However, I still need this data in order to follow-up on outstanding bills and generate income reports for taxes, etc. I only use this old computer for this function and planned to upgrade to whole new system after this summer so that I could use my laptop and an updated system. If you cant restart the computer the normal way, try to access the power button by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete. Sometimes all it takes is a simple reboot to get the system back on track. I cannot find a recovery set or disc for windows 7. Whether the black screen issue began before or after login, you should first try to restart the computer. Perhaps this is a good time to get the latest drivers for your card for. Windows will find new hardware (the video card) and plug in the drivers, or will prompt you to install the drivers, so have the drivers handy. Since you can get into safe mode, Un-Install your video card.
I messed with some function key (F1?) while turning computer on and now I just have the black screen with flashing cursor. This sounds like your video drivers are corrupt.
Even then, when I turned it back on it was frozen in the same place. I could not close the dos program, it opens to the opening screen, then I cannot go any further, nor can I close or reboot. So Windows 7 was running while I was using the dos program. I load it in Windows, then use it without cursor, as it is very old, but has worked well for our purposes for years. I was running the dos based program, The Therapist, a practice management program.
