Frozen Cursor

I run Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9926 on an eMachines netbook eM350. I had it running since the previous Build, but the cursor is now frozen, I don't know why.

I then tried to re-install the previous OS, Windows 7 Starter. I got to the point of having to agree to the EULA, but I could not navigate the frozen cursor to tick off the box, and I had to shut off the power.

The netbook can still be booted to Windows 10 Technical Preview, I can still logon, but the cursor remains frozen.

Any ideas on how to get the netbook running again, with Windows 7 or 10 ? Thanks!

Hi frozencursor, welcome to the blog, disconnect the mains, remove the battery, press power button for 10-20 secs, leave the netbook to rest for few minutes, then put the battery, connect the mains and see whether it helps.

Thanks for the welcome!

Unfortunately, after doing the procedure several times, the cursor is still frozen. The cursor sometimes disappears. Sometimes, a message on the bottom right hand corner of the screen slides in (and out) saying that I need to click it and re-enter my Microsoft account password. Of course I can't click the message with the frozen or invisible cursor.

Any further ideas?

Do you have any other USB peripherals plugged in? If so try, unplugging it.

Are you using a usb mouse?

I never use a mouse with the netbook, I always use its trackpad. I do use USB sticks, but even without any USB sticks plugged in and reboot, the cursor is stuck in the centre of the screen (or not visible)

Is there a way to reformat the hard disk then re-install the OS?

what is the brand and model of your laptop? maybe you just need to re- install the original driver.

Edit:

I saw your pc brand and model from your first post.
Original drivers are available for download:

Here:

Thanks, but the stumbling block for re-installing drivers is the frozen cursor. I manage to open the Device Manager by typing in the Search Box in the Taskbar of Windows 10 Technical Preview. But with a frozen (or invisible) cursor, I can't navigate to the 'Mice and other pointing devices' to open it, etc.

Previously, I tried to re-install the original OS (Windows 7 Starter) but I couldn't do it because of the same frozen (or invisible) cursor problem.

I am thus basically looking for a way to re-install either drivers or OS without using the cursor.

Thanks, but the stumbling block for re-installing drivers is the frozen cursor. I manage to open the Device Manager by typing in the Search Box in the Taskbar of Windows 10 Technical Preview. But with a frozen (or invisible) cursor, I can't navigate to the 'Mice and other pointing devices' to open it, etc.

Previously, I tried to re-install the original OS (Windows 7 Starter) but I couldn't do it because of the same frozen (or invisible) cursor problem.

I am thus basically looking for a way to re-install either drivers or OS without using the cursor.

Why do you have to stick with the touchpad? Use a mouse just until you got it sorted out. Then go back to touchpad. Get a cheap one from dollar store. It's always handy to have one.

I never use a mouse with the netbook, I always use its trackpad. I do use USB sticks, but even without any USB sticks plugged in and reboot, the cursor is stuck in the centre of the screen (or not visible)

Is there a way to reformat the hard disk then re-install the OS?

Have you booted to safe mode. You might be able to boot with networking and find the right driver. That is assuming that you are able to navigate.