Windows 7 Computer - Blank Screen

[Tefler]

On a relatively old Windows 7 machine, it gets stuck on a blank blue screen after the Windows welcome message. I can see the mouse pointer, but that's all. Crtl+alt+del brings up the task manager, but that's blank, too. There's no way of shutting it down properly or moving forward.

I can start the machine in Safe Mode, and that seems to work, but I have absolutely no idea what to do then, apart from closing the machine down and starting it up again, which results in the blue scree again.

Any ideas?

[SlackAlice]

Any new programs installed recently? Possible way out is to start in safe mode and use 'system restore' to an earlier date.

[Buenchico]

I agree with SA's suggestion.

Once in Safe Mode, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore to try to find a recent restore point to take the registry back to.

If that doesn't work, have you got either a Windows 7 installation disk or a Windows recovery disk?

[Tefler]

Thanks both. I'll give the system restore a go - don't know why I didn't think of that, although I haven't installed anything new lately. Unfortunately, we don't have the disk for Windows 7, as it was loaded onto the computer when it was bought. No recovery disk, either. Aaargh!

[Old_Geezer]

No hidden partition which holds recovery/reinstall code either ? Check the PC's user guide, just in case.

[Old_Geezer]

BTW, if you have the validation code, the install disks are the same, so you could, worst case, borrow one and reinstall.