Computer goes to flashing cursor after post before windows

Pat1487 · 29 May 2012

Ive had this computer for about 5 years and recently it has started to boot up really slowly

It goes through post like normal and then hangs on a black screen with a blinking cursor in the top left for up to 3 mins (maybe more, i didnt actually time it) before the windows 7 splash screen comes up
I rarely re-start my computer, but now when i do im always afraid that it wont start up with how long it sits at that screen

The stuff ive found in searching about it has been about computers that dont boot at all when they have this screen, so im worried that will happen to me
Ive also found that it might be the MBR being damaged, but in all those cases the people with that problem have more than 1 OS installed, i only have 1 installed

I would just do the steps to repair the MBR but i want to make sure there isnt another/better solution before i do

The computer runs fine other than this problem
I've never formatted it (i know i probably should after 5 years but i dont want to)

I didnt know where to post this sort of thing, debugging seemed like the best choice

writhziden · 29 May 2012

When was the last time you cleaned the dust out of the system. The behavior you describe could be due to your processor overheating and throttling. Overheating is often the result of dust buildup on fans and on electronics themselves.

To remove dust, follow the subsequent general procedure. If you have a desktop bought from Dell, HP, Sony, Lenovo, etc. make sure removing the desktop casing will not void your warranty first. Call the company if you are still under warranty and ask if it is okay to remove the casing and blow dust out. The procedure described is fine for laptops; just make sure no stickers are on panels saying if you remove the panel it will void the warranty.

Shut down and turn off your computer.
Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
Remove the casing for a desktop, or remove any screwed on panels and disc drives for laptops.
Blow out the dust inside by using a can of compressed air or a low pressure compressor. You will want to put the computer on a desk or table so you can maintain the can in an upright position if using a can of air. Blow into all crevices on the motherboard, heat sinks, cards, modules, etc. for a desktop. Blow into vents, opened panels, disc drive areas, USB ports, and the keyboard if it is a laptop. You may also want to blow inside the disc drive by replacing the drive to the laptop, starting the computer, opening the drive, and then turning off the computer and removing all power as described above including the 30 second power button step. For a desktop, you may also want to blow inside the disc drive by starting the computer, opening the drive, and then turning off the computer and removing all power as described above including the 30 second power button step.
Replace casing for the desktop. Replace panels and disc drive (if you have not already done so) for the laptop.
Plug power supplies in. AC adapter for the desktop. Battery and then AC Adapter for the laptop.
Start the computer and see if performance is better.

Also, please fill in your system specs to provide us more information about the system. Right now, all I know is it is a computer; I do not even know whether it is a desktop or laptop system...

Use System Info - See Your System Specs to fill in your specs in your profile and not in a post in this thread.