Windows Startup: Black Screen with Cursor

Synomenon

Lifer
Dec 25, 2004
10,547
6
81
I'm having some trouble with my system. Last night I uninstalled my video card driver (Catalyst - two versions releases old). I uninstalled it using Revo Uninstaller. The uninstall process went normally so I rebooted after the uninstall. When Windows started up though, instead of the login screen it was an all black screen with a cursor in the middle. The cursor works since It responds when I move my mouse. Nothing happens though. Ctrl+Alt+Delete doesn't work and neither do any other key combos.

Windows seems to be starting normally since when I press the reset button on my PC, the next time Windows starts loading, I get that message that screen that lets you choose "safe mode", "safe mode with networking", "safe mode with command prompt", and "start windows normally". I've also tried "Last known good configuration". No matter which option I choose it always starts up to that black screen with the cursor.

I've also tried hitting F8 at boot and going into "repair your computer". I tried "startup repair" and that didn't fix anything. I've also opened a command prompt and tried the system file checker and chkdsk. No success with those either.

I think the problem might be related to the uninstall of Catalyst, but with no way to actually get into Windows, I can't try reinstalling Catalyst again.
 

Raduque

Lifer
Aug 22, 2004
13,140
138
106
You could try using System Restore to go to a restore point from before you uninstalled. That might work.

Also, next time, just install the new drivers over the old ones.
 

denis280

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2011
3,434
9
81
if you still have the cd for the video card.go into safe mode and install the drivers.and like Raduque say install the new one over the old one
 

Synomenon

Lifer
Dec 25, 2004
10,547
6
81
Same thing happens when I go into safe mode. Black screen w/ cursor. I disabled System Restore after installing Windows.