Java update won't let system boot

Java update won't let system boot, or at least that's the thing I noticed on the first reboot after the reinstall/update of java. I uninstalled all my java, went and downloaded the newest one as I was having trouble doing something and it suggested that I do that. When I first rebooted after that, it kept stalling out as the bar went across on the "Dell" window and would freeze. One time I did get setup to come up and I got in, now, after 20 times, sometimes it will go past that screen but then goes to a black screen with a white dash blinking.

If it doesnt get this far, it will stop the bar at either 1/4 way, 60% or 90% of it being full on the "Dell" page as it loads.

I have an XPS desktop, running Vista and the download  was for Vista. Any ideas? To my knowledge the java update is tied to the problem altho it may be something else and I just didn't notice it until then. Or any idea's of buttons to try other than F2, F8 or F12? Those aren't working either although I am pressing them as the bar is filling up and moving, not frozen. Any help appreciated. They are coming to pick up my machine tonight and will leave a loaner but I don't want that as it won't have my software installed. :-(