Re: Can't install anything
From: Malke (malke_at_nospoonnotreally.com)
Date: 10/26/04
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Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 20:50:21 -0700
Anna974 wrote:
> Hi there,
> I have been trying to install all of my critical updates but none of
> them
> seem to be installing at all. It says unable to install. I pretty
> much can't install anything on my computer..I am trying to install
> directx9.c or something like that even so I can play a game I bought
> for the computer and
> that isn't even installing I have never had problems before. What
> could be the problem?
There is no way to tell from the little information in your post. You
could have viruses, malware, or hardware failure. Do you get any error
messages? What are they? What are your computer specs? Here are general
troubleshooting steps for both hardware and software:
A. For software issues -
1) Scan in Safe Mode with current version (not earlier than 2003)
antivirus using updated definitions;
2) remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy
(www.safer-networking.org) and Ad-aware (www.lavasoftusa.com). These
programs are free, so use them both since they complement each other.
You may also want to run CWShredder and HijackThis from
http://aumha.org/freeware.htm. There are removal steps for CoolWeb
Search malware at http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_cwsremoval.html. A
combination of HijackThis and About:Buster (http://www.majorgeeks.com)
works well in removing homepage hijackers. Always read the
instructions before running a spyware removal tool. Be sure to update
these programs before running, and it is a good idea to do
virus/spyware scans in Safe Mode. Make sure you are able to see all
hidden files and extensions (View tab in Folder Options);
3) If you are running Windows ME or XP, you should disable/enable System
Restore because malware will be in the Restore Points. With ME, you
must disable System Restore completely. With XP, you can delete all but
the most recent (presumably clean) System Restore point from the More
Options section of Disk Cleanup (Run>cleanmgr).
4) delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files;
5) stop unnecessary services/programs from starting with Windows - see
www.blackviper.com for services info and
www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm for programs info;
6) look in Event Viewer for clues;
7) make sure you've visited Windows Update and applied all security
patches. Do not install driver updates from Windows Update;
8) run a firewall.
B. For hardware issues -
1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing);
2) test the RAM - I like Memtest86 from www.memtest86.com - let the test
run for an extended (like overnight) period of time - unless errors are
seen immediately;
3) test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr.;
4) the power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
you have in the system;
5) test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out
suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing
yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer, take the
machine to a good local computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy
type of store).
Malke
-- MS-MVP Windows User/Shell Elephant Boy Computers www.elephantboycomputers.com "Don't Panic"
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