Member Avatar for Isonis

My Computer was running fine this morning. Everything worked apart from the wireless, which hasn't been working for a week.

I was just using my keyboard, and the lights went of, I tried to use my mouse, at that stopped working as well. I restarted my PC, using the button and it worked, but the keyboard and mouse still wouldn't.

Then, I restarted it, and I got this screen:

Which took 5 min to load, and for the last 10 mins I have had this screen:

EDIT: Now I have this:

Anyone know what to do?

I need help fast, as files are on there that I need.

  • 1 Contributor
  • 1 Reply
  • 130 Views
  • 6 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Isonis

Dani AI

Generated

For : distilled, practical steps to get files off the drive and to determine whether this is a hardware or Windows/driver failure.

Recommended immediate priority — rescue files first:

  • Boot from a Linux Live CD/USB (choose "Try" mode), mount the Windows partition and copy vital folders (Users\<username>\Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc.) to an external USB drive. This avoids writing to the Vista installation.
  • If a second PC is available, remove the hard drive and connect it via a USB-SATA adapter or enclosure to copy files.
  • If the drive is clicking, making unusual noises, or the copy fails repeatedly, stop and consult a professional data recovery service.

Quick hardware vs software checks:

  • Check whether an input device reacts before Windows loads (BIOS/POST). If it does not, the problem is likely hardware (faulty ports, cables, PSU or motherboard). If it does, the issue is likely Windows/driver-related.
  • Swap USB ports (use rear motherboard ports), try a different, known-good keyboard/mouse, or use a PS/2 device if available. Disconnect all nonessential USB devices.

OS-level repair options (after files are safe):

  • If peripherals work in BIOS, boot Safe Mode (F8) and try "Last Known Good Configuration" or System Restore to a point before the failure. In Safe Mode uninstall recently added USB/device drivers.
  • If unable to access F8, boot from the Vista installation DVD, choose Repair, run Startup Repair, then open the recovery command prompt to run chkdsk /f and sfc /scannow (or the offline SFC syntax) as needed.
  • If repairs fail and files are already backed up, consider a repair install or clean install.

If hardware faults are suspected or any step feels risky, seek local service. Prioritize secure backups once the system is recovered.

Member Avatar for Isonis

It's odd.

It now works, but the mouse and keyboard don't work. So it is kinda useless.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.