Laptop start up problems

[denis567]

I have an Acer Aspire 5315 laptop and I have Vista basic.
When I switched it on tonight, it would not get beyond the 'welcome' screen. I had to switch it off manually, and it then let me use the internet in 'safe mode'
I cannot get Firefox to start but am able to use Internet Explorer,
Reading the on screen messages, it suggested that my problem might be due to any recent downloads. Well, last night I had installed Google Chrome, so I have uninstalled that, but it has made no difference.
Can anyone suggest what else I can try?
Many thanks in anticipation.
Denis

[Buenchico]

Boot your laptop into Safe Mode (by pressing F8 as it starts up).

Go to System Restore (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Restore). Restore your laptop's registry to the most recent restore point before the problem occurred. Restart the laptop and cross your fingers!

Chris

[denis567]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for your reply.
I have tried as you suggested but no joy. When I went onto System Restore I got a message saying ' No restore points have been created on your computer's system disk. To create a restore point open System Protection'
When I went onto System Protection I could find nothing that mentioned creating a restore point.
If I have to take the laptop to a repair shop, I am worried that I might lose my pictures ( this happened to it my daughter's laptop). Is it possible to save all my pictures to a flash card (I have an 8Gb one) if so, how would I do that please.
Thanks again Chris

[denis567]

Chris,
I meant to say would it be possible to save my pictures while I am in Safe Mode, it will not let me view them.
Thanks

[AlBags]

Is system restore turned on? It should say so there in the settings.
Chrome can be good or bad .. but I doubt it is that causing the problem.
Does it start in safe ok?

[AlBags]

Yes, you can copy files in safe mode.

[denis567]

Thanks Albags.
The only way I can get it to start in Safe Mode (F8 controls the loudspeaker) is to start it up and when it gets to the 'Welcome' screen, it sticks there, so I switch it off manually, then back on, this time a screen comes up asking if I want to start up in Safe Mode.