Windows 7 boots to an unresponsive black screen with mouse cursor...

Anonymous
2012-04-05T04:26:16+00:00

Started up the PC one day and it booted to a black screen. I didn't change the configuration in any way, it just happened suddenly.

What it does:

The PC turns on like normal. I get the bios screen. I get the Windows logo screen. Then I get a black screen with a mouse cursor in the middle.

I can move the mouse, but the buttons don't do anything--left or right click.  No keys on the keyboard change the screen. Ctrl+Alt+Del does nothing. Windows key does nothing. Esc does nothing, etc. At this point the only option is to hold down the power button and turn it off.

What I've tried:

I tried to start it in safe mode, but the same thing happens. It shows the system files that are loading. The last file it shows loading is Windows/system32/DRIVERS/AtiPcie.sys then it goes to a black screen with a mouse cursor again; only this time it is in safe mode resolution so the mouse cursor is larger and not as sharp. Also, no keyboard strokes have any affect just as with normal mode.

It is a Dell Inspiron, so it came with an onboard repair utility. I used the Startup Repair tool, but it found no problems. The diagnostics tools found no issues with the hard drive or any of the other major system components. However, this error came up which appears to be related to the multi-card (SD, micro SD, etc.) reader on the front of the PC:

error code 4400:011A

msg:SCSI_1-000 DISK_generic-_SD/MMC - target not ready

It seems that this is unrelated to the black screen. I unplugged the card reader and still had the same problem. Otherwise, it passes all other tests the onboard diagnostic utility has including, memory tests, fan tests, hard drive tests, etc.

I have not, however, tried a full system restore yet. From what I've read in several forums, many have tried this in similar situations and still had the same problem. Since there are several files I'd rather not lose, I wanted to explore all other avenues.

Sorry if this is a repeat question in the forum. Most of the other situations seemed similar, but there was always something they could do that I could not, like press Ctrl+Alt+Del or boot into safe mode or whatever.

Here is as much of the system info that I can gather without having the PC on (not mine, I'm doing this for a friend):

-Dell Inspiron (I think it's a 570)

-OS: Windows 7 Home

-AMD Athlon II X2

-Integrated Video Card (I tried both the VGA output and the HDMI, which he normally uses, and both give the same results) ATI Radeon HD 4200

I hope I've been thorough enough to allow you to help me without wasting any of your time, and I thank you in advance.

Windows for home | Other | Input and language

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-01-18T22:35:28+00:00

    Hoping this works as i've got this same black screen and mouse only combo, and tried every suggestion so far on this page!

    I can't rename or replace the files in this system32\config folder, says they're in use. How did you do it?

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-02-28T12:38:03+00:00

    I found that disconnecting the printer worked.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-04-01T06:25:13+00:00

    I fixed my problem through tuneup utilities software by deleting a huge memory cache file then its running normal now. Not sure what was the cause though.

    What tune up untility did you use?

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-04-01T10:02:27+00:00

    I have dismounted the hard disk from the laptop, mounted it in a external case,  run as an external disk.   The host system reads disk fine, every file - telling the disk is OK.   Then ran Norton Virus Control successfully - CHKDSK /F for the disk - and there is NO virus or NO bad sectors or other "abnormalities".

    Before this dismount I also have booted from USB with a Ubuntu - and everything operates fine here. 

    I have attached secondary displays both DSUB and HDMI and the cursor can be moved to the secondary screen - but this also is 'black'. Also: The cursor follows the borders to the left and upper edges - - but disappears when moving to even to the rigth of the secondary screen and bottom edge.  

    Concluding:   This is ONLY an error in windows registry with respect to the startup procedure, and MOST LIKELY related to the monitor setting.

    It is NOT possible to repair with windows 7 installation disk -  after running for a long time the system reports "no repairing possible,  contact your system administrator"  ( HAH... :-(   )

    It is NOT possible to run an "Upgrade" to windows 10 - system reports "For upgrade you must reboot and start windows 7 normally, then run installation media"  .

    I have NO option of booting the "minimal screen resolution"  640x480, as well as NO other "safe mode ..."

    I am able to start windows 7 (or 10) installation DVD and get to an CMD prompt.   

    1)  Can anyone tell me IF possible, and if then HOW to change the registry setting for monitor to 640x480 or recognize "single display"  from a command prompt?

    1. Can anyone tell me IF possible, and if then HOW to change the registry setting as above by dismounting and accessing the disk mounted as an external drive on another windows pc?
    2. Can anyone tell me IF possible, and if then WHICH files to copy/rename to manually change to 'Last known good configuration'  with the disk mounted as  external drive on another windows pc?

    I'm sure that this would be the the only needed  fix for everyone suffering from the "black screen with cursor" problem - who, as me, NOT are able to use any 'safe boot' or other offered options from 'F8' , or F2 "Boot configuration" changes.

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-04-01T10:14:36+00:00

    The easiest way to do this is probably to physically dismount the harddisk from the system,  mount it in an external case, connect it by USB to another pc running windows - and do the file changes from there. 

    This will cause the files NOT to be  'in use'  by the windows system.

    Then move the disk back to the other pc - and restart, hopefully the old configuration files will restore to the earlier working condition.

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