Windows freezing problem

[Deleted member 37751]

I got a Packard Bell mini laptop (notebook) for the children to do homework etc on because their school uses Windows and all my stuff is Mac.

Anyway, they've not used it too much and have just brought it to me saying that 'it isn't working' and the problem is that the cursor has frozen so I can't do anything?

How do I fix this? I've tried the proverbial turn it on and back off again with no result, it's still the same. My limited I.T. knowledge means that my next step is a hammer.

Any help much appreciated.

 

[wemorgan]

Any difference if you boot in Safe Mode?

 

[grober]

Try pressing the Fn [ function key] with one of f5 f8 f* keys varies with manufacturer. toggles internal cursor on and off with external one.

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

How do I fix this? I've tried the proverbial turn it on and back off again with no result, it's still the same. My limited I.T. knowledge means that my next step is a hammer.
:

I think you need to reverse the process...the recommended procedure is "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"

If you need any more tips, just let me know.

 

[DSM10000]

I think you need to reverse the process...the recommended procedure is "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"

If you need any more tips, just let me know.

He is probably trying to save on the electricity

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

Very true, and productivity can be pretty similar whether power is on or off with some flavours of Windows.

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

SPX, has the Windows version you have been updated with all the latest service packs, updates and drivers? Doing this usually minimises the crash frequency considerably.

 

[moonloops]

It could be dodgy software that's got on there Lee..

Try doing a windows system restore and use a date from a few weeks ago. Your data will be safe.

If that fails then maybe you can do a factory recovery, this will delete EVERYTHING and revert to the way it left the factory.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Don't know about Packard Bell, but my HP has a small separate button to disable/enable the touch-pad for when use with a mouse is prefered.

Packard Bell could be as grober has said.

 

[davidjpowell]

Don't know about Packard Bell, but my HP has a small separate button to disable/enable the touch-pad for when use with a mouse is prefered.

Packard Bell could be as grober has said.

That's a good shout. Other half's Lenevo has a very hard to see back switch for the touch pad.

Caught me out before.

 

[DSM10000]

My HP has a section in the upper left of the touchpad, where, if you tap a few times in quick succession it locks the cursor although a small orange lit illuminates on the touchpad to let you know.

 

[balge]

Try pressing the Fn [ function key] with one of f5 f8 f* keys varies with manufacturer. toggles internal cursor on and off with external one.

^^^ Packard-Bell is Fn + F6 iirc

Or try a USB mouse

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Try pressing the Fn [ function key] with one of f5 f8 f* keys varies with manufacturer. toggles internal cursor on and off with external one.

It was the F6 button that was the culprit, thanks!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

^^^ Packard-Bell is Fn + F6 iirc

Or try a USB mouse

It was just F6 on its own, I didn't need to press the FN button.