Windows 7 boots but no graphics

Windows 7 on Lenovo W520

Seems to boot okay but no graphics show, just the cursor

Seemed okay in safe mode

 

Anyone help guide me through this?

 

Thanks

Did it ever work or is this right after installing?
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking then go to the Lenovo site and download the Windows 7 video driver for your W520.
Looks like this is the site: http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-w-series-laptops/thinkpad-w520

Install it then boot normally and see what happens.

If it won't install in Safe Mode select Enable Low Resolution Video from the Advanced Boot Options Menu then install the downloaded video driver.

The computer was working okay for years. I'm not sure if a windows update caused the issue, a virus, a cleaning utility (a Advanced System Care) or what.

 

I will try reloading driver in safe mode but I don't think that's the issue.

 

I've also tried to restore to an earlier date, but it doesn't work.

Then when I log back in in Safe Mode there's an error message stating it couldn't for some reason.

 

Could there be a service that's been turned off?

You can also go into Windows Update and look at Update History, see if anything was installed around the time this started happening. If yes, uninstall it and see if the problem is resolved.

if installing the video driver again doesn't solve the problem then things i'd try next is :-

run sfc /scannow :- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

and

run chkdsk :- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2641432

 

to make sure there is no problem with the hard drive and system files.

 

Could there be a service that's been turned off?

did you turn any off? if you've been messing with system files or the registry then it always helps us to help you quicker if you tell us.

 

 

Then when I log back in in Safe Mode there's an error message stating it couldn't for some reason.

if you can tell us exactly what the error message said then that may also help us pinpoint where the problem is.

 

Reinstalling video driver appeared to work.

system rebooted and came up with regular log-in screen.

I logged in fine then rebooted.

Back to square one- seems to boot okay but never gets to log-in screen.

Only graphic is live cursor on black screen.

 

scannow and checkdisk both ran error free.

 

error message for system restore states it didn't work probably due to antivirus software.

I'm going to shut off protection and try restore again

 

Not sure what services I may have dabbled with.

I have another laptop and when things don't run well I've tried to match services & settings

Turning off antivirus didn't help System Restore.

Here's the error message:

"System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's system files and settings were not changed.
Details:
System Restore could not access a file. This is probably because an anti-virus program is running on the computer. Temporarily disable your antivirus program and retry System Restore.
An unspecified error occurred during System Restore.(0x80070005)
You can try System Restore again and choose a different restore point. If you continue to see this error, you can try an advanced recovery method."

 

I'm going to try an older restore point but I'm still looking for any help.

 

Thanks

What AV program do you use? Maybe uninstall it instead of just disabling it. Reinstall once System Restore finishes, though SR will put it back any way I think.

Error 0x80070005 :- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/968003

try the fix in the link and if no joy then it might be worth posting the need logs and getting your pc checked in the malware section just to make sure it's clean before continuining here.

 

well, not sure what worked, but I finally got it working again.

Thanks for all your help & advice.

 

does the system restore now work too?

 

personally now everything is working correctly again i think it would be a good time to make a backup image of your pc, that way if at any time in the future you have more problems you can always use it to get your pc back to how it is now.

 

macrium reflect is the backup software most recommended i believe but windows does have it's own backup imaging solution built in.

 

macrium reflect :- http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

windows :- http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/back-up-programs-system-settings-files#1TC=windows-7