Can not boot to desktop / Black screen with mouse

psydex

New Member
Messages
8
Hello!
It seems Win8.1 doesn't like my old graphic card drivers like Win8 did.
In many cases when turn on my machine it boots to desktop but it doesn't show it - it just shows my mouse cursor and pure black background. When i click the power button tho, the desktop pops up for a second then the shutting down screen appears. After few reboots i finally managed to get to the desktop and use my computer (chances are 1:5 reboots lol).

I followed some tutorials i found on the internetz , explaining how sometimes ATI and NET framework 3.5 doesn't work together - this is not the case 'cause i tried following this tutorial to uninstall , clean and reinstall the latest drivers available for my crappy videocard + NET framework. Didn't worked...

I noticed something interesting while booting to Windows.
IF there will be black screen with cursor - the boot time takes 1-2 seconds, IF everything will be alright - the boot process will take about 25 seconds. (just thought i should tell you this as well)

And finally here's my configuration:
Pentium 4 , 3.2GHz
ATI Radeon X550
2GB DDR2 RAM


I'll be grateful if someone helps me solve this problem. Thanks in advance!
Note: PLEASE save your comments that i need a new PC. I know that!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
Hello!

Note: PLEASE save your comments that i need a new PC. I know that!
lol, most of us need one ,ones who comment already got there ,
any chance you motherboard has an on board video device you could try using instead of the ATI Radeon video card
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
lol, most of us need one ,ones who comment already got there ,
any chance you motherboard has an on board video device you could try using instead of the ATI Radeon video card

I'm experienced forumer and i heard enough "get new PC" type responses.

Anyway, i tried to run with the one Windows provides (the Basic) but it doesn't seem to be working for me. Thinks my screen is 4:3 and moving windows around is choppy. I had to install ATI's drivers.

My motherboard by the way is Asrock 775-DUAL VSTA.

Note: I haven't had these issues with Windows 8 (before upgrading to 8.1)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
ok, motherboard has no graphic chip ,
so if you have win8 drivers for you video card try right click on the driver file and run in compatibility mode
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
ok, motherboard has no graphic chip ,
so if you have win8 drivers for you video card try right click on the driver file and run in compatibility mode
I did! That was the only way to install them (compability> vista)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
sorry ,have no solid answer, going back to win8 might be an option
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
Sorry but video card drivers for older models, just do not work on 8.1, been there myself, with same results, just cursor and possibility to get to Task manager with Ctrl-Alt-Del. Tried uninstalling drivers and let Win put any ones but no dice. Solved couple of weeks later on when appropriate "legacy" drivers were released by AMD. So look for drivers marked "Legacy" for win 8.1. For mine HD3850, it's younger but may apply to your's too are "amd_catalyst_13.4_legacy_beta_vista_win7_win8".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
Sorry but video card drivers for older models, just do not work on 8.1, been there myself, with same results, just cursor and possibility to get to Task manager with Ctrl-Alt-Del. Tried uninstalling drivers and let Win put any ones but no dice. Solved couple of weeks later on when appropriate "legacy" drivers were released by AMD. So look for drivers marked "Legacy" for win 8.1. For mine HD3850, it's younger but may apply to your's too are "amd_catalyst_13.4_legacy_beta_vista_win7_win8".

I'm currently using the only ones available @ amd website which ARE legacy. I'll try the ones you mentioned (the beta 13.4) and will reply with feedback
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
You could use:

DriverMax

to check your drivers.

I use the Pro version & it works good.

I'm sure after I post this a billion nay-sayers will jump in & denigrate the program.
That means nothing to me since I know the program works good from personal experience.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
You could use:

DriverMax

to check your drivers.

I use the Pro version & it works good.

I'm sure after I post this a billion nay-sayers will jump in & denigrate the program.
That means nothing to me since I know the program works good from personal experience.
It does work all right but you got to be able to see desktop to use it and in his case he can't even get there to use it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
UPDATE: "amd_catalyst_13.4_legacy_beta_vista_win7_win8" didn't seem to have a display driver in it - just Install Manager, SDK and C++. What other options do i have except reverting to Win8
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
That one is working in my computer right now.
ccc.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
That one is working in my computer right now.

They are probably incompatible with my videocard, that's why i'm unable to install it's display driver. Please note my specs.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
How old is that Radeon X550?

There are NO Windows 8 Drivers for that card:

Legacy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
10 year old i believe. I usually install them in compability mode with Vista and they work great on Windows 8
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium 4
    Memory
    2GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon x550
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    NONE!
Microsoft is getting like Mac I guess ,my 6 or 7 year old macbook will not install from the app store any higher than 10.6.8
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
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