Can't get any further than desktop on Windows 8

[dumply]

Started to download Zonealarm firewall yesterday but when it got to 80% installed it just stayed there and eventually I closed it.  Since then and it could just be a coincidence, if I try clicking on the browser icon or any other icons, nothing happens and I haven't been able to turn the computer off other than by the power button.  Gave up trying last night and have been trying again this morning - a small blank box popped up earlier this morning and the blue circle icon is going round and round - an earlier box said the programme is not responding but I don't know what programme  it means cos I have'nt been able to click on anything to start a programme.  Have thought of trying Recovery and System Restore but when I click on them nothing happens.  Help!!

[soybean]

My suggestion is to start in Safe Mode and see whether Zonealarm shows up in Features and Programs (in Control Panel).  If so, then try uninstalling it.  And then, try restoring to a Restore Point before the attempted installation of Zonealarm.  If Zonealarm does not show up in Features and Programs, proceed with restoring to a Restore Point.

Reference: How To Boot Into Windows 8 Safe Mode

[dumply]

Hi,
Thanks for replying.   I've tried starting in safe mode (F8) but safe mode appears not to start as usual in Windows 8.

[patio]

It's Shift + F8 in Win8...
Hold down Shift and tap F8 repeatedly...before you see the Win logo.

[dumply]

Have tried shift + F8 several times but it won't take me to Safe Mode just to the sign in page and now I've got the blue circle going round and round again and I'm unable to click on anything and had to turn the computer off by the power button again.

[patio]

Please re-visit Soybeans link...it has pics of how to get there...it's like 5 steps.
Why they buried it that deep i have no idea.

[dumply]

Tried the link again - I can get as far as typing msconfig in the box, click ok, box disappears then nothing happens and I'm left with the blue circle going round and round.

[patio]

Use Method # 2...

[dumply]

Have tried the shift and F8 key 8/9 times  but nothing happens, it doesn't go to safe mode it just goes to the hp screen then on to the sign on screen.

[patio]

Then your waiting too long...you need to do it before thw Win Logo appears...or it's too late.

[dumply]

I'm doing it as soon as I press the power button  but no Windows logo appears it just goes straight to the hp screen then the sign on page. 

[patio]

Then you may have to run the Repair that HP includes with the PC...been awhile since i have done 1 so i don't remember what it's called...

[soybean]

Can you get to your login screen?  On it, you should see a power button on the lower right corner of your screen.  If you click it to bring up the choices (Shutdown, Restart, and Sleep), and then hold down your Shift key while you click Restart, it should restart in a troubleshooting mode.  You should see a screen titled "Choose an option".  One of the options is Troubleshoot.  If you click it, you'll see more choices; one of those is "Advanced options".  If you click it, one of options on the next screen is System Restore (restore to a Restore Point).