I've been having the same issue. I've yet to find a way to fix it, but I have found (stumbled onto) a way to get to "normal" operations. 'Ctrl-Alt-Delete' to the task manager, hit file, then new task. Click 'Browse...' then click 'Computer'. Right Click you're C drive and select 'search'. My computer took about 3 to 5 seconds and then the desktop just appeared. I promptly backed up my files onto 15 or so DVDs and restarted my laptop. The black screen came up again, but the "trick" worked perfectly. I "upgraded" Vista to Buisness hoping any missing files would be replaced, but no luck. Black screen after login, only difference is that now Solitaire and Freecell don't work..... At least the "trick" still works. All programs run as they did before (minus the 2 above) I hope this helps a bit. Good luck to all.