View Full Version : Windows 7 won't start up :(
DarrenSV650S
10-09-10, 04:04 PM
My laptop stopped responding so I held down the power button to shut it down. Now when it starts up it gets stuck just before the log on screen. It's just a black screen and the mouse cursor.
I have tried startup repair program in system recovery. It finds a problem and says it has fixed it but when it restarts it is black screen time again :(
Anything else I can try?
Have you left any removable media (e.g. SD cards) in the slots?
BigBaddad
10-09-10, 04:24 PM
Buy a new pc.
I had exactly the same about a month ago and ended up rebuilding my laptop :(
MisterTommyH
10-09-10, 04:33 PM
I had the same thing a while back. Ended up having to buy the recovery media from HP and re-installing.
Bet it's a laptop that came with Vista and you upgraded to 7 right?
DarrenSV650S
10-09-10, 04:44 PM
No there isnt any cards in. It came with vista and I put 7 on. It's been fine for ages though
Backups, always do backups :(
If the recoverys not worked, it sounds like a rebuild im afraid.
Ive had this exact same problem. It took a hell of alot of re-starts etc. I think it did it from over heating, but... Try hitting the windows key (the key to open the 'start' tab) this worked for me and it started up fine.
If you hit 'ctrl, alt, del' does it still open up the screen where you can select task manager?
DarrenSV650S
10-09-10, 05:33 PM
Backups, always do backups :(
If the recoverys not worked, it sounds like a rebuild im afraid.
Got all my files backed up but it's a pain having to reinstall everything
Ive had this exact same problem. It took a hell of alot of re-starts etc. I think it did it from over heating, but... Try hitting the windows key (the key to open the 'start' tab) this worked for me and it started up fine.
If you hit 'ctrl, alt, del' does it still open up the screen where you can select task manager?
ctrl alt delete doesn't do anything. It doesn't seem to respond to anything. If I leave it alone it just keeps restarting then going to the black screen for 5 minutes
MisterTommyH
10-09-10, 06:21 PM
It seems like a fairly common occurance with Win7 upgrades.
I know a few people who it's happened to, but not anyone who's brought with Win7 pre-installed.
Trouble is it's a software problem, so not covered by warrenty - and just try getting Microsoft to do anything about it. There have also been some issues with some of the windows updates.
Our IT department tried everying they knew (behind the OS) but nothing worked. Left it for days, it never got past the black screen with the arrow.
Hello I.T.
Have you tried switching it off and on again?
no_akira
10-09-10, 07:14 PM
Be brave take the plunge, download Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) never have to worry about malware, virus's or getting hold of a license key from some dodgy russian site. With Android / Meego OS (same family) on the current mobile devices being the latest buzz in IT.
Its the beginning of the "Year of Linux baby!" :geek:
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
ravingdavis
10-09-10, 07:19 PM
Be brave take the plunge, download Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) never have to worry about malware, virus's or getting hold of a license key from some dodgy russian site. With Android / Meego OS (same family) on the current mobile devices being the latest buzz in IT.
Its the beginning of the "Year of Linux baby!" :geek:
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
I've heard it said that it will be the year of Linux every year since I could understand English, yet to see it materialise however.
Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7 is notoriously fraught with problems and would recommend against it for people who have the time to avoid it. Your best bet is to rebuild and restore your data from your backup. Well done for keeping a backup by the way, way too many people don't.
andrewsmith
10-09-10, 09:04 PM
Press and hold F8 it should put you into recovery mode
beabert
10-09-10, 09:08 PM
F8 safe mode, should boot, then msconfig, turn all the startup crap off. See if that helps.
MisterTommyH
10-09-10, 11:12 PM
If it's the same problem as mine that won't help. It's a reinstall of Vista, and then if you're brave enought another upgrade to 7.
beabert
10-09-10, 11:22 PM
sfc /scannow wont hurt either, try.
Are you sure it's not just hungry and has ran out of energy?
Scythe92
10-09-10, 11:24 PM
Got all my files backed up but it's a pain having to reinstall everything
ctrl alt delete doesn't do anything. It doesn't seem to respond to anything. If I leave it alone it just keeps restarting then going to the black screen for 5 minutes
Can you find a windows 7 disc to download? Pretty sure they are available legally on the internet.
If you can, get it (it'll be a .iso file) and BurnISO (its a program). Use burniso to burn the iso file onto a dvd and start the computer up using the cd.
From there, select repair your computer and do a repair install. This will replace or repair all system files, usually fixes stuff like this.
Amplimator
11-09-10, 09:14 AM
I personally would never use the 'upgrade' option, leaves way too much sheet. Was the same tryin to upgrade from any of microsuks OS's (XP to vista, 32 to 64 etc)
I always do a full format and then instal the fresh new OS. Never had a problem that way.
Amplimator
11-09-10, 09:16 AM
Can you find a windows 7 disc to download? Pretty sure they are available legally on the internet.
If you can, get it (it'll be a .iso file) and BurnISO (its a program). Use burniso to burn the iso file onto a dvd and start the computer up using the cd.
From there, select repair your computer and do a repair install. This will replace or repair all system files, usually fixes stuff like this.
If the CD key on the d/load doesnt match that of the existing copy on the HDD it may not work. (least the ones i tried didnt)
EDIT; i even tried the 'unattended' versions and no key is needed for those!
DarrenSV650S
11-09-10, 11:31 AM
Tried safe mode already and it's the same black screen. It was a fresh install of 7, not an upgrade. Ive downloaded a new copy of 7 so I'll see if i can get it to do a repair later today
martin15s
11-09-10, 12:31 PM
how old is the laptop - IIRC laptops often have more problems on Windows upgrade due to driver conflicts - check to make sure that all components are compatible with Win 7, if not search for appropriate drivers - Win 7 with updates should recognize most setups but then again I have an iMac........
edit:- it is always better to do a clean install when upgrading a Windows system - format and then fresh install
Have you tried feeding it yet?
yorkie_chris
11-09-10, 01:22 PM
Be brave take the plunge, download Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) never have to worry about malware, virus's or getting hold of a license key from some dodgy russian site. With Android / Meego OS (same family) on the current mobile devices being the latest buzz in IT.
Its the beginning of the "Year of Linux baby!" :geek:
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
I've just switched to that... spooky stuff. Can't use it yet though... but getting there...
ThEGr33k
11-09-10, 01:58 PM
First off, NEVER upgrade an old install of an OS to a newer one (with windows at least), ALWAYS fresh install. Although it should work there are often things that dont work out :(
Be brave take the plunge, download Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) never have to worry about malware, virus's or getting hold of a license key from some dodgy russian site. With Android / Meego OS (same family) on the current mobile devices being the latest buzz in IT.
Its the beginning of the "Year of Linux baby!" :geek:
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
Im using that right now, and man it is FAST! Boots in no time and shuts down almost as soon as you press the shutdown... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4qG_ID-3rg thats it booting on ssd, fully usable in 14 seconds.
The only reason my other computer is running windows now is because I play games on it. If you just surf the web and play solitaire get ubuntu!!!! It might take a little getting used to but man its fast, also you can boot it from a Memory stick until you feel you want to take the plunge to fully install, or you can install it dual boot along side windows...
Press and hold F8 it should put you into recovery mode (when booting^^)
You should also be able to restore to previous version through that which is what I would advise.
Eventually get Windows 7 freshly installed somehow, it will get rid of any bloatware crap (you will no doubt have got it) with the computer and will make it run SOOOO much better it will be like a new computer. Its silly that MS let some companies spoil these computer manufacturers put the crap on them... tbh Im convinced this crap is the only reason apple can brag being better out of the box. Apple crap... ha ha.
DarrenSV650S
11-09-10, 02:15 PM
how old is the laptop - IIRC laptops often have more problems on Windows upgrade due to driver conflicts - check to make sure that all components are compatible with Win 7, if not search for appropriate drivers - Win 7 with updates should recognize most setups but then again I have an iMac........
edit:- it is always better to do a clean install when upgrading a Windows system - format and then fresh install
It's only a couple of years old. It has been fine for at least a year so no problems with drivers.
It was a fresh install of 7
First off, NEVER upgrade an old install of an OS to a newer one (with windows at least), ALWAYS fresh install. Although it should work there are often things that dont work out :(
Im using that right now, and man it is FAST! Boots in no time and shuts down almost as soon as you press the shutdown... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4qG_ID-3rg thats it booting on ssd, fully usable in 14 seconds.
The only reason my other computer is running windows now is because I play games on it. If you just surf the web and play solitaire get ubuntu!!!! It might take a little getting used to but man its fast, also you can boot it from a Memory stick until you feel you want to take the plunge to fully install, or you can install it dual boot along side windows...
(when booting^^)
You should also be able to restore to previous version through that which is what I would advise.
Eventually get Windows 7 freshly installed somehow, it will get rid of any bloatware crap (you will no doubt have got it) with the computer and will make it run SOOOO much better it will be like a new computer. Its silly that MS let some companies spoil these computer manufacturers put the crap on them... tbh Im convinced this crap is the only reason apple can brag being better out of the box. Apple crap... ha ha.
hmmm not sure if I've mentioned this already but.....
It was a fresh install of 7
ThEGr33k
11-09-10, 06:40 PM
Sorry if you already said it... didn't manage to read it all.
F8 help at all?
maviczap
11-09-10, 06:55 PM
My PC did this, although I was running XP not Windows 7. The problems were almost indentical, I'd done all the reinstalls & formatting the drive so it was a clean install.
I took out one of the 2 memory modules, which cured the fault.
Until I took out one of the memory modules it would not boot past the black screen.
After that it was fine, until the PSU went. Replaced that and everything is hunky dory.
I know I'm referring to a PC and not a laptop, but your fault maybe a hardware fault, not software.
Also make sure all the vents are clear so the cooling fans can disipate the heat. I read about a laptop that refused to boot until the owner sucked a load of crap out of the vent ports with a hoover, which then allowed the intenal fan to blow out the rest of the carp that was stopping the fan from working
DarrenSV650S
11-09-10, 07:11 PM
Startup Repair doesn't work. I haven't made any system restore points so that doesn't work.
Safe mode doesn't work
If I tell it to run from the "last known good configuration" it loads up the log on screen, but when I sign in, it goes to a white screen for a few minutes then goes to the blue screen and says "A problem has been detected and windows is shutting down bla bla bla"
"Directory services restore mode" and "Debugging mode" just go to the black screen again
The laptop of SWMBO had a similar problem. Turned out to be a rootkit which had screwed a system file. Flatten and rebuild away. :D
maviczap
11-09-10, 07:17 PM
Startup Repair doesn't work. I haven't made any system restore points so that doesn't work.
Safe mode doesn't work
If I tell it to run from the "last known good configuration" it loads up the log on screen, but when I sign in, it goes to a white screen for a few minutes then goes to the blue screen and says "A problem has been detected and windows is shutting down bla bla bla"
Yep, had all of these issues
christopher
11-09-10, 07:29 PM
Is there anything plugged in to your laptop when trying to boot? Like a USB mouse or an external monitor etc. I doubt it going off previous posts.
A long shot but can you (if you haven't already) try removing the power supply and battery, then pressing and holding the power button for about 30 seconds. Now insert the power supply - not the battery - and let it boot up.
DarrenSV650S
11-09-10, 07:38 PM
Is there anything plugged in to your laptop when trying to boot? Like a USB mouse or an external monitor etc. I doubt it going off previous posts.
A long shot but can you (if you haven't already) try removing the power supply and battery, then pressing and holding the power button for about 30 seconds. Now insert the power supply - not the battery - and let it boot up.
No nothing plugged in at all. Just tried the battery thing but no joy.
Looks like I'll have to reinstall 7
Electro
11-09-10, 07:51 PM
There is a windows 7 on the torrents that does not require a cd key if you have a search on isohunt, it works too letting you chose from the basic 7 upto ultimate which is on my lappie and i havent had an issue with it once.
no_akira
11-09-10, 07:57 PM
Microshaft are playing dirty with Windows 7. They've made it intentionally complicated / impossible to have both Win_7 and Linux running within a dual boot setup, which with XP was simples.
Basically its forcing the consumer into a blind alley of "no choice" only windows. Do you really want to continue supporting this aggressive form of monopolistic colonialism ?
Ubuntu Lucid Lynx is a very polished / competent OS that is now on all this households computers (MythTV media centre [lounge] / office PC + his & hers netbooks). I can watch TV streamed to any device throughout the house (netbook in bed).
Recently changed over my Mum as the nephews kept blitzing her XP.
Me: "Hows your new Ubuntu OS mum ?"
Mum: "Have you changed it, I never noticed !"
I haven't received 1 call in the last 5 months, almost a record !
christopher
11-09-10, 08:00 PM
Have you plugged your laptop hard drive into another machine and run a full virus/malware scan on it?
Microshaft are playing dirty with Windows 7. They've made it intentionally complicated / impossible to have both Win_7 and Linux running within a dual boot setup, which with XP was simples.
Eh? Works fine here; grub takes care of it all and autodetects the win7 partition.
DarrenSV650S
11-09-10, 08:28 PM
There is a windows 7 on the torrents that does not require a cd key if you have a search on isohunt, it works too letting you chose from the basic 7 upto ultimate which is on my lappie and i havent had an issue with it once.
Yeh I've got an unlocked version
Have you plugged your laptop hard drive into another machine and run a full virus/malware scan on it?
No I don't have a PC
christopher
11-09-10, 08:34 PM
Ah fair enough, a quick search reveals a few things similar to this (http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/27414-blank-screen-cursor-but-no-log-screen.html#post766505) which points at a virus screwing around with permissions. How true that is and if it's the problem you have I don't know. But a full virus/malware check should be high on the priority list in most situations (suprised it hadn't been mentioned, didn't scan the whole thread to begin with).
suprised it hadn't been mentioned,
Turned out to be a rootkit which had screwed a system file.
:D
christopher
11-09-10, 08:43 PM
Shows how much attention I pay to what's written eh...
no_akira
11-09-10, 10:38 PM
Eh? Works fine here; grub takes care of it all and autodetects the win7 partition.
I may have over exaggerated the problem just to slag off MS :oops:, is was more with the earlier Beta version. Win_7 only liked it if it was on the HD0,0 partition. I think it has been fixed in the final version...
Parted Magic will generally solves lots of these types of problems for you... http://partedmagic.com/download.html (shameless plug, but its my favorite diagnostic tool)
So if you've got grub on your PC simesB what exotic version of Linux / BSD are you running ?
So if you've got grub on your PC simesB what exotic version of Linux / BSD are you running ?
Nothing exotic; was running Mandrake (now Mandriva) and moved to Ubuntu (Hardy). Everything has been updated to Lucid and grub2 is the default bootloader. I use Ubuntu exclusively, but SWMBO lappy is Ubuntu/Win7 dual boot.
What's the latest Ubuntu? I think there's a new one out real soon.. I am thinking of swapping over as long as it supports Dual-Core processors...
What's the latest Ubuntu? I think there's a new one out real soon.. I am thinking of swapping over as long as it supports Dual-Core processors...
Lucid is current - something beginning with M will be out in April next year. Dual core is not a problem.
DarrenSV650S
11-09-10, 11:53 PM
Just did a fresh install. It's not the install that takes ages, it's sorting out all the crap 7 features.
Turn off the idiot warnings
Turn off half the crap in the system tray
Get rid of internet explorer
Run live messenger in vista mode so it doesn't have two windows open all the time and wont go in the tray
Turn off all the log on/off noises and the navigate noise
Get the taskbar looking a bit more normal
Get the show desktop icon back to where it should be
Sort out the power options
Get the 2637million updates windows needs
Still need to get firefox to stay in the quick launch bit properly
ThEGr33k
12-09-10, 09:49 AM
What's the latest Ubuntu? I think there's a new one out real soon.. I am thinking of swapping over as long as it supports Dual-Core processors...
10.04 is the latest ubuntu, think its only been out a couple of months now so pretty new!
ravingdavis
13-09-10, 11:47 AM
10.04 is the latest ubuntu, think its only been out a couple of months now so pretty new!
10.4 came out 2010 04. See the correlation?
They release a new version every six months so the new one will be out next month and will thus be 10.10.
Hurrah for intelligent version numbers.
yorkie_chris
14-09-10, 01:08 PM
10.4 came out 2010 04. See the correlation?
They release a new version every six months so the new one will be out next month and will thus be 10.10.
Hurrah for intelligent version numbers.
Hopefully not too different, I can barely use this one yet lol
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