laptop stuck on welcome screen

Myser

Right click on the main drive (C) in Windows Explorer (Computer), Properties -> Tools -> Check Now

Also, what anti-virus program are you using? Is it up-to-date?

closed

Dells should come with the option to create the OS disk, using Dell datasafe, and also should have a factory restore partition, if you don't need any data, and don't mind wiping it, a factory restore may be the fastest/easiest solution.

Windows 7 also comes with the ability to create a system image backup, and a windows rescue disc, which will enable you to recover the system fully (including data/extra programs) in future

Figment

CHKDSK will not run in 'normal' mode for the reasons you have already given. Try running it in safe mode with the /F parameter (this tells CHKDSK to attempt to Fix any problems it finds)

I don't think DELL supply a Windows disc any more. In common with most OEMs there is a utility on the hard drive to create a restore disc. This is only useful if you know about and run the utility to create the disc BEFORE having problems.

If you know someone with the same machine ask them if they have the recovery disc (or ask them to create one)

bright_side

Thank you.
Funny you should mention the anti virus, I am currently running a full scan (Avast) as I just realised it has been switched off!! Little monkey complained when I put it on there because he said it interfered with his 'stuff'....wouldn't mind betting he turned it off on purpose!!

When it finishes, if it doesn't come up with anything I will try
Right click on the main drive (C) in Windows Explorer (Computer), Properties -> Tools -> Check Now.

bright_side

Figment wrote: »

CHKDSK will not run in 'normal' mode for the reasons you have already given. Try running it in safe mode with the /F parameter (this tells CHKDSK to attempt to Fix any problems it finds)

I don't think DELL supply a Windows disc any more. In common with most OEMs there is a utility on the hard drive to create a restore disc. This is only useful if you know about and run the utility to create the disc BEFORE having problems.

If you know someone with the same machine ask them if they have the recovery disc (or ask them to create one)

Thankyou.
I can't get into normal mode so I'm doing everything in safe mode.
Not sure I know anyone with windows 7, but will ask around.

Figment

karen23 wrote: »

I just realised it has been switched off!! Little monkey complained when I put it on there because he said it interfered with his 'stuff'....wouldn't mind betting he turned it off on purpose!!

You're probably correct in your thinking. Most AV programs have fairly high overheads (they use quite a lot of system resources) so can slow down CPU/Memory intensive programs (games!)

Myser

Before running AVAST, make sure you have the latest definitions. Otherwise it won't be much use running a scan!

Might be worth educating him on the importance of anti-virus and how viruses spread easily through Email, messaging, social networking etc.

I'm not sure if AVAST has a parental option to stop it being disabled?

Also, once the AVAST scan is complete, it may be worth downloading and running MalwareBytes (free).

If you cannot run a Check Disk, the only option may be to do a Dell Factory Image Restore. You will lose all your data though, so back it up first.

Factory Image Restore:

As the computer starts, press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.
Press the (Down Arrow) to select Repair Your Computer on the Advanced Boot Options menu, and then press Enter.

Myser

You can also pick-up viruses/malware while gaming etc. People can send infected links through the chat window.

bright_side

Myser wrote: »

Before running AVAST, make sure you have the latest definitions. Otherwise it won't be much use running a scan!
AH good point It has found 5 infected files so far, if this doesn't help will run again after I've updated it!!
Might be worth educating him on the importance of anti-virus and how viruses spread easily through Email, messaging, social networking etc.
Oh I've tried believe me! He's 15 and nothing is more important than doing his 'stuff' without interference from anti virus programmes.

I'm not sure if AVAST has a parental option to stop it being disabled?
Will check when able.

Also, once the AVAST scan is complete, it may be worth downloading and running MalwareBytes (free).
I did that earlier, but have to admit to turning it off when it got to about 75% and hadn't found anything Will do it again.
If you cannot run a Check Disk, the only option may be to do a Dell Factory Image Restore. You will lose all your data though, so back it up first.
Is it possible to back up in safe mode? I've never backed up anything before so wouldn't really know where to start.

Factory Image Restore:

As the computer starts, press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.
Press the (Down Arrow) to select Repair Your Computer on the Advanced Boot Options menu, and then press Enter.

I also tried this earlier, but it said it needed a disc to continue.

Thank you for taking the time to help, I really, really appreciate it.

Myser

Just ask him where he has stored all his important documents, music, photos etc. Navigate to that folder: Documents & Settings/Users etc.

Copy to an external drive. Verify they have copied successfully by opening them on another computer.

Then you can proceed to do a factory restore/format.

Note: If you do open any files from his computer on another computer, make sure the anti-virus is up-to-date on the other computer. Otherwise you could end up spreading viruses.