Cursor won't move

13 years ago

I installed Avast (antivirus) on my husband's computer but I'm not sure it completed installation. Now a small screen has appeared saying, "Windows installer" and continues to read that it is preparing to install. Now the cursor will not move. It seems to be locked. We have unplugged the computer and left it off several times (we can't use the 'start' button to turn it off). Is there a way to unfreeze the cursor and screen to get rid of that installer screen?

He has a Gateway with XP. He's about to run me out of the house. Help please!

Comments (11)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
try starting it in safe mode that way nothing should be trying to start or run besides the very essentials.
To start the computer in safe mode

before you do that try unplugging your mouse from the pc while you have the pc off then plug it in once it is back up and running.
gmom74
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you, Ravencajun. The cursor will move now after I unplugged it and plugged it back in. We were able to pull up the start menu one time but there was only 'log off' and 'turn off computer' there. We can't open anything on the desktop. It's like the whole thing is locked up but that Windows Install window is still up and the message is 'preparing to install.' Is there a way to get the icons on the desktop unlocked? I hope I am being clear enough for you to see our problem.
Related Discussions
Craftsman LT2000 won't move
Q
Comments (13)
not familiar with the lt2000, was given a lt1000 that would run but not move. had to pull handle in rear to push onto trailer. when i got it home i unloaded it and put handle in. checked to see if i could push it and could not which indicated to me that the transmission was engaged. started it and still did not move, checked belts and were okay, checked keys and okay. the lever on top of trans. was not fully engaged towards front of mower. had to tap with a hammer and it moved about a 1/4 inch. started mower and moved control handle and away i went. the lever was dirty and i think is spring loaded. mine does not have spring on it to pull into the engaged position and was not quite going to where it should just my thoughts larry
...See More
trivial question #33 - moved cursor over a link, box with URL ...
Q
Comments (2)
did you perhaps have a firefox add on that did that for you? if so and you do not have it after going from 2 to 3 it may be that the add on is not yet working in ff3, you could try going to tools>add-ons and clicking the look for updates button to see if any of your add-ons have updates.
...See More
Cub Cadet LTX 1042 runs good but won't move
Q
Comments (2)
Whenever you are confronted with something like this, it becomes a check to determine if this is an internal transaxle issue VS something external. So if you confirm that the brake is releasing properly and the belt actually is good- the drive, driven and idler pulleys aren't at fault- that leaves you with an issue with the transaxle itself. Unless for some strange reason the wheel key is degraded or missing or the stem as you call it isn't allowing the lever to fully close the port, you would likely need to replace the transaxle. Any leaks from the transaxle? You may try servicing the trans if it is worth your time.
...See More
Singer golden Touch and Sew 630 bobbin won’t move
Q
Comments (2)
I am not familiar with Touch and Sew machines but I have used a large variety of other machines including older Singers and the most common reason for freezing up is that there is a small piece of thread caught in the works. Does the bobbin go in a bobbin case or is it a drop in? Do you have the manual for the machine? Can you remove the bobbin? If you can look closely for threads and lint and remove with a tweezers. If your manual tells you how to remove the bobbin race that would be the next step. This is often necessary for Singer Featherweights. You can likely find youtube videos to help you. Hopefully you have solved your problem already. Good luck, Barbara
...See More
mikie_gw
13 years ago
Start it up in safe mode... try to get rid of avast. Go to avast and find their uninstall tool.. use it !

What anti-virus did u have before... go to their website & find their uninstaller tool/program. Use it, then you can try again the Avast install, but i think i would stick in a different brand as avast already was conflicting with something... perhaps install the much loved Microsoft.com/security_essentials ... but only after using the uninstall tools from the others.

If you cant get in and remove it safe mode... from that same f8 start up menu, choose Last known good configuration to go back one restore point.
gmom74
Original Author
13 years ago
Mickie thanks. Even though the cursor will move now, everything on the desk top is locked- nothing happens when we try to click on it. Even the Start menu won't show up anymore. He was using Eset- I can't remember the rest of the name- but he let it run out and didn't get another virus protection. I was going to use Avast to scan his computer but now we can't get to anything to uninstall or install or do anything. Everything I have read about how to fix it says to go here and there- but nothing opens. I hope there is someway to unlock it all.
mikie_gw
13 years ago
Did you????? start it in safe mode????? & still things dont work ?
mikie_gw
13 years ago
Somethings you need to use while in safe mode ...

Here is a link that might be useful: http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2008/09/antivirus-product-removal-tools.html
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
as mikie said you MUST use the removal tool for the Eset which he had on the pc, you can not install AVAST or any other AV until you do that step, it is causing a conflict.
this is why we are telling you to use safe mode.You can get that removal tool there on that site mikie gave you and save it to a flash drive to put it on your pc if you can not get your's to go online.

In safe mode you may be able to do a system restore to the date before you began this and that may help some.
System Restore

try safe mode!!!
gmom74
Original Author
13 years ago
Be patient please. We are not computer savvy. But we are making progress. I was able to get into safe mode and uninstalled Avast. We have to go to dinner. When we get back I will try to uninstall Eset. Many thanks I'll be back in touch later.
gmom74
Original Author
13 years ago
A small window in the middle of the monitor now says 'please wait while Windows configures scan" and then it put another small window over THAT that says" The feature you are trying to use is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not available. Insert the "Scan disk" and click OK." I am not sure what the scan disk is- I don't remember seeing a disk called just that. Is it part of the Windows XP install disk? I'm beginning to think it might be wise to just take the computer to a repair shop and have it done there.
mikie_gw
13 years ago
Sandisk is a manufactures name of a usb portable memory stick.

What were you doing that caused the 'scan' popup window to start ?
And what does it say at the top of those two windows ? Sometimes the program name is there in the title bar.
gmom74
Original Author
13 years ago
Not sandisk- scan disk- two words. At the top of eash pop-up window there is only the word "SCAN" I'm assuming that the computer was trying to use that Windows Installer that had popped up (see my first post) and was asking for another disk so it could continue. Another development is that the monitor screen shows everything in a pink color and has many vertical and horizontal lines on it. My husband has decided to take the 7 year old computer and have it fixed. I will keep all the information you have given and all the links to other sites. Many, many thanks for you help.