Booting up problem

[ukthesis]

Not sure if this is the right forum.

However, occasionally when I boot up this system (Windows 7 home edition, desktop PC), in the middle of booting up, it "asks" me to press (on a black screen) the option "Starting Windows Normally." There are other options, but I have to be quick. It only gives me 10 seconds to decide. It I am away from the PC when this happens, it automatically chooses that default.

But, if I am away and if I don't press the enter button on that option, when I come to the desktop screen, after it's booted up, my mouse does not work. I can press the mouse's left or right buttons and it has no effect on the browser, email or anything else on the screen program-wise.

I then have to switch the PC off at the plug (the Start and Shut Down buttons don't work either).

If I press the enter button (because I happen to be in front of the screen for that 10 seconds window) on the Starting Windows Normally option, all is then well. I can use my PC again. But I need to be here to press that enter button, which is the problem. And why this screen comes up at all is a mystery.

There is clearly an error. It only occurs occasionally when I switch the system on. Someone suggested an issue at the BIOS level but he's only guessing and I have no idea what do do.

 

[NecroticisM666]

I guess doing a start up repair should help you on this..

 

[ukthesis]

Thanks but how would that be done? I do know that messing about with the BIOS can lead to disaster if one is (like myself) not technically sophisticated. So please very simply instructions. And if this doesn't work, will the system still be okay?

Is there also a BIOS update thing?

If I have to return it for repair, what's your thoughts on the problem here?

 

[gregrocker]

Next time reboot the computer and tap the F8 key repeatedly, on the Advanced Boot Options
menu choose Repair My Computer, accept any offered Repair, if not click through to Recovery Tools list to run Startup Repair a few times.

Check optional Windows Updates to make sure you have the latest mouse driver and all important updates.

If this fails, enter Device Manager to Uninstall the mouse driver, reboot computer to let it reinstall. Driver Install - Device Manager

 

[ukthesis]

Thank you. Can I go to Safe Mode for this? I am not technically sophisticated, but I do know that fiddling with BIOS if you aren't sure can lead to bad things happening to a PC, including system shutdown if I press the wrong button, etc. Would Safe Mode enable this procedure to be conducted safely?

In addition, if it does go for repair, what's your thoughts on the possible cause of this problem?

 

[gregrocker]

Nothing was said about entering BIOS or the need for Safe Mode. Please follow the steps I gave and if you have any questions about those specific steps and not imaginary ones, please ask back.

 

[ukthesis]

Thank you again. I know that with the BIOS system, you have to be cautious and careful.

I've gone to:

If this fails, enter Device Manager to Uninstall the mouse driver, reboot computer to let it reinstall. Driver Install - Device Manager

But all it mentions up there is XP, or updating to 7 from XP.

On updates, I have the Windows updates (checked today) and would that include the mouse update? When this fault occurs I can move the mouse on the screen, but it just won't open anything up.

 

[gregrocker]

I provided the link to show you how to access the Device manager. Open the mouse driver, click on Driver tab, and choose Uninstall, then use the computer Power Button to shut down and restart to reinstall mouse driver.

 

[ukthesis]

Okay thanks, and I will try it when I have a bit of time. As a matter of interest though, there doesn't seem to be a Power Button here. Unlike my earlier PC, this is a different setup. Tried to find an on/off button on the PC tower but no luck.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you serious that you cannot find a Power button on your PC? Check the plastic molding to see if it is recessed into it so that it isn't visible. Check the top and front carefully inch-by-inch. I've never heard of a PC not having a power button at all. And it isn't good to use the power cord or even the PSU switch.

 

[Britton30]

What is the make/model number of your PC?

 

[karlsnooks]

Okay thanks, and I will try it when I have a bit of time. As a matter of interest though, there doesn't seem to be a Power Button here. Unlike my earlier PC, this is a different setup. Tried to find an on/off button on the PC tower but no luck.

Possibly concealed behind a door.

To resolve this problem, the full and complete supplyiing of your System Specs is required:
Update your SevenForums System Specs
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To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
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Provide full windows version info, for example:
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Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

 

[Arc]

As a matter of interest though, there doesn't seem to be a Power Button here.

A PC must have a power button

Unlike my earlier PC, this is a different setup.

Yes, it varies from model to model, but still, it must be there.

Tried to find an on/off button on the PC tower but no luck.

When you used your PC for the last time, when you started it up, you first pressed a button on the switchboard, from which the power line goes to the computer . Then you press another button on the UPS (if you have/need one, if you dont have a UPS, this step should be omitted ), and finally you press another button on your computer's case , which actually starts your pc up.
That is called power button. There is another button, too ... Reset . It restarts a computer. Usually it situates near about the power button; otherwise the word "Reset" is written there .

 

[ukthesis]

I have since found it, but it's one where you have to use your finger nail to press it. I was using my finger before now and that's why it didn't work and why I asked. And Gregrocker try to just be helpful and not sarcastic.

 

[aem]

Is it a server?

What is the make and model as someone already asked.

 

[karlsnooks]

Glad to hear you located the problem.

Incidentally, Greg wasn't being sarcastic but rather 100% truthful.

From your problem statement, one could easily come to the conclusion that you thought that the computer did not have a power button.

In any case, glad to hear that all's well.

 

[Arc]

And Gregrocker try to just be helpful and not sarcastic.

Gregrocker is one of the most helpful guys . A huge number of persons (including this poster) are benefited by him . Accept his advises , you will be out of your issue, and there is a chance of gather knowledge from his posts, too !

 

[ukthesis]

No problem then. Can I ask? After going into the BIOS system, and if I screw up in some way (perhaps pressing the wrong command prompt for example) how do I get back to the default options that were there at the start (before I intervened).

 

[marsmimar]

No problem then. Can I ask? After going into the BIOS system, and if I screw up in some way (perhaps pressing the wrong command prompt for example) how do I get back to the default options that were there at the start (before I intervened).

With all due respect, your initial problem doesn't sound like a BIOS issue so for now I wouldn't worry about accessing the BIOS. It sounds like it might be a driver problem, or perhaps you have some damaged or corrupt system files. The tutorial provided by Greg shows how to access device drivers through device manager. If, for some reason you can't use that method, you could also click on Start > right click on computer > Properties > Hardware tab > device manager button.

If you want to check for damaged or corrupt system files you could run a System File Checker scan from an elevated command prompt. If it find any problems run it at least 3 times.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

If and when it's recommended you access the BIOS, there are several "fail safe" prompts before any changes are made. Like: are you sure, click enter to save, etc. My personal way of dealing with the BIOS is to take a pencil and piece of paper to write down exactly where I've gone in the BIOS, what steps I took, and what the "before and after" changes were.

 

[Britton30]

No problem then. Can I ask? After going into the BIOS system, and if I screw up in some way (perhaps pressing the wrong command prompt for example) how do I get back to the default options that were there at the start (before I intervened).

Hi, no one has asked you to go to BIOS. I think you are mistaking BIOS for going to Device Manager and Advanced Boot Options. Please read over the tutorials supplied, print if needed, and follow the steps in the order provided. They are perfectly safe.

As for the tutorial marsmimar linked, all you do is go to the Start button rb:type cmd then on Command Prompt, right click and click Run as Administrator. With the command window open simply type this exactly, sfc /scannow. Not the space between sfc and /scannow, plus the two "n".