Windows 7 64bit semi frozen after every start up

The problem began about yesterday. Now every time when I log into windows, the task bar, including the start orb, becomes unclickable and frozen. I can still move my pointer around, and click on existing desktop icons, but all the new windows I open up also become frozen, I can't minimize or close them. I've tried booting into safe mode, which doesn't seem to have this problem. I've also tried system restore to 3 days ago, but that hasn't solved the problem. Please help.

 

Do a full virus/malware/etc scan, then report back to us.

 

How do I perform a virus scan without booting into windows? I can't really do anything in the semi frozen normal boot up, and I can't launch my AV inside safe mode. I have avast free edition installed.

 

Oh, I didn't think of that.

The only other option I recommend is a full re-install. Unless there is a way to run a pre-boot scan?

EDIT: Maybe this will work? I'm not sure, I'm tired, and don't have time to read it.

 

can you load task manager (right click the taskbar and choose taskmanager)

If so, go to the PROCESS tab and see if anything seems out of sorts--unusual CPU percentage usage for example.

Also, in safe mode, check the event viewer for the last normal boot up--I have a sneaking suspicion that there may not be any events logged during normal boot and this might be related to the infamous KSOD (black screen of death).

KSOD can sometimes result from a corrupt event log...if that is the case, deleting the affected event log in safe mode can solve your problem

 

I am trying to reinstall windows 7, but it kept on BSOD during the installation, with error message like Fatal System Error c000021a.

 

Looks like a failing hard drive.

 

I've successfully reinstalled vista, but when I try to install windows 7 again, it gives me the same BSOD again. How do you diagnose it's hard drive failure?

 

what are the specs of your laptop?

 

wait, WAIT until the machine is fully up and unfrozen.

than use utilities like NirSofts WhatInStartup and Sysinternals autoruns to have a look at all of the apps and processes that are set for autostart.

Have you done any 'tweaking' of startup services on the machine? If so, put them ALL back to the install defaults.

Is the KSOD error exactly "c000021a" or (your words) something like it? It's important to be accurate. A c000021a error is a winlogon failure limited to WindowsXP and Server 2003 and is usually caused by a corrupt login component, either remote or local gui.

Where did you get the install media and license key for Win7? It is 'real' msft distro'd media or has someone tweaked it for you?

 

It came up as:
STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error}
The initial session process or system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0x00000000 (0xc0000001 0x001003f0).
The system has been shut down.

So after I installed vista successfully, I tried installing windows 7 within vista, and it installed successfully. But the interesting thing is that the semi frozen problem still remains. Any new window opened cannot be closed, moved, or minimized, the window just grays out a bit. I am really running out of tricks. As for the windows 7, I had a bootleg version, and was discovered by windows update. I do have a valid vista license though. After multiple reinstallation, I've decided upon buying a windows 7 license. But not immediately. I need my PC right now to run Solidworks to turn in an assignment. But I can't get vista working properly.

 

" tried installing windows 7 within vista", meaning what, exactly?

Since your Win7 problems stem from having a bootleg copy of Win7, don't be surprised if a mod locks up this thread.......

 

I was in vista, inserted the windows 7 disc, a window popped up and I clicke don install now. And windows 7 installation took over. After installation, I booted into windows 7.

 

Clean installation might sort your problem.

 

Clean install is exactly what I've been trying to do! But I was always met with the BSOD. Now we're back to square one.

 

Hey, if its installation problem, you can try this, reboot your system, go to bios, for hard disk, change ata(or other option) from sata. and try to install again.

 

I have a HP with PhoenixBIOS, which doesn't really give me much options to modify. Is there a way to safely wipe my hard drive clean and allow me to reinstall windows on it? Please don't suggest dban, I tried that once and it killed my old computer.

 

I am doing a BIOS hard drive test right now, and it's been stuck at 20% complete (quick) pass for the last half hour. Could this be a sign of hard drive failure? If so, I'll just go grab a hard drive from online right away.

 

Well then this thread is closed, we cannot help you.

We still are not going to help you. If you want to get help with Windows 7 related problems in the future, you are going to need to find another forum to visit.