laptop locked up

[bucketmouth64]

My laptop won't open up any programs. My cpu is running at 100%. Any ideas how I can fix this? Or do I need to bring it in for repair? I have an HP and using windows 7. All I get is my desktop icons but nothing opens up.

[upnorth]

First off reboot. If that doesn't work, reboot in safe mode. Then open up msconfig , startup and uncheck the unneeded apps in there stuff like adobe etc. If it looks like hardware leave it or you could wind up with some serious issues.

If it won't restart, unplug it from the wall and pull the battery.

[westguy]

I had this same problem last week and took it in and they told me windows was doing upgrades and 3 days later it just started working again? Not sure though if that's what is going on with yours though.

[delcecchi]

You might try bringing up task manager (ctl-alt-delete with pointer on desktop) and see what is taking the 100 percent. Kill it if you can.

[fishnowworknever]

Yep check your processes with task manager, note any high CPU utilization.

Also what UpNorth said with "msconfig" but instead of unchecking boxes, just goto the "Boot" tab and choose "Safe Boot - Minimal" Then reboot and see if it's still an issue.

report back

[bucketmouth64]

Sorry it's taken long to report back, been out fishing past couple days. I've done the task manager and ended a bunch and I still can't open windows. Will try the reboot config. How do I get to safe mode?

[upnorth]

To start in safe mode, restart the PC as soon as you see the windows splash screen press F8. Or just keep tapping F8 if timing is an issue.

[bucketmouth64]

I got into safe mode and none of the windows open and no internet connection. Removed battery and no change.

[upnorth]

Try opening your apps through start programs and see if that works.

[bucketmouth64]

nope. nothing.

[upnorth]

OK if you try to open an app and it does nothing, if you open task manager is there a related task or process? And do you see anything on the task bar?

I did a web look up and there are some troubleshooting tips but most figure you can start some apps just some don't work.

Here is one that may be handy.

MS article

[bucketmouth64]

when i try to open explorer or fb, i see on the task bar "iexplore" being listed, but nothing opens.

I tried the settings in the article and nothing opens.

[Hoey]

Laptops are goofy. They do odd things when loaded with internal static electricity. You can stop laughing now. Shut it down. Remove the battery and disconnect from power. Let is sit for awhile. Hold down the power button for a minute or so. Re-assemble. Re-start. Just a possible solution.

This is also a good time to clear the vents on the sides and bottom with a vacuum.

[upnorth]

There are a few things that come to mind here. One the apps is opening off screen for one. Two malware. Three that the laptop thinks there are dual monitors.

One thing you can try to see of the app is opening off screen is to crank the screen resolution up to the max to really increase what is show on the screen.

Another thing to try, on the right hand side of the task bar there should be a little up arrow, click that and see what is running. If you click on those apps do any of them open? If it is only a few apps, it might be better to focus on why they don't work, re install or find a different app.

Does anything open properly other than task manager? Control panel and the apps/tools in there.

Have you installed any new software recently? If so uninstall it. Another thing I would do is download a Malware program like Malwarebytes on a different PC and copy the installer to a USB drive and install it on your PC. It might be better to install and run it in safe mode as there will be less running in safe mode rather than normal mode.