[Rhubarb 99]

I left my computer on over night and went to use it this morning with no luck, it had froze up for some reason. The only thing I had running was aim. So i decided to maually shut it off and then turn it back on and it goes through a few start up procedures but i just end up at a black screen. The mouse can still move around but that's it. I shut it off and turned it back on one more time with the same result. Can anyone help me out? Thanks- Sam

[unbidden]

Do you have a Vista DVD that came with the computer?

If so, put the dvd in - reboot - follow the prompts to boot from cd/dvd - again follow the prompts to install Vista - be patient as the dvd menus take a few minutes to load - eventually you will come to a screen that offers several options (refer to this tutorial: http://www.informit.com/content/down...nvironment.pdf). Choose System Restore and pick a restore point previous to the problem.

[Rhubarb 99]

no dvd, so do i have to do a system recovery from my hard drive?

[IanE]

Can you boot to safe mode? press F8 repeatedly during the bootscreen. this will bring up the DOS style screen with the options to go into safe mode, there is also a restore my system to last good configuration option there.
This option is not like the normal system restore mind you, so no resatore poiunt will be created before it restors you system. but pick it and it should resolve the problem. if you leave it on all night make sure you wifi is off and the LAN is unplugged or you are asking for trouble.

[Rhubarb 99]

this isnt working, i click go into safe mode and i just get taken to the same black screen

[Rich-M]

I would download the ultimate Boot cd and run the hard drive repair:
http://www.pcauthority.com.au/downlo...boot-cd-4.aspx

[IanE]

did you try the retsoore to last known good configuration, or is the DOS screen with those menu options not showing up?