Login Screen Issues

Hey all. I am having issues logging into Windows 7 on my M11x. My login screen will rapidly flicker upon a normal boot and the cursor indicates that some task is busy in the background. This will happen indefinitely until I hard restart the laptop and enter safe mode. I've tried disabling all tasks and startup programs in msconfig to no avail.

This problem started when I put my M11x into standby and it froze, forcing me to do a hard shut down.

Here's a video of the problem:
YouTube - Windows 7 Logon Screen Flickering

During my last session before this problem I told Microsoft Security Essentials to create an exception for Rosetta Stone.

I thought this problem might be caused by a virus so I did a scan in safe mode, but it revealed nothing.

Does anyone have a fix for this issue? I only want to reformat my computer or reinstall Windows 7 as a last resort.

Any help would be appreciated! Much thanks!

 

That looks like a hardware issue (inverter, lcd cable, graphics card?). Does the flicker occur before windows boots as well, like in the BIOS screen?

EDIT: Read your description in youtube. Maybe something going on with the video drivers? Maybe try uninstalling them.

EDIT AGAIN: You know one thing I would try is unplug the power adapter, take the bottom panel off, remove the battery, re-seat the RAM, and clear the CMOS (remove little battery on motherboard). It's a lot easier than it sounds.

 

Alright, I just uninstalled my NVidia drivers. The flickering is still there. It's definitely not a hardware problem. It's more like a rapid blank screen/logon screen alternating. The cursor is plainly visible on both screens and there's no issue with the display (the backlight is on the whole time). It's definitely software related.

Also, safe mode with networking works just fine. In fact, I am typing this post on my M11x right now. It's definitely a problem with some process that runs on a normal boot. The problem is, I have no idea what it is.

EDIT: I forgot to add that when I boot normally, my laptop never makes it past the login screen. If I leave it flickering, it will stay there forever. I have it set to log in automatically so that shouldn't happen. There's no flickering in safe mode.

 

What happens if you uninstall MSE? Same problem? if so, you know its not MSE.

Do you recall any other changes before this started?

11xR1 or R2?

If R2, be sure to install the Intel Display Driver BEFORE installing the NV driver.

Have you tried restoring the system to an out of box state using AlienRespawn? If not, you might want to give this a shot.

 

I have an R1. Also, I can't uninstall MSE in safe mode, so that's another problem.

I looked closely at the cursor and it appears to be changing sizes. I think that my screen is rapidly alternating resolutions.

How do I go about using AlienRespawn?

 

Do you have access to an external display? If so, attach the system to it using the VGA, HDMI or Display Port connections and switch via the FN+F1 keys. Set it to external display only. Do you still have the flickering?

As for AlienRespawn, since you have the R1, it would be Dell DataSafe Local. Same thing really. Did you create a USB rescue option or Optical Rescue Media? If so, boot up from it and follow the prompts.

 

I still get the flickering on an external display. USB devices also work. Barring the flickering and the inability to log in, the computer seems to be responsive.

I'm kicking myself for not using a backup utility. Currently I'm trying to do a system restore to a state before the problems arose. If that doesn't work, I'll try a datasafe restore to factory defaults. Will that erase the data on my drive?

Fixed. A system restore seems to be doing the trick. I can log in now, and the flickering has disappeared. I'll keep this thread open just in case the problem arises again.

Thanks for all your help!

EDIT: I think I figured out what caused the flickering. I think I may have forced a shut down during a Windows Update.

Lesson learned! Look at what your computer is doing before you reach for the power button!

 

Pardon my bump, please. I had/have this same problem. I went through the entire RAM reseating process, with proper precautions and procedures, and when I booted again, same problem. I booted into safe mode with networking and restored my system to an earlier date. Now my M11x R1 starts Windows 7, but does not even display the login screen. Instead if only shows black and my cursor, which can still be moved. The same occurs (at a different resolution) in safe mode. I'm going to get it fixed, but if there's a way to fix it myself, I would appreciate knowing how.
Much thanks,
Dantheman141