Black screen

I'm posting this on behalf of my dad who has a problem with his PC at present.

The PC itself had been working fine with no problems.

He downloaded a film and left the computer on during the night to complete the download.

The next morning everything was fine and they burned the film onto a disc to watch it on a DVD.

They went back to use the computer that afternoon and it started up fine but as soon as you click on any application (e.g Internet icon) the screen goes dark and you can hardly see what is on the screen.

They are not sure whether the download is anything to do with the problem or whether it is just a coincidence.

Obviously they are unable to run a virus scan as the screen goes black when clicking on the application.

Would anyone be able to provide me with any information to relay back to him?

Thanks in advance.

 

He is on Windows XP.

I will speak to him later after finishing work to see if he can go into Safe Mode.

I am not sure what format he received the download in.

I have a feeling it was from Limewire.

Will check on that info tonight and get back to you with that information.