Solution
does ctrl+shift+esc open task manager?

If you are running Windows 7 or before you can boot into safe mode by pressing F8 repeatedly when your laptop turns on (this doesn't work with most Windows 8 laptops). If you can get to your desktop via safe mode that would mean something starting up with Windows is causing the problem.

Clayto1332

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Feb 10, 2015
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does ctrl+shift+esc open task manager?

If you are running Windows 7 or before you can boot into safe mode by pressing F8 repeatedly when your laptop turns on (this doesn't work with most Windows 8 laptops). If you can get to your desktop via safe mode that would mean something starting up with Windows is causing the problem.
 
Solution