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can't get past active desktop on start-up



 
 
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  #1  
Old October 19th 06, 02:06 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Kev41
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 6
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

Hi all,
Will try to keep it brief.
My comp,running Win ME was bought in Cyprus,brought it back to Uk 2003.
Last year was first time online for over a year so updated antivirus.Then
updated Windows.So much there this took all day and then froze.couldn't turn
off even with the on/off button so had to pull the plug.On reconnecting the
drive came on but the monitor would get the green light for an instant and
then turn off.This week,18 months later I tried it again as I was moving it
and the monitor and drive both come on..but...I can only get as far as active
desktop(white screen) and the mouse cursor is always showing the busy
signal,even for 10 hours!keyboard and mouse cannot stop it.The only option is
to restart then it all happens again.

I would be very grateful if anybody knows how to get around this or what
might be wrong/damaged/infected please.
I think the only option I have is to try to get to the set-up on start-up
but I've tried entering default settings etc but with no luck.

Hope you can help.
Cheers,
Kevin.
  #2  
Old October 19th 06, 02:32 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Mart
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,190
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

Have you tried booting into Safe Mode? This *may* give you better access to
troubleshooting options, e.g Device Manager (look for conflicts or
duplicated items) or perhaps run System Restore. (BTW - is the mouse USB? -
You *might* need to use a ps/2 mouse to get you running again)

How to boot into Safe Mode - by holding down or 'stabbing at' the Ctrl or
the F8 keys during a 'power-up'. A further couple of methods are by using
the Shift key as above, or when your machine is running in Normal Mode, run
msconfig.exe and on the General tab, select Advanced and check the 'Enable
Startup Menu' box. (Not forgetting to disable it when you've finished g)

BTW - Booting into Safe Mode and letting it continue until the "Help
Console" eventually appears and settles, will give you a direct link to
System Restore (half-way down the page).

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Hi all,
Will try to keep it brief.
My comp,running Win ME was bought in Cyprus,brought it back to Uk 2003.
Last year was first time online for over a year so updated antivirus.Then
updated Windows.So much there this took all day and then froze.couldn't
turn
off even with the on/off button so had to pull the plug.On reconnecting
the
drive came on but the monitor would get the green light for an instant and
then turn off.This week,18 months later I tried it again as I was moving
it
and the monitor and drive both come on..but...I can only get as far as
active
desktop(white screen) and the mouse cursor is always showing the busy
signal,even for 10 hours!keyboard and mouse cannot stop it.The only option
is
to restart then it all happens again.

I would be very grateful if anybody knows how to get around this or what
might be wrong/damaged/infected please.
I think the only option I have is to try to get to the set-up on start-up
but I've tried entering default settings etc but with no luck.

Hope you can help.
Cheers,
Kevin.



  #3  
Old October 20th 06, 01:48 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Kev41
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 6
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

Thanks Mart.
I will try your ideas today.I haven't been able to use system restore yet or
anything else as the mouse click and keyboard have no effect on the
screen.The "busy" symbol on the mouse arrow has stopped now but apart from
that everything is frozen.I will let you know how I get on.I'm not sure what
a ps/2 mouse is.My mouse is standard with the lilac plug into the lilac pin
socket.
I'll let you know how I get on,
Thanks again.
Kevin.

"Mart" wrote:

Have you tried booting into Safe Mode? This *may* give you better access to
troubleshooting options, e.g Device Manager (look for conflicts or
duplicated items) or perhaps run System Restore. (BTW - is the mouse USB? -
You *might* need to use a ps/2 mouse to get you running again)

How to boot into Safe Mode - by holding down or 'stabbing at' the Ctrl or
the F8 keys during a 'power-up'. A further couple of methods are by using
the Shift key as above, or when your machine is running in Normal Mode, run
msconfig.exe and on the General tab, select Advanced and check the 'Enable
Startup Menu' box. (Not forgetting to disable it when you've finished g)

BTW - Booting into Safe Mode and letting it continue until the "Help
Console" eventually appears and settles, will give you a direct link to
System Restore (half-way down the page).

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Hi all,
Will try to keep it brief.
My comp,running Win ME was bought in Cyprus,brought it back to Uk 2003.
Last year was first time online for over a year so updated antivirus.Then
updated Windows.So much there this took all day and then froze.couldn't
turn
off even with the on/off button so had to pull the plug.On reconnecting
the
drive came on but the monitor would get the green light for an instant and
then turn off.This week,18 months later I tried it again as I was moving
it
and the monitor and drive both come on..but...I can only get as far as
active
desktop(white screen) and the mouse cursor is always showing the busy
signal,even for 10 hours!keyboard and mouse cannot stop it.The only option
is
to restart then it all happens again.

I would be very grateful if anybody knows how to get around this or what
might be wrong/damaged/infected please.
I think the only option I have is to try to get to the set-up on start-up
but I've tried entering default settings etc but with no luck.

Hope you can help.
Cheers,
Kevin.




  #4  
Old October 20th 06, 02:20 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Mart
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,190
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

Kevin wrote :-

My mouse is standard with the lilac plug into the lilac pin
socket.


Round plug with 6 pins and a plastic spigot? - Sounds like ps/2 mouse from
here. (Mine has a green plug round plug, so the colour isn't too important).
BTW - a USB plug is a rectangular shape with four flat pins.

Good luck

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Thanks Mart.
I will try your ideas today.I haven't been able to use system restore yet
or
anything else as the mouse click and keyboard have no effect on the
screen.The "busy" symbol on the mouse arrow has stopped now but apart from
that everything is frozen.I will let you know how I get on.I'm not sure
what
a ps/2 mouse is.My mouse is standard with the lilac plug into the lilac
pin
socket.
I'll let you know how I get on,
Thanks again.
Kevin.

"Mart" wrote:

Have you tried booting into Safe Mode? This *may* give you better access
to
troubleshooting options, e.g Device Manager (look for conflicts or
duplicated items) or perhaps run System Restore. (BTW - is the mouse
USB? -
You *might* need to use a ps/2 mouse to get you running again)

How to boot into Safe Mode - by holding down or 'stabbing at' the Ctrl or
the F8 keys during a 'power-up'. A further couple of methods are by
using
the Shift key as above, or when your machine is running in Normal Mode,
run
msconfig.exe and on the General tab, select Advanced and check the
'Enable
Startup Menu' box. (Not forgetting to disable it when you've finished
g)

BTW - Booting into Safe Mode and letting it continue until the "Help
Console" eventually appears and settles, will give you a direct link to
System Restore (half-way down the page).

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Hi all,
Will try to keep it brief.
My comp,running Win ME was bought in Cyprus,brought it back to Uk 2003.
Last year was first time online for over a year so updated
antivirus.Then
updated Windows.So much there this took all day and then froze.couldn't
turn
off even with the on/off button so had to pull the plug.On reconnecting
the
drive came on but the monitor would get the green light for an instant
and
then turn off.This week,18 months later I tried it again as I was
moving
it
and the monitor and drive both come on..but...I can only get as far as
active
desktop(white screen) and the mouse cursor is always showing the busy
signal,even for 10 hours!keyboard and mouse cannot stop it.The only
option
is
to restart then it all happens again.

I would be very grateful if anybody knows how to get around this or
what
might be wrong/damaged/infected please.
I think the only option I have is to try to get to the set-up on
start-up
but I've tried entering default settings etc but with no luck.

Hope you can help.
Cheers,
Kevin.






  #5  
Old October 22nd 06, 05:02 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Kev41
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 6
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

Hi Mart,
I'm just writing to say a big thank you for your advice.
I'm writing this online from my own comp now.
I kept hitting the ctrl on start-up and it worked.
The comp is definitely infected with smthg but at least I can get in now and
save my personal info.Safe mode also works but with distorted images.
Thanks for your help.
Kev.

"Mart" wrote:

Kevin wrote :-

My mouse is standard with the lilac plug into the lilac pin
socket.


Round plug with 6 pins and a plastic spigot? - Sounds like ps/2 mouse from
here. (Mine has a green plug round plug, so the colour isn't too important).
BTW - a USB plug is a rectangular shape with four flat pins.

Good luck

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Thanks Mart.
I will try your ideas today.I haven't been able to use system restore yet
or
anything else as the mouse click and keyboard have no effect on the
screen.The "busy" symbol on the mouse arrow has stopped now but apart from
that everything is frozen.I will let you know how I get on.I'm not sure
what
a ps/2 mouse is.My mouse is standard with the lilac plug into the lilac
pin
socket.
I'll let you know how I get on,
Thanks again.
Kevin.

"Mart" wrote:

Have you tried booting into Safe Mode? This *may* give you better access
to
troubleshooting options, e.g Device Manager (look for conflicts or
duplicated items) or perhaps run System Restore. (BTW - is the mouse
USB? -
You *might* need to use a ps/2 mouse to get you running again)

How to boot into Safe Mode - by holding down or 'stabbing at' the Ctrl or
the F8 keys during a 'power-up'. A further couple of methods are by
using
the Shift key as above, or when your machine is running in Normal Mode,
run
msconfig.exe and on the General tab, select Advanced and check the
'Enable
Startup Menu' box. (Not forgetting to disable it when you've finished
g)

BTW - Booting into Safe Mode and letting it continue until the "Help
Console" eventually appears and settles, will give you a direct link to
System Restore (half-way down the page).

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Hi all,
Will try to keep it brief.
My comp,running Win ME was bought in Cyprus,brought it back to Uk 2003.
Last year was first time online for over a year so updated
antivirus.Then
updated Windows.So much there this took all day and then froze.couldn't
turn
off even with the on/off button so had to pull the plug.On reconnecting
the
drive came on but the monitor would get the green light for an instant
and
then turn off.This week,18 months later I tried it again as I was
moving
it
and the monitor and drive both come on..but...I can only get as far as
active
desktop(white screen) and the mouse cursor is always showing the busy
signal,even for 10 hours!keyboard and mouse cannot stop it.The only
option
is
to restart then it all happens again.

I would be very grateful if anybody knows how to get around this or
what
might be wrong/damaged/infected please.
I think the only option I have is to try to get to the set-up on
start-up
but I've tried entering default settings etc but with no luck.

Hope you can help.
Cheers,
Kevin.






  #6  
Old October 22nd 06, 06:57 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Mart
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,190
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

In line :-

"Kev41" wrote :-

Hi Mart,
I'm just writing to say a big thank you for your advice.


Your welcome!

I'm writing this online from my own comp now.
I kept hitting the ctrl on start-up and it worked.


Following a System Restore?

So are you now in Safe Mode or back in Normal Mode?

The comp is definitely infected with smthg but at least I can get in now
and
save my personal info.


Well, perhaps. First save your personal stuff but urgently check your kit
with a recent antivirus utility. (Plenty recommended elsewhere in this
group)

Safe mode also works but with distorted images.


Distorted? Maybe just due to standard 640 x 480 resolution in 256 colours,
which is all that can be seen in Safe Mode due to video drivers not being
loaded. (The drivers are only loaded in Normal Mode)

If in normal mode and no control over the video display, you *might* have to
re-install your video drivers. - But mouse, keyboard etc., issues also
suggest possible driver issues too. Eliminate, viruses/malware etc.

Thanks for your help.
Kev.


Mart

snipped


  #7  
Old October 22nd 06, 11:18 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Kev41
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 6
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

Hi Mart,
No,didn't use system restore,tried it several times but even after leaving
it for a couple of hours there is no progress along the 'blue line'.
It had this problem when I bought it in Cyprus 3.5 years ago,had to take it
back to the shop.Also,it doeasn't recognise new hardware,goes through the
motions but it never installs with a desktop icon.Was told then that a MS.exe
file was missing but can't install that from a disc either.I'm in normal mode
now but if I restart it will freeze again,for some reason I have to keep
hitting the ctrl button rapidly on start up to get to normal otherwise I get
through to a normal looking desktop but mouse won't click on anything,not
even start menu.
I have AVG freeware but can't update that either as a file is missing from
that now too,it was there last year before it all shutdown.Maybe I've got
some kind of sleeping virus that has gone undetected?!?
Anyway at least I am 'in' so cheers for that,my wife was worried ab all the
family pics being lost.
I'll let you know if things improve or get worse
Kevin.

"Mart" wrote:

In line :-

"Kev41" wrote :-

Hi Mart,
I'm just writing to say a big thank you for your advice.


Your welcome!

I'm writing this online from my own comp now.
I kept hitting the ctrl on start-up and it worked.


Following a System Restore?

So are you now in Safe Mode or back in Normal Mode?

The comp is definitely infected with smthg but at least I can get in now
and
save my personal info.


Well, perhaps. First save your personal stuff but urgently check your kit
with a recent antivirus utility. (Plenty recommended elsewhere in this
group)

Safe mode also works but with distorted images.


Distorted? Maybe just due to standard 640 x 480 resolution in 256 colours,
which is all that can be seen in Safe Mode due to video drivers not being
loaded. (The drivers are only loaded in Normal Mode)

If in normal mode and no control over the video display, you *might* have to
re-install your video drivers. - But mouse, keyboard etc., issues also
suggest possible driver issues too. Eliminate, viruses/malware etc.

Thanks for your help.
Kev.


Mart

snipped



  #8  
Old October 23rd 06, 12:53 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsme.setup
Mart
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,190
Default can't get past active desktop on start-up

OK Kevin, just concentrate on your pictures first and then worry about other
issues. There's usually some good folks around these news groups who will
try to help when you are ready.

Mart


"Kev41" wrote in message
...
Hi Mart,
No,didn't use system restore,tried it several times but even after leaving
it for a couple of hours there is no progress along the 'blue line'.
It had this problem when I bought it in Cyprus 3.5 years ago,had to take
it
back to the shop.Also,it doeasn't recognise new hardware,goes through the
motions but it never installs with a desktop icon.Was told then that a
MS.exe
file was missing but can't install that from a disc either.I'm in normal
mode
now but if I restart it will freeze again,for some reason I have to keep
hitting the ctrl button rapidly on start up to get to normal otherwise I
get
through to a normal looking desktop but mouse won't click on anything,not
even start menu.
I have AVG freeware but can't update that either as a file is missing from
that now too,it was there last year before it all shutdown.Maybe I've got
some kind of sleeping virus that has gone undetected?!?
Anyway at least I am 'in' so cheers for that,my wife was worried ab all
the
family pics being lost.
I'll let you know if things improve or get worse
Kevin.

"Mart" wrote:

In line :-

"Kev41" wrote :-

Hi Mart,
I'm just writing to say a big thank you for your advice.


Your welcome!

I'm writing this online from my own comp now.
I kept hitting the ctrl on start-up and it worked.


Following a System Restore?

So are you now in Safe Mode or back in Normal Mode?

The comp is definitely infected with smthg but at least I can get in
now
and
save my personal info.


Well, perhaps. First save your personal stuff but urgently check your kit
with a recent antivirus utility. (Plenty recommended elsewhere in this
group)

Safe mode also works but with distorted images.


Distorted? Maybe just due to standard 640 x 480 resolution in 256
colours,
which is all that can be seen in Safe Mode due to video drivers not being
loaded. (The drivers are only loaded in Normal Mode)

If in normal mode and no control over the video display, you *might* have
to
re-install your video drivers. - But mouse, keyboard etc., issues also
suggest possible driver issues too. Eliminate, viruses/malware etc.

Thanks for your help.
Kev.


Mart

snipped





 




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