How to Any computer whizz-kids?

My Windows 10 Lenovo laptop, 5 years old, has a problem. Any advice please (yes, 'bin it' I already know )

It seized up and now I cannot get a response from my cursor - I can restart it only by the physical power switch.

I can enter my password on the initial screen and some programs self-load, but they do not respond to the cursor. Using the Windows key I can get to 'Start' and 'Power' but cannot proceed further. Ideally I want to restart it using the 'Restart' button and hope it sorts itself out.

One screen that came up during my on/off process informed me that Windows has not loaded correctly. I chose to proceed rather than look into the alternatives they were going to suggest (because they indicated it might make matters worse!). If ever I get that screen back I will follow that line of 'alternatives'. I will avoid anything that looks like it might wipe my HD.

If there is no solution, I will use my asawa's laptop, as I am doing now, and put my hard disk from the failed one into an external caddy.

But, as my own laptop is only 5 (and low risk for Covid), I want it to get back to health and hope it outlasts me.

I await in excitement for any replies (I mean sensible ones, Mr Nomad!)

 

Because your cursor is having an issue it sounds like a driver problem.

Try booting up in "safe mode". This starts the operating system with a minimal set of drivers. From there you can begin the diagnostic process.

https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10

 

+1 on this. If you are having problems with minimal set of drivers, then you may need to reset. You can also look at device manager and see if shows the driver loading and working properly.

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00122116

 

THANKS to everyone who offered help.

Taking bits of what everyone said (literally, not just being kind), I tried using the method of getting to the sign-in screen, holding SHIFT and then clicking on the POWER button. But again, my cursor had no effect when clicking the POWER button.

So then I interrupted the boot process - the link I followed from @SkipJack suggested switching off 3 times during booting, I only needed to do it twice and then got the "screen that tells you that the operating system is "Preparing Automatic Repair.")", followed by the a screen where I chose "Advanced Options' and then on the next screen, "Reset" (Option 3, Part 2 of the advice from @danbandanna and from @cabb). I was informed I would lose everything except my personal files (as advised by @Happy Camper and @Always a Poppy) but decided saving my personal files was my priority.

I am currently in the process of reinstalling Windows' and keeping my fingers crossed. So far so good.

If all fails I then post it to @Crystalhead and get it back the next day in pristine condition and fully loaded with Windows 11.

What a marvellous Forum this is - what great people you all are to help.

 

UPDATE (not good )

Reinstalled Windows but cursor (which shows and did show even before I started this repair process) is still ineffective!

2.20 am now so off to bed and try again tomorrow on a different route! Remember Robert the Bruce and the spider!

 

my friend i am very srry to say all i know about comptuters is how to turn them on and turn them off. (i am the same with women) i read all the replies you have gotten from your rescue team with respect and admiration for the authors. i am fit only to make coffee and carry out the trash while the rest of you work on this problem. i will say prayers for reconciliation between you and Lenovo and burn a candle for you at church. it has occured that since Lenny has to look at you all the time perhaps this is her way of rebelling against your new "do"