My computer boots to a black screen with the mouse present...

[jsnmcgill]

Hello all, I was letting someone use my computer and now I'm having all sorts of issues. I have started several threads about my issues, but I will reiterate them for the purpose of getting help. First, I installed ESET Security 6 then problems popped up. The usage of my RAM is way too high. I have 8gb in my laptop and the usage ranges from 24% to over 50% and no programs are open. Obviously I have processes running but I don't know which ones I can shut down. Then my Office 13 shortcut folder disappeared. I cannot find the shortcuts anymore and have to open word by opening an existing document and start a new one from there. Then my computer began freezing and my burning software quit working. I had to turn my laptop off, restart it, and then start windows normally. So I got some advice to install Malwarebytes and run a scan in safe mode with networking. Malwarebytes detected seven malicious entities all of which were variations of C:\ProgramData\InstallMate{number sequence}. All were removed and I restarted my laptop to initiate the removal. Once I did that the welcome screen ran for way longer than it usually does and then it changed to a black screen with my mouse present. I can use the computer in all variations of safe mode but that's it. I do not have a windows OS disk to reinstall or repair whatever damage has been done. I do not have a restore point for some reason, that disappeared, and all I want is my computer back to before I lent it out. Thanks in advance. Any help is appreciated.

My PC just froze in safe mode with networking. I'm going to kill my friend.

Would an easy fix be to just get Windows 8, I was thinking about going there, or another Windows 7 and reinstalling the OS? If yes, then would I lose all my programs?

 

[ThrashZone]

Black screen after login, cruiser still works,
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproperf/thread/d47aece7-5e12-46ec-8d3e-e8671730a7ce

 

[VistaKing]

Inside Safe Mode with Networking download the tool below

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool


64-Bit Version OS Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64 <===== Download Link

Drag the FRST64.exe from the Downloads folder to your Desktop

Right click on FRST64.exe and choose

When the tool opens click Yes on the disclaimer window .

Press Scan button.

FRST will let you know when the scan is complete and has written the FRST.txt to file

   Note

The first time Farbar Recovery Scan Tool is run, it makes also another log Addition.txt

Please upload both logs in your reply.(FRST.txt and Addition.txt)

:note: FRST.txt and Addition.txt will be on the Desktop :note:

Upload a File
Click on the Go Advanced button under the Message box . Scroll down to Additional Options then click on Manage Attachments in the Attach Files sections . Click the Browse button locate the file then click on the Open button . In the Upload File from your Computer section click on the Upload button . Wait until it finishes uploading then close the window . Then click Submit Reply .

 

[gregrocker]

You don't need anything other than Win7 and your AV to startup with Windows, so establish a Clean Boot, run SFC /SCANNOW Command as shown in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7. Then if you want to drag it out work through the other steps.

However I'd strongly consider a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 as factory-preinstalled Win7 is corrupt to begin with, larded with bloatware and conflicting duplicate utiltiies which have much better versions built into Win7.

 

[jsnmcgill]

After Clean Install PC Still Not Responding

Hello all, I just did a clean install because my laptop when I booted it up it would get to the welcome screen, sit there for a long time, and then switch to a black screen with the mouse pointer visible. I could go into safe mode with networking, but even then the computer would freeze. I asked some questions on this forum, but I decided just to start over and do a clean install, my firstp[p one. I was an idiot and didn't back up drivers or programs, but I wasn't concerned about programs because they can be had. Well, it didn't matter, my laptop is still not responding after a certain amount of time, whether I'm on the computer or not. I have to reboot the computer and start over.

Just before I started having these issues my RAM usage went from 10% to 50% and more for no reason other than I installed a new anti virus, ESET, and it was then I started having issues. I still have my windows.old folder on my PC so I can figure out what essential programs I need, I imagine I need Microsoft Silverlight etc.. Whoa, just now my laptop screen went black and came back. It did that several times, and it just did it again and again. What is going on? I'm sure that I may have hardware issues, I hope not, but maybe you can help me out. I have a Toshiba Portege i5 128 GB SSD 8GB RAM

 

[Pauly]

If you have a windows.old folder then you have not performed a proper clean install

Have a look at this tutorial to give you a step by step of performing a superior clean install
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[TVeblen]

Could you do some tests?

First, boot the PC and go into the BIOS settings. Leave it there for a while. Is it stable? Do you get any of the problems while in BIOS?
(Please avoid the tempation to make any changes in BIOS now - that could just compound the problems)

Second, start the PC and press F8 as Windows is starting and choose Safe Mode. Run the PC for a while in Safe Mode. Is it stable there?

Post back what you find.

 

[jsnmcgill]

Sorry for the delay in posting again. I think the best possible remedy is just to do a complete clean install and start over. Thank you all for your advice.

 

[gregrocker]

Follow the steps closely in the tutorial Pauly linked, which will assure you get and keep a perfect install if you will.

Make sure to especially follow the steps for how drivers are handled in Win7, as it is not at all like XP.