all i get is a black box with red dots and a line from the centre going upwards

Go to Control Panel> Desktop Gagets> Add clock. If you closed the clock at some point, a reboot may bring it back.
Press Windows key + R key.
In the run box type sfc /scannow
Note one space after sfc. Hit Enter key to run.
This will check your system files which is a good thing to try for a start.When you say your desktop clock do you mean then one that appears if you click the taskbar icon (bottom right) or do you mean one of your desktop gadgets?
Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks
Ah, I assumed the other one. A virus can cause this gadget issue. Download, Install, Update and Run this freebie (green icon top right):
http://www.filehippo.com/download_m...Let it fix all it finds and see if that helps.
Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks
Go to Control Panel> Desktop Gagets> Add clock. If you closed the clock at some point, a reboot may bring it back.
