Black screen, white arrow; won't load log in screen

[detunized]

Hi,

I have no idea what to do.

My laptop has Windows Vista Home Basic preinstalled on it when I brought it.  I do not have an installation disc.

Anyway, I removed a virus, and the program suggested for me to restart the computer to fully remove the virus.  When I did this however,
my laptop restarts as usual, but goes to a black screen, white arrow.. just before its suppose to go to the log in screen.  Its not frozen,
it seems to be running, and left long enough it goes into screen saver. 

I don't know what to do after this. 

Can anyone help me please??!?!  Is there a chance I lost all my files and programs on my laptop? X(

[reddevilggg]

I'm not a virus expert and you may have to post this in the virus section, but my question is -

what virus ??  and how did you remove it ??

[detunized]

I used Prevx.  It spotted it, and I used it to remove it.

I'm not too sure what virus it was, but it labelled it as a threat.  The file was located in the Windows folder. 

[reddevilggg]

What labelled it as a threat

The more specific information the better. 

[reddevilggg]

Found this on the Prevx site. I think it may help you.

http://www.prevx.com/blog/140/Black-Screen-woes-could-affect-millions-on-Windows--Vista-and-XP.html

[detunized]

I wish I could retrieve the details..

I had a look at the prevx site, but unlike what they stated, mine doesn't display a My computer explorer icon.

I've tried using CTRL ALT DEL function but it doesn't seem to do anything at all.

[reddevilggg]

You pressed all the keys at the same time ??  Using the ALT and not ALT Gr ??

I apologise if these questions sound condescending, they aren't meant to be. 

[detunized]

Lol, its all cool.

No, I've pressed them one after another.

[reddevilggg]

4) Press the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys *simultaneously*

[detunized]

*censored* I was hoping it was gonna work..

No changes at all 

[reddevilggg]

Did you re-boot the PC, start the procedure and try or has it been on for a while.

You need to follow the procedure exactly.

[detunized]

I restarted my laptop

I don't get to the log on screen.  Theres a black screen and white arrow before I can get there.

I've tried CTRL ALT DEL simultaneously, but no changes.

I can't connect to the Internet either.

[reddevilggg]

How do you know if you have no internet connection, with just a black screen ??

[detunized]

I can't find a way to get into my Internet. 

I've contacted Prevx support and they suggested to perform a system restore, but it hasn't worked.  Might give it another try.

[reddevilggg]

I dont understand !! How did you do a system restore from just a blank screen !!

Have you tryed downloading there 'fix' to another computer and using a USB stick to transfer it to your laptop ??

[detunized]

They told me to hit F8 when its starting up.  It takes me to these set of options which allows me to choose Repair Computer. Then I choose System Restore, and then my laptop restarts,  asking me which mode to start up in.  Prevx support told me to choose 'Safe mode with Networking'

I do so, but it still takes me to the black screen and white arrow

[reddevilggg]

Try F8 again and choose 'Last Known good configuration'

You could also try this
Unplug the power, remove the battery and then hold the power button for 30 to 60 seconds. Then reattach the power and attempt a boot.

[detunized]

HAHAHA IT WORKED!!

Yeah I had to configure it to its last known good configuration lol

It then restored itself and started up fine!!

Thanks for your help! 

[reddevilggg]

Glad to help