Windows 7 Black Screen and Cursor for one minute after login

[Ken7]

I've had a black screen and working cursor for around a minute after entering my password at login. The desktop eventually comes up and everything appears normal.

Is there anything that could be running such as the Malicious Software Removal Tool or other program?

Would the Event Viewer be any help in finding out what is running?

Even with a normal boot the screen blinks black for a second or two before the desktop comes up. I believe that is normal.

Running new Windows 7 (64 bit) computer with i5 processor. Memory is 8 GB.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like there are a few potential issues to address regarding your Windows 7 system startup. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights:

1. Delay After Login:​

• Black Screen with Cursor: This issue could be caused by various reasons, such as startup programs, driver issues, or even malware. To address this:
  • Check Startup Programs: Go to Task Manager > Startup tab to see what programs are set to run at startup. You can disable unnecessary items to improve boot times.
  • Run Malware Scans: Use Windows Defender or reputable antivirus software to scan for malware.

2. Event Viewer:​

• Checking Event Viewer: Event Viewer might provide information on what is happening during startup. Look for errors or warnings that coincide with the delays. To access Event Viewer:
  • Press Windows Key + R, then type eventvwr.msc and press Enter.
  • Navigate to Windows Logs > System to view system events.

3. Normal Boot Screen Blink:​

• Brief Black Screen: A quick black screen before the desktop appears is generally normal during the Windows startup process, especially in older systems like Windows 7.

System Specifications:​

• Your Windows 7 system with an i5 processor and 8GB RAM should run smoothly. However, slow startups could still occur due to various reasons mentioned above.

  Recommendations:​

  1. Optimize Startup Programs: Disable unnecessary startup programs to speed up boot times.
  2. Check for Malware: Run a thorough malware scan using Windows Defender or a reputable antivirus program.
  3. Monitor Event Viewer: Look for any errors or warnings in the Event Viewer that might indicate the cause of delays. If you need further assistance or encounter specific errors in the Event Viewer, feel free to provide more details so we can assist you better!