Need help with unresponsive laptop

Hi,
I posted this message to the Malware forum but am posting here as well in case I'm wrong...My Dell laptop is basically unresponsive--I can move the cursor around however if I try to click on anything, nothing happens so I can't open programs, close windows, etc. I can't even boot in safe mode or return to the last working settings (I can't select icons) and so am basically stuck. I believe that this problem was caused by a virus of some sort because Avast detected a trojan a few weeks back. I had it put in the chest and thought that would have solved the problem, but the computer basically just got slower and slower and now this. I would really appreciate some help with this as while I have most files backed up, there's some work that I need to retrieve!

Thanks,
Lisa

 

i could help you
but you post no info about the computer or its operaTING SYSTEM.

 

Double posting won't help your problem get resolved any faster, and only confuses those trying to help. You didn't mention your operating system or what model of Dell laptop that you're using. It is understandable to get frustrated by lack of response, but all the members do this free of charge, have other jobs, and families also.

Have you tried Safe Mode to see if the problem exists there?

 

I double posted because since I don't know that much about computers, I'm not sure if this is a malware problem or a hardware problem--I apologize if I was wrong in doing so and obviously understand that people have lives outside of helping me fix my computer! I'm using Windows XP on a Dell Inspiron 1100 and have tried booting in safe mode however when I get to the page that requires me to click on either the administrator or other icons, I can't do anything as the computer doesn't respond. I can't even go through the "Read and run me first" steps in the malware section as I can't select or open anything.

Novice, since I am not sure what the problem is what would you suggest I do in terms of posting? Is it okay to have posts on different forums given that I don't know what the problem is?

Thanks for your help.
Lisa

 

My apoligies, and I am sincerely humbled by your reply, as I didn't read your post word for word! So it could be either software or Malware related. Can you click on anything with your mouse cursor and get it to open?

 

Have you tried plugging in a PS/2 mouse to see if it is your OEM mouse/touchpad malfunctioning?