Windows has a special mode known as Safe Mode. It is not fully functional, but it allows you to make changes to the laptop to hopefully fix normal mode. We're going to attempt to boot into Safe Mode to use it fix the laptop.

For more information on how to boot into Safe Mode please see the following articles:

Starting Windows 7 in Safe Mode

Using Safe Mode and Other Advanced Options in Windows 8

Accessing Safe Mode in Windows 10

Use Safe Mode to undo recent changes

When a computer won't start Windows, it's usually due to a recent change. If you installed a new piece of software before your laptop began to have trouble booting, you may want to uninstall it. Similarly, if you recently made a change to any system settings, you may want to change it back. If you have antivirus software, you may want to perform a scan. If you're not sure what to do here, feel free to skip to the next step!

Use Safe Mode to perform a system restore

Windows includes a utility called System Restore that can help with many problems. While this won't alter or remove any of your personal files, it will roll back your system settings and files to an earlier date. We'll use this to attempt to fix Windows.

In the following video you will learn how to manually create a restore point, perform a System Restore and undo the System Restore if it doesn’t help.

Video - Using Restore in Windows 7

To learn how to use System Restore in  other versions of Windows, please check the following articles:

System Restore in Windows 8

System Restore in Windows 10

Use Safe Mode to initiate a clean boot

As Windows loads, it loads many additional components such as services and startup items. Some of these are not vital. For example, some tools start immediately with Windows, such as antivirus software. From Safe Mode, we can instruct Windows not to load many of these. This will help you determine if one is causing Windows not to load properly. Note that this step is more advanced than the previous steps. If it seems difficult for you, you may consider asking for help from someone who is more comfortable with computers.

Please view the following article for more information:

Performing a Clean Statup

If Windows loads normally, you'll know one of those startup items or services was causing the problem. If this is the case, you may want to return to the System Configuration Utility and re-enable some items and services to determine which specific one caused the problem.

Backing up your data

If you're able to enter Safe Mode, backing up your data should be easy. Connect a USB flash drive or external drive to your computer while in Safe Mode and then copy your important  files to the flash drive or external drive.

You may also want to consider taking your computer to a professional.