Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
JCW
When I was a fulltime working hardware service engineer for a major global
company, every time that a machine 'went down', it was stripped to basics..
keyboard, mouse, screen.. everything else was removed.. then we built the
system back up item by item, noting any unusual behaviour..
There was an instance where the OS flash screen was appearing but severely
corrupted.. we did the obvious, reloading the OS from scratch using a backup
tape, and then CD media.. still had the problem, so not a software problem
as first thought.. bearing in mind that the machine appeared to work
perfectly other than for the corruption at boot up, we stripped it down to
bare essentials.. gradually adding stuff back, we discovered that it was a
'rogue' network card.. the card worked well enough but something had
happened and the end result was flash screen corruption.. we replaced the
card and all was well again.. took hours though.. the machine type was a pig
to take apart.. nothing like the average pc case and construction..
You may want to try this route out for yourself..
--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
"JCW" <jcw@nowhere.net> wrote in message
news:O9fe$bATFHA.1384@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Man this is why I use the NG's. I would really like to avoid the format
> option. I run Norton Antivirus 9.0 and keep the definitions updated
> faithfully and run scans at least once a week and it runs in the
> background.
> I also have installed and run MS AntiSpyware, AdAware, and SpyBot S and D
> and I also keep those updated as well. My system is malware and spyware
> free
> as well as clean of viruses. I don't know what is happening to cause the
> symptoms but I will try your suggestions before resorting to formatting.
> First, I got a BSOD (didn't record the code) did a repair. Then at boot it
> stalled at NVRAM (needless to say by process of elimination I narrowed it
> down to a USB cable that caused that situation) Then I had 2 more BSOD and
> subsequent repairs using XP Pro disk. Having said all that I will start to
> do the things offered and I will report back.
>
> Thanks to All,
>
> JCW
> "Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" <mike.hall.mail@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:uGO9WF2SFHA.2096@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>> JCW
>>
>> You would be better advised to work on the problems rather than start
>> over
>> now, have the same things happen again, and then have to repeat the
>> process.. maintaining a computer should be done regularly, and will only
>> take a few minutes per week..
>>
>> OK.. start by turning OFF the System Restore function.. click on the
>> Start
>> button.. right click on 'My Computer', then select Properties.. now
>> select
>> the 'System Restore' tab..
>>
>> Check the box 'Turn off System Restore' or 'Turn off System Restore on
>> all
>> drives'.. now click on 'Apply'.. you will be asked if it is ok to lose
>> all
>> restore points.. answer 'YES' to this.. now click on 'OK'
>>
>> Spyware/Adware/Scumware has become a major player in compromising
>> computers.. they introduce viruses, trojans and worms.. they attempt to
> send
>> out information about you, and they also slow your computer down..
>>
>> The worst of it is that you probably downloaded the spyware, albeit
>> inadvertently..
>>
>> Some basic steps to removing Spyware/Adware..
>>
>> First step is to run a one shot virus remover.. I have found that McAfee
>> Stinger works for people.. download and run it..
>>
>> http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
>>
>> Another alternative is ..
>>
>>
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
>>
>>
>> You will also need to download Spyware removal software.. Spybot and
> Adaware
>> are available at these websites.. both are free.. download and run them..
>> don't forget to check for updates after you have started them..
>>
>>
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
>>
>> http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
>>
>> ... and this link is for the latest Microsoft helping..
>>
>>
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
>>
>> Spybot has the ability to immunize a system, but there is better for this
>> function, so download and run Spyware Blaster too.. again, check for
>> updates..
>>
>> http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/
>>
>> Time to turn ON System Restore.. this is obviously like turning it OFF,
>> so
>> just reverse the procedure..
>>
>> If you have had your Internet browser hijacked, that is to say, you get
>> redirected through a search engine NOT of your choosing, you will need
>> different tools..
>>
>> HijackThis is a popular and effective tool.. download it from here..
>>
>>
http://www.spychecker.com/download/download_hijackthis.html
>>
>> CWShredder will eliminate CoolWebSearch and variants.. there is a free
>> download here..
>>
>> CWShredder..
>>
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html
>>
>> About:blank..
http://www.securiteam.com/securityreviews/5RP0L0UD5U.html
>>
>>
http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml
>>
>> For other tools in the fight against spyware, visit this website and
>> bookmark it..
>>
>>
http://www.pchell.com
>>
>> You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some links
>> for you..
>>
>>
http://www.mcafee.com
>>
http://www.symantec.com
>>
http://www.zonealarm.com
>>
http://www.kerio.com
>>
http://www.gate.com
>>
http://www.avast.com
>>
http://www.grisoft.com
>>
>>
>> Please return to this thread and provide feedback.. it is the only way
> that
>> helpers here can determine how effective the advice given has been..
>>
>> Good luck..
>>
>> --
>> Mike Hall
>> MVP - Windows Shell/user
>>
>>
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "JCW" <jcw@nowhere.net> wrote in message
>> news:O3n%23BU0SFHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> > My computer, Intel PC w/2.4 p4, 1024 gb RAM, XP Pro OS, is starting to
> act
>> > very erratic and unreliable. I want to do a complete HD backup and then
> a
>> > format and reinstallation of XP. But I don't want to backup alot of
>> > unnecessary stuff that will make for a congested backup. Can someone
>> > please
>> > tell me what items I should get rid of before doing a full backup? I
>> > appreciate your advice.
>> >
>> > JCW
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>