Windows 7: Not able to login on startup

First off I'd like to say I'm new to the forums and I apologize if I have posted this question in the incorrect area. I've just been having some trouble with my laptop lately, and have searched all over the internet for a solution. I can't find anything, so I decided I'd state my problem and hope someone could help.

The computer I'm using is a Dell Inspiron 1564. I've only had it a few months and it's been working great until last night. I had just finished up a game of Team Fortress 2 and exited out of the game. It brought me to my desktop, with parts of the game's main menu still showing. I gave it a few minutes to respond and it never did so naturally I brought up the Task Manager.

I attempted to end the process and it would not work. I gave it more than enough time before I ran out of patience and manually shut down my computer. Upon startup it gave me two options 'Run Windows Normally' and 'Launch Startup Repair.' I have tried both and had no success. I have also tried repairing my OS by inserting my Windows 7 disk to no avail.

After choosing a method, it brings up 'Windows is loading files...' and after it is done with that it will bring up the splash page (for lack of a better name) where the Windows 7 logo is usually present. My Windows 7 logo, however, is not there. It continues to go through the process of setting everything up until it hits my login screen.

Once at the login screen, it appears to be ready for me to login. The only problem is there is no area provided to enter my password and my picture is not displayed. Just the default background.

I've tried everything I can think of, and multiple things I've read, but I just can't get it to work. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for such a long post, I just didn't want to leave anything out.

Hello dmberry, welcome to Seven forums!




The first, easiest thing to try is a system restore, be sure to use a point before the issue started, have a look at the tutorial at the link below.


How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7

And how would I access that exactly, seeing as I'm not able to get to my desktop or any programs? Is it an option under 'Startup Repair?' Because I can't get to that either. :\

Did you not look at the tutorial, Methos Two?




Have a look at this.


How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc

Yes I did, but I can't get to that screen. Something is messed up with my startup. I've only been able to get to the System Repair menu once and even then I wasn't able to fix anything.

Can you get into safe mode with the F8 key during boot-up ?

This is all it shows:

Loaded: \Windows\system32\config\system

Then it goes back to 'Windows is loading files...', then to the green bars loading, then to a black screen for a few minutes, and then finally back to my default background with my cursor.

Can anyone help? I've tried using my Windows 7 re-installation CD and using a USB drive to boot system repair. Nothing is working. It gets to System Recovery Options and hangs.

Am I correct in saying you dont have a win 7 dvd? just a re-install dvd?

Yes.