When i star the computer, it goes through the initial screens, then after the windows logo it goes to a black screen with a pointer. ctrl alt del doesnt work. Safe mode simply loads a larger pointer and a black screen with safe mode written around the edges.

F2 usually takes you to the BIOS setup screen, you need to hit the keys as soon as you power up.

F12 selects on a Dell instant boot menu to select booting from CD-ROM, USB, etc rather than the BIOS options.

F8 goes to safe mode start up for windows, this must be done before the windows logo comes up (ie when it is a black screen).

Control - Alt -Delete Keys together can be used any time, after windows boots as it tells it to re-boot the computer, back to start up.

It seems that your computer is not seeing your hard drive. This could either be because of bios settings or more likely because the hard drive has failed. If the unit is under warranty, call Toshiba support and describe the issue to them. If not, places like Best Buy can determine for sure the cause of the issue.

Toshiba Support

I would do a complete operating system reinstall.
The M15x uses a program called Dell Datasafe Local Backup for factory restores. You can access this program from launching the application from within Windows (it is on the Start Menu), or by using the F8 Windows Boot Options menu. Press F8 after the iniital POST screen (Alien Face), but before you see the Windows logo on the screen. There should be an option to repair Windows, which will launch you into a recovery mode that allows you to restore the system. This option is available even if you have uninstalled the Dell DataSafe Local Backup app from Windows (I did, as its constant polling causes stutterin in Blu-Ray playback). Good luck!

It is a software error within windows, either your hdd is corrupt or your installation dvd. Tryin at the black screen hittin ctrl+alt+del and then file run new task and type explorer.exe and run if windows loads then you have corrupt data.,

The startup files are corrupted.You need to put the windows disk in the DVD and make the computer boot off that when it starts up. Booting off the DVD may need to be set in the BIOS if the machine does not do it automatically.
When the window comes up you select install windows.
Second option is repair my computer. Then follow the prompts.

the game resolution is not supported by your monitor....this is the reason your screen goes blank....
by the next time if the screen goes blank, press alt+ctrl+del together and check are you able to see the task manager....
if you can see the task manager, then close the game from that window by selecting end task....
if you cant see the task manager, then press ctrl+alt+del together 2 times and check....
if nothing works, then try by checking with any HD monitors if available with you or with your friends...

You may have an infection.
Anyways...this is what you should do to regain control.
When you get to the black screen and the mouse pointer, press Ctrl+Alt+Del
The next screen will ask you what do you want to do...
Select Task Management....(one of the last if not the last option)
You'll get the Task Manager Windows.
Go to the Processes tab
On the File menu choose New Task (Run), and type: explorer.exe
Wait a little bit, and your desktop should come up.
Once there, run an antivirus antyspyware, anti adware etc, to get rid of the problem.
Once you KNOW you're clean and back in track, I recommend you to look into www.labellpcsolutions.com.
They have a product called Pc Guard, that protect your computer from all this problems effectively.

Please don't forget to rate this answer if helps.

In safe mode try pressing ctrl+alt+del, then go to task manager-->applications-->New task, then type: explorer.exe Now your desktop should appear. you could also try running: msconfig In the same way, and see wether explorer.exe is still in the startup. Adding it again will permanently solve your problem. I hope this helps, Yannick.

del.. button on your keyboard old models may require F6

You're talking about My PC and device manager and I'm talking about Bios.
The BIOS (stands for Basic Input/Output System) is system software inside your computer that helps the computer start up, even before Windows does. It also contains key settings about what the computer has on board.
In newer computers, it exists on a special chip called CMOS (stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

You can go into the BIOS to edit or change the technical information about key components of the computer like disk drives, keyboards, and display settings. It also keeps track of the date and time.
The BIOS can normally be accessed when you start your computer. You may see a reference to "Setup" when you turn your computer on. That’s your opportunity to get into the BIOS. It usually requires the push of a function key, such as F10, to get access to it. That "F" key varies between computers. Sometimes it’s not even one of the Function keys, but the ESC key or DEL key.

If a logo screen—like HP or Dell—is displayed during the start up process instead, then you may want to check with your computer maker for a command to turn off that screen and display the start up information, which is listed when a computer is powered on.
A partial list of BIOS access commands by brand is listed at the end of this article.
The BIOS also contains the boot-up sequence. Normally, computers are configured to boot from a hard drive.


Before you do anything to your BIOS, it’s always a good idea to record the original settings on a sheet of paper that can be kept in a safe place so you can reference it later if you need to reset it.
Here is a list of key sequences for various brand-name computers. If yours is not there, check with your manufacturer or watch for info flashed on-screen when your computer first starts, before Windows begins. It may say

"For setup hit..." That will be how to get into the BIOS on your machine.
Acer: - Ctrl+Alt+Esc
ALR PC: (F2) or Ctrl+Alt+Esc
AMI BIOS: (Del), (F1) or (F2)
AST, Advantage, Award, Tandon: - Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Award BIOS: (Del) or Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Compaq: (F10) (do this when the cursor is in the upper right corner of the screen blinking)
Dell: - F1 or Del.
Dell: - Some require pressing reset twice
Dell: - Ctrl + Alt + Enter
DTK BIOS: (Esc)
Gateway 2000: - F1
Hewlett Packard: - F1
IBM:
Older Models - In order to get into the configuration of the IBM setup screen (CMOS) screen you need to hold down both mouse buttons during boot up.
Aptiva - Press F1
IBM PS/2: Ctrl+Alt+Ins after Ctrl+Alt+Del
IBM PS/2 with reference partition: - Press Ins during boot
Some PS/2s, such as 75 and 90: - Ctrl Alt ?
Some PS/2s when pointer at top right of screen: - Ctrl + Ins
NEC: - F2
Packard Bell: - F1 or F2
Phoenix BIOS: (F1), (F2), or Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Phoenix BIOS: - Ctrl+Alt+S
Phoenix BIOS: - Ctrl+S
Phoenix BIOS: - Ctrl+Alt+Ins
Sharp Laptop 9020: - F2
Sony: (F3) while you are starting the PC, then (F2) or (F1)
Tandon computers: - Hold down the key after turning on power
Tandon: - Ctrl+Shift+Esc
Toshiba Laptops: - Toshiba Utility
Toshiba: - Press Esc during boot
Toshiba, Phoenix, late model PS/1 Value Point and 330s: - Press F1 during boot
Olivetti PC Pro: - Shift+Ctrl+Alt + Num Pad Del
Miscellaneous PC’s: - Ctrl + Esc or Ctrl and Alt and +
Zenith: - Ctrl+Alt+Ins

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