"Windows cannot start" (or words to that effect)

[ausgumbie]

Hi all

Anyone had a similar experience recently? This morning, turned on laptop, black-and-grey screen you usually don't see unless you key Fsomething during bootup. "Windows cannot start" (or words to that effect) "this may be due to a recent update or...". I've had so many problems with computersyou'd think I'd read the screens but I never seem to learn. I simply clicked the offered option to auto-repair which "may take several minutes".

After a half-hour or so the screen cheerfully informed me Windows had not been able to automatically repair itself and would I like to send this information (to...?) or not? I clicked yes. Then, from memory, it shut down and I restarted the computer. Or, it restarted. I need a better memory or attention. Anyhow, the expected screen arrived for my computer password, I entered it and all seemed normal.

Until I tried a Norton scan, and the Norton window told me IN RED my updates were out-of-date and automatic-update was unavailable. Then, after a bit of self-consultation, Norton added there were 4 issues to Fix - so I hit Fix and eventually everthing went reassuringly green. Then I tried a Malwarebytes scan. Malwarebytes complained its database wasn't there - would it like me to go and get the latest one? Yes please. It did and I did a full scan only to see I had no realtime protection!!! I've left that off for the moment as Norton once advised me they prefer Norton to do the realtime Malware protection.

What has hit me? I have downloaded files from Youtube and archive.org but neither of my security programs objected. The last Windows update was on the 15th November (10 days ago) and only Norton and Malwarebytes update daily that I know. Neither of them has fought with the other to this point that I'm aware.

Computer: Toshiba Satellite L840/02K (4 months old)

Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1

Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (PRO) 1.65.1.1000

Norton: Norton 360 Version 6.4.0.9

Cheers

ausgumbie

[AdvancedSetup]

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[ausgumbie]

Thanks Ron

I have just been handed another (non-computer-related) bushfire to put out so I will follow your suggestions but a bit more slowly than I'd have hoped.

Cheers

ausgumbie