Still having computer problems -- help !!!

[Mikey]

Hi guys,
I'm still having computer problems and i'm at a loss as to what to do.
I mentioned this on my other thread, but i'll repeat for this one.

First off, I don't go on nasty sites and or download stuff.

Last week my computer came up with an error for my AVG virus scan and I wasn't even running it.
I hit ok.
After that, my computer started to crash constantly like every 5 minutes.
A short while later it would reboot itself for no reason -- sometimes every 10 minutes.

I dumped AVG and went back to try and get AVG back.
It wouldn't install.
It said there was an error with a file .. I think it was called jscript.dll or something.
I could not delete that file no matter what.
I finally deleted it in DOS.

The problems remained the same ... crashing, turning on and off .. and it wouldn't download AVG.

I tried the usual stuff like clean cashe, defrag, disc clean-up etc.
Still no help.

I updated Windows thinking that may help.
Nope.

I fianally decided to set my computer back to an earlier time.

That still didn't help.

I wound up wiping out EVERYTHING using restore.

EVEN THAT DIDN'T HELP !!!!!!!

BTW,
I have my restore files built in (no external disc)
Is there viruses that can hide in restore files ?

If so, does that mean my computer is shot ?

Or do you think it might be something else ?

Help, i'm dying here

[EMCE Hammer]

Take your HD out and swap in another. Format it, and reinstall XP. See what happens. If you don't have any problems, you'll know your box is OK. If it's same _____, different day you can start looking for another PC.

[MIB41]

Have you done a virus scan of your computer in safe mode?

[Mikey]

Take your HD out and swap in another. Format it, and reinstall XP. See what happens. If you don't have any problems, you'll know your box is OK. If it's same _____, different day you can start looking for another PC.

Where do you get a HD and how much do they usually cost around ?

Are they easy to physically install or is this something only computer geeks can do and i'll have to pay for ?

[MIB41]

Take your HD out and swap in another. Format it, and reinstall XP. See what happens. If you don't have any problems, you'll know your box is OK. If it's same _____, different day you can start looking for another PC.

Wouldn't attaching an exterior drive serve the same purpose? That would be something Kirk could do himself without having to worry about the nuts and bolts of the existing one.

[Sideshow Spock]

It really sounds like you're the victim of a trojan run rampant. Do you have a computer repair shop nearby? They often specialize in cleaning up just these type of situations.

Also, if you manage to get it running right again, I would go with free Avast over AVG. It's quite the powerhouse.

I actually ran both on the same box with no problems.

[Riffster]

safe mode scan would be a good start

[megocrazy]

safe mode scan would be a good start

I agree with Riff. If that doesn't work and you're running a no frills PC going to a repair shop almost isn't worth it. Especially if you've already wiped out everything you had. To spend $150-$200 installing a drive in an older computer, when you can grab a basic setup like the emachines from Best Buy for $299.00 isn't worth it IMO. 160 GB hard drive with a dvd +/- RW/CDRW and an Athlon processor. They're even coming with the Nvidia graphics cards which are pretty stable. I bought my boys each one of these when they went off to college a couple of years ago so they could have a PC in their dorm rooms and haven't had a glitch with either of them after three years of moving back and forth at the end of each year. Not for gaming or anything but perfect for bouncing around the web and plenty of drive space for the average user. Should plug right into your monitor as well, though they do have a 19" LCD for $99 on the website. If you want bigger I have the 23" Hannspree and highly suggest it for the money. Though I got it cheaper than it's listed for, think I paid $189 when they first came out. They've gotten good reviews and ever since that I haven't seen them that low. Probably because at regular price they're still cheaper than the name brands. Hope this helps.

[toys2cool]

Where do you get a HD and how much do they usually cost around ?

Are they easy to physically install or is this something only computer geeks can do and i'll have to pay for ?

computer parts are really cheap on craigslist

[ctc]

>computer parts are really cheap on craigslist

So are viruses! *drumbeat* Thank you! I'll be here all night, and remember to tip your waitress!

Seriously though; a new drive is really cheap, if you can instal and format it yourself.

>It really sounds like you're the victim of a trojan run rampant.

Yeah. That; or some weird software conflict. I run really old software on a new computer and sometimes XP really doesn't care for it.

How old are your programs?

Don C.

[toys2cool]

>computer parts are really cheap on craigslist

So are viruses! *drumbeat* Thank you! I'll be here all night, and remember to tip your waitress!


Don C.

doesn't have to be used,stores sell on craigslist here in Miami and everything is brand new

[Mikey]

To answer a few questions ......

safe mode scan would be a good start

Is that just a virus scan ? ... if so, I dumped my AGV because I thought that was the problem... Now I can't get any virus scans to install after I down load... So I currentyl have none.

How old are your programs?

Hmmm,
I didn't have many.
AVG from a few months ago
Google Earth from like 2 years ago

That's about it, not counting Windows updates, Java, Real Player etc.

Everything is all gone now, but it's still doing it,.

[mitchedwards]

Mike

Dont know about your ISP, but Comcast gives you a free copy of Macafee to put on your PCs. You may want to check with your ISP and see if they have Norton or Macafee fro free. If so install it, update and then do a virus scan in safe mode

To answer a few questions ......

safe mode scan would be a good start

Is that just a virus scan ? ... if so, I dumped my AGV because I thought that was the problem... Now I can't get any virus scans to install after I down load... So I currentyl have none.

How old are your programs?

Hmmm,
I didn't have many.
AVG from a few months ago
Google Earth from like 2 years ago

That's about it, not counting Windows updates, Java, Real Player etc.

Everything is all gone now, but it's still doing it,.

[Sideshow Spock]

Try and DL this:

Avast Home Edition Free - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com

Sometimes you can fool trojans that aren't allowing you to DL AV software by using a secondary site like download.com

[cjefferys]

I'd recommend Avast over AVG as well. It's great and it's free. I've done tons of surfing and have downloaded tons of stuff, and have never had a virus problem with my current computer or past ones.