can't boot w/ msconfig

hi. had some issues--long history, but i think it needs to be given.

one day, taskbar/desktop kept flashing on and off.

tried to fix it by installing Avast spyware

computer then wouldn't boot with boot-time AV scan

finally booted it by hitting Esc and other keys, but flashing desktop/taskbar persisted.

after reading forums, saw that another AV seemed to be solving the flashing desktop issue, because avast did nothing.

so, i tried to uninstall avast. program website said this was only possible by using their "clearing" program in safe mode.

Couldn't get to safe mode by restarting and the F8 key because I had to use Esc just to get it to boot at all

used msconfig on task manager to get to safe mode.

now nothing works, just powers on and off, black screen, no booting or evidence of booting.

thanks for any help!

 

You might try booting from your Windows OS disk if you have it and then downloading Smitfraudfix and running it in safe mode w/networking. It is free to download and will probably fix your blinking task bar.

 

Firstly, welcome to MajorGeeks.com

@jumpinjohnb: Here at MajorGeeks.com we have a forum specifically given over to the removal of malware. We also have a procedure for the removal of spyware/malware etc that we ask members to follow and then post up the logs that have beeb requested in a new thread in the Malware Forum. This forum is served by our Authorized Malware Fighters and is restricted for this purpose. I appreciate your willingness to jump right in and help, but ask that you would do so in line with our process and direct people to the Malware Forum and this link http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 I know it's a lot to learn when you are new, but hang around and you'll figure it out

@Cat_s - if you can boot your PC from the disk, use the link above to check for and remove any malware. Follow the instructions within that link to start a new thread in the Malware Forum and post up the requested logs.

 

Hi and thanks for the welcome and attempts to help. I'll check the malware threads when I have something other than my phone to use to search. I should have mentioned that I don't have the original disk. My brilliant old roommate built my computer from scratch years ago, so I have no OS disk (I have windows XP). I really only know the bits and pieces I pick up from forums, so I don't know what else I could do. Still have nothing booting up. I read somewhere that there is a safe mode repair program. Given all that happened, would that work? Then I also read somewhere about a windows upgrade---i'd be happy to do this to retrieve my files
Hard to imgine what can be done when all you see is a blank screen.
Thanks for any further help

 

Do you get a POST/Bios screen? If not try unplugging and taking the quarter-sized watch type disc battery out for five minutes then plugging in and trying to boot.

 

Sorry if I violated procedure rules but was only trying to help.

 

thanks, sach2. I don't get anything. I'll try the battery!