Windows Does Not Provide Login Screen After Reboot

[BobH]

I normally leave my old HP laptop running. I have the screen sleep option set to never. After what I presume was an update overnight, the machine will restart but no amount of hitting space bar or enter will deliver the means to enter my login id.

Can anyone tell me how to fix this? I've rebooted a fair few times. If I can't log in, the system is bricked.

I'm typing this on a newer Dell laptop.

[HansV]

See Start your PC in safe mode in Windows.

[BobH]

Thanks, Hans.

I forgot to mention that I had tried that. Seems the laptop finally died.

I pulled the HDD and the power supply and the new video card for my parts stash. I'll give the rest a decent burial with veteran's rites. It came delivered originally with Windows 8 installed.