Black Screen with cursor after login - no explorer.exe

dank57 · 30 Apr 2014

After booting the computer and logging in I am at a black screen with a cursor, I can use ctrl+alt+dlt to open task manager. I am not able to open explorer.exe

I had problems with the Blue screen of death multiple times and ended up doing a complete factory restore on my computer. After the factory restore is when I encountered this current problem with the black screen.

I've seen numerous posts on this topic, but none have lead me in the correct direction since many of the solutions required being able to open explorer.exe

The black screen with cursor also happens in safe mode. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated and I will need it somewhat dumbed down for the instructions. Thanks.

Gateway - All in One PC - ZX4951
Windows 7 Home Premium

-Andrew

ICIT2LOL · 30 Apr 2014

Hello and welcome Andrew as you are willing to reinstall then I suggest you do this
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 make sure you pick the right version from the list of ISO's as the wrong one will show up as invalid width the activation code on your machine sticker.
To pick the right version see pic and as an advantage this will get rid of all the factory bloatware:)

You will of course need access to another machine to download that ISO - I use a disk but a stick will do I just prefer the disk myself.

dank57 · 01 May 2014

I successfully burned the iso file to my usb flash stick.

The computer froze several times while trying to even begin the installation process. I had to hard shut down each time. I even tried in Safe Mode and had the same freezing problems. (Freezing has been a problem the computer had even before I ever did a factory system restore).

Now, I finally got to a point where I could Install Windows to partition 3, when right near the end the installation was canceled and a popup window came up which says:

Windows cannot copy files required for installation. The files may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available, and restart installation. Error code: 0x80070241

I downloaded the iso file that you had circled above ( x86 SP1 ) though i'm wondering if I actually need the x64 iso file since the computer i'm putting this on is 64 bit?

ICIT2LOL · 01 May 2014

Yes mate that is the problem I only circled the x86 version as an example you need the 64bit one which is just below it if I didn't explain it well then please accept my apologies I thought I added a window with instructions on it.
In summary you need whatever version you have that activation for and make the ISO for that version . So for say Home Premium 64bit you need to click on that for the ISO or if it were Professional 32bit then you would look out that version for its ISO

Again sorry if I was not more clear.
John