Computer help

[crig22]

Not sure where to even post this, so just thought I'd throw it on here.

I've been having ALOT of computer problems since this past weekend. Every time I turn my computer back on, I get a message saying there is a problem with opening the start-up. It runs through a diagnostic test, and finally says the problem cannot be fixed automatically. I end up having to do a system restore (which has only worked once), and I've had to do a complete restore back to factory condition twice. Being the first to admit that I'm not very computer savvy, I was wondering if anyone might know what might be causing this? or how I might remedy the problem? A friend of mine at work said he thought it sounded like some sort of sophisticated worm or trojan. All I know is it's annoying as hell! Any thoughts?

[MacGruber]

Welcome to the club. Im in safe mode w/ networking and with 3 antivirus programs, and deleting alot of unwanted... well unwanted anymore programs and such Im just lucky
that im typing on here.

Wonder if theres others in this mix?

[rainman67ko]

I would run the following in series:
Your updated Anti Virus full scan
MalwareBytes
CC Cleaner (run the cleaner and the registry cleaner next)

Run these after you have installed and updated and while disconnected from the internet.

I have 5 boys so lets just say there are things that happen to get worms, trojans, etc. These 3 programs routinely fix their problems. These may seem redundant but each tends to pick up something different.

I hope it helps you.

[MacGruber]

I use two of the three (CC, Malware... the other one is AVG)

Ran them online/offline/safe mode. I got hit w/ a wammy.

[Bluedogcards]

what windows program are you running, had still have the same poblem did the system restore to factory it helped but still have issues, i did this and it helped alot, not sure on other windows but i have Vista restart computer press down on F8 there is a place to fix computer when it starts it checks the compter not that programs, takes about 20 to run scan pretty sure the other windows program have something that is the same.

[MacGruber]

Mine? WinXP but cant tell you what version but it does not matter, I cant even system restore... atleast 1/4 of my Win Components are deleted and zero to be found.
Any mode, I cant access them. Also, bought this via Dell in 06 so it came w/ no disc.

[Rybowski]

I would download and run a program called Spybot - Search and Destroy as this will find anything, sometimes stuff an anti-virus program won't find. Make sure to get the updates if you decide to use this.

CCleaner is good to have, but it won't get rid of any viruses, malware, ad-aware. I also run a program called SpywareBlaster, it runs in the background, but it helps out.

As for virus program, I run Avira as it is free to use and it is one of the better virus programs out there.

Also, under Windows Updates, the monthly program that Windows offers will definitely help you.

[crig22]

I've been talking to my brother in North Carolina. He's a certified microsoft expert with IBM. Explained the problems I'm having to him, and he's leaning towards the problem being the hard drive is going out. Told me if I have the patience, I should call Dell tech support. If they can't walk me through a solution, a replacement would probably be the end result. This thing is still under warranty, so there shouldn't be any problems. Just annoying going through this whole process of getting it back up and running just long enough to get addresses and such so I can get all my trades sent out....

[angel0430]

Where did u got the computer. If it still under warranty they might replace it for you. I had the same issue with mine until my HD gave up...lost all the information on it and got a new one. Good luck fixing this.