Black Screen, Blinking Cursor

D

db2496

New Member
Hi everyone.

First time I've ever had a problem with my laptop in the 3.5 years that I've had it to this point that I have no idea how to fix.

I got overloaded with viruses/malware, but did remove all of it with MalwareBytes. Then, my computer froze and shut off later on, and became in the state that it is in right now.

When I try to boot normally, or click f8 to boot in safe mode, a black screen with a blinking underscore appears in the top left hand corner, and stays like that.

So, I ran f2 + f10, to get to the Setup Utility, and ran the Primary and Secondary Hard Disk Self Test, as well as the Memory Test - and all three tests came back with no errors found.

What else is there to do?

Thanks very much for any help!

-Dan
 

My Computer

System One

Welcome (didn't we meet before)

If your computer can boot from a dvd, this may help
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.


Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.
  • Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
  • Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
  • Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.
Then this may be something to try
http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/windows-vista-hangs-at-a-black-screen-when-booting-up/
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Thanks - there was a lot of good ideas/info there.

So, maybe if you could help consolidate some of this for me...

I am 100% unable to reach Safe Mode (f8 brings me to the same blank screen), and the system recovery option (f11 I believe) also leads me into a "black hole."

Currently, the only thing I can do is reach the BIOS Setup Utility thru either f2 or f10.

That said, is my best (only) bet remaining to try and find my Vista CD and go from there? Or is there anything I can do on the f2/f10 menus? Like I mentioned in my initial post, I ran the diagnostics, and everything came back OK.

Thanks very much.
 

My Computer

System One

Worried about losing your stuff; that great pic or maybe some work documents etc?

One thing that you can do if you can reach bios is set computer to boot from DVD
Then follow my post.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
No actually not at all. I'm a student, and the end of the semester is here... and almost as a ritual, I restore my comp to factory settings every other year to get it working as fast as it was out of the box again. So, in preparation for that this year, I backed every song, picture, paper, etc. on an external HD last week -- so, I am really not worried about losing everything, as I've already backed it up!

Also, I have a 2x HD, so I back everything on the C: on the D:, and have found all the stuff on the D: to still be there when I reformat the C:
 

My Computer

System One

Thats good
Can you do the factory reset?
Since you probably cannot
With another computer create a repair DVD and follow my above post.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
No, I can't do a factory reset. I will follow your advice on creating the DVD.

Unfortunately, my other laptop - the netbook I'm using now - doesn't have a CD Drive, so I'll have to wait until later in the week when I get home and can use a family member's computer.

When I insert the CD into the machine, will the computer automatically recognize it and attempt to load from it? If this is detailed in the instructions from that site, I apologize, and just let me know!

Thanks for you help, and I'll let you know how it turns out!
 

My Computer

System One

No you have to go into BIOS, which you said you can do and then set to boot from cd/dvd.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/205005-boot-priority-change.html

If you finally give up you can call your computer dealer or Microsoft and get for cost a Vista DVD. If you have a key number, you can get the DVD for about $25.00
You can reinstall.
If it were me, Id go for about 125 and get a Windows 7 upgrade. You can come here and we will show you how to do a clean install, just like the full price DVD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top