Windows not starting - can't access Safe Mode

Local Hero · 14 Oct 2012

I was on my computer today (Win 7) and programs just started shutting down and the computer reset. The computer starts back up (Asus) and when it gets to the point where windows starts, the screen goes black and there is a blinking cursor line. Not buttons work at that point.

In my manual for the Asus and it says to select a boot device, press f8 when he Asus logo appears, to access Windows in Safe Mode press f8 after post. I start pressing f8 at all different times, but all I can get is the boot device menu or a blank screen.

I put in the WIN 7 disc and told it to do a startup repair - it says nothing is wrong. I try a system recover from a few days ago, and it has an error and can't do anything.

I was running Norton Virus and it didn't pick up anything before the crash, I also have Norton Ghost and I think I have a backup from a few days ago. But I can't seem to access anything.

I'm not too big of a computer nerd, so I'm out of ideas. Can I get any help?

gregrocker · 14 Oct 2012

Work through these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.

But if you're running Norton crapware and the original corrupt factory preinstall then I'd skip to rescuiing my files and doing the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 following the best practices and using the tools and methods which get and maintain a perfect Win7 installation based on tens of thousands we've helped with here..