturday night.
Coincidentally, I downloaded and installed 8 WINDOWS UPDATES from Microsoft
that afternoon. Does anyone have any suggestions on the cause of this problem
and how to correct it? I have Symantec's Internet Security with Antivirus and
Personal Firewall protection active at all times.
--
Len