Win 8.1 Black Screen With Active Mouse Pointer

I would download the free version of Advanced System Care and install it. It will scan your system for all kinds of errors and fix them. Go to IOBIT.COM. When you go to install it, look carefully at each screen and uncheck additional items that they want to install.

I've used this product for several years now and have not had any issues with it.

Before trying a 3rd party diagnostic tool, try running Windows own System File Checker which will scan to see if all the System Files are OK.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

Start your computer and boot it up in SAFE mode....if you don't know how, click HERE. Once in safe mode you can restore your computer to an earlier time when it was working correctly....Dennis

It sounds like some process or service is hanging. Could be the result of a corrupt update or install. You can try doing a Restore in WIN 8.1 to correct the issue. If that doesn't work, you can also do a Refresh which reloads WIN 8.1, but leaves your settings and files intact. You may have to reinstall any apps not from the Windows store.

And grab a copy of the free version of Malware Bytes.. (option 1) and run it.


Option 2: Take to Staples if/when they are offering a free tune up.. Guess what they use? Stumped, Read option 1 again.

Fact, back in the days of Windows XP (2011 to be specific) My darling daughter handed me a Dell insprion Mini 1010 and said "IF you can get it working it's yours" Symptoms.. I believe same as yours.

Result.. Took me less than 30 minutes to get it working and burn her a CD of her photos.. Yes, I knew what to do.. So I will tell you.. NOTE with an Win 8.1 this is not going to be easy.

Boot to safe mode with command prompt.

Type DIR and press ENTER,, you will get a response, it may or may not show file names, if NOT then reply to me and I'll give you the rest of the procedure.

Like 2oldman already said above, if you Google your subject, you will find causes and solutions to this not-uncommon problem.

wa8yxm wrote:
And grab a copy of the free version of Malware Bytes.. (option 1) and run it.

Option 2: Take to Staples if/when they are offering a free tune up.. Guess what they use? Stumped, Read option 1 again. ...

Not such good advice. My son was the lead tech at the local Staples for a couple of years. They don't use Malware Bytes and if you take a computer in for a free tuneup that has issues, they will charge you to fix those issues (such as the problem the OP is having).