When I select restart, my computer will go to the restart
screen and then shut down, but then hangs at the blank
screen, never fully rebooting. I have to unplug it to
get it to restart.
I'm sorry, but this is not enough information for you to get a good
answer. Your post is the equivalent of saying, "it's broken". Your
problems could be caused by software or hardware. Here are generic
troubleshooting steps:
If you can get into Safe Mode: 1) scan with current antivirus using
updated definitions; 2) remove spyware with tools such as Spybot S&D
(
www.security.kolla.de) and/or Ad-aware (
www.lavasoftusa.com) - note
that it is a good idea to do virus and spyware scans in Safe Mode; 3)
delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files; 4) stop unnecessary
services/programs from running at startup (see
www.blackviper.com for a
listing of services). Also, look in Event Viewer for clues.
For the hardware, first open the computer and run it open, observing all
fans (overheating will cause freezing). Then do a RAM test - I like
Memtest86 - and if necessary, continue on to test the hard drive and
motherboard. If you can't do this yourself, take the machine to a good
local computer shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy store).
If you can't get into Safe Mode or boot Last Known Good Configuration,
you may need to do a Repair Install at the least, a full format and
reinstall at the most.
Malke
