When you say the PC was left running as normal and then got stuck at a black screen, I am assuming that it was running normally and then you noticed that you had a black screen at some point. Can you try another monitor or plug it into the TV? The graphics card could have failed perhaps a PSU problem.

As Buteman has said make sure all fans are clean, a soft brush and Hoover will help there and try safe mode.

Specs or make and model of PC/model would help also.

How about safe mode, please try and answer all questions. makes it easier to make alternative suggestions of help.

Where did you get your PC from? as all I am getting is German sites when I put in your PC details.

Got a windows DVD?

You need to look at Windows Repair Your Computer options.

• Startup repair - This automatically fixes problems that are preventing Windows from starting
• System Restore - This will Restore Windows to an earlier point in time
• Windows Complete PC Restore - This will completely restore your entire PC - programs, system settings and files - from a back up that you have previously created (Available in Windows Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate editions only)
• Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool - This checks your computer's memory hardware for errors
• Command Prompt - This opens a Command Window

With the Complete PC Restore Option you must have made a backup of your system, either on your hard drive or on a set of DVDs, in order to use this option. If you don't have a backup then don't use this option

How you access the repair options will depend upon whether you have a Windows installation disk or whether your operating system came pre-installed by your PC manufacturer.

Pre-Installed Options NOTE

If no repair options are available your PC manufacturer may have replaced the tools or customised them. Check your Computer Manual before proceeding.

1/ Start your PC

2/ If your PC has one operating system Press and Hold the F8 key as your PC starts. If the Windows Logo appear you will need to start again

3/ If you have a dual boot system a Boot option menu will appear. Highlight the Vista operating system and Press the F8 key

4/ In both cases, if all has gone well, an Advanced options screen will now appear

5/ Highlight the repair Your Computer option and Press Enter

6/ Select a keyboard layout, and then Click the Next button

7/ Next select your user Name and Enter your Password, then Click OK

8/ The recovery options should now appear

Windows Installation Disk NOTE

1/ make sure your PC can boot directly from the Windows DVD. Obviously, most modern PCs can. With older machines you may need to check the PC's BIOS

2/ Start the PC

3/ Immediately insert the Windows DVD into the DVD drive

4/ A Black screen will appear with the words 'Press any key to boot from CD or DVD'

5/ Press Any key to start the booting process

6/ A new screen will now appear with a progress bar. The legend say's 'Windows is loading files'

7/ After a few minutes the Microsoft copyright window ill appear and another small progress bar will be visible

8/ You will next see a Blue curtained screen

9/ After a short while the Language option screen will appear

10/ Select your language and keyboard language and the Click the Next button

11/ At the bottom left of the next screen - the Install screen, Click on the Repair Your Computer option

12/ The System recovery options will now search for your Windows installation

13/ Once the Windows installation has been located, Highlight it and then Click the Next button

14/ You are now presented with the set of recovery options

15/ Click on the Option you require and follow the onscreen prompts

Looking at this">http://www.mt.nl/vergelijken/technisch/pc/m03-packard-bell/e6m6-packard-bell-imedia-i5572/&ei=QyR0T4KUI8Pd4QSk4s2oDg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDUQ7gEwAg&prev=/search?q=Packard%2bBell%2biMedia%2bI5572&hl=en&sa=G&complete=0&gbv=2&biw=1052&bih=878&prmd=imvns">this it seems to have an AMD graphics adapter. As the i3-540 Processor has "on-board" graphic it might be worth removing the AMD card, rebooting and see if you get it working that way (you should have two connections on the back of the PC). I'm thinking that it could be the graphics card has failed.