Re: so frustrated with new computer

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

Ninip

You go to the Staples store with your computer, and you stand in the
computer department and make a fuss in front of any other customers
present.. when approached by management, you make it clear to them that you
will continue to do this until such time as they fix your computer..

This assumes that it is a hardware problem of course.. Staples can't be held
responsible for what a computer user does to the computer after it has left
the store.. Staples is only responsible for defects caused during
manufacture and finishing..

It would help your cause to take it to an independent computer technician
and get a second opinion on whether it is a hardware issue or not.. re.
spyware, it is unfortunate that computer users have to be so guarded about
what they do and where they go..

I will give you some things to do, none of them being beyond the scope of a
newbie.. but first, a few lines about what to avoid..

Spyware and its associates lurk in all places.. P2P services are among the
biggest spreaders of grief, so avoid programs like Kazaa for instance.. even
if you install the so-called spyware free versions, files downloaded from
these services can be devastating.. there are users of these services that
deliberately make infected files available to the unwary.. others just do
not realise that their systems are infecting those of others in a covert
manner..



Websites offering free programs often have 'sponsor' software that comes
down with them.. it is important when installing free programs to look
carefully at check boxes.. if you are given the option to NOT install
sponsor material, take it..



Something else to be wary about.. replying to e-mails that offer services
that you really don't want.. replying very often leads to floods of other
internet 'waste'.. just delete them.. and one more thing on this topic.. I
have noticed that the Microsoft Cumulative Patch e-mail has surfaced again..
Microsoft do NOT send patches out to 'Dear Friend' EVER.. do not open them..
just delete them..



Run the processes below in order.. none of the processes are beyond the
abilities of a newbie user..



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'



Now to the removal process..



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



Finish this process first..



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/



The above programs all need to be updated after the initial install.. do
this, and then run them..



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.. the best website for tools to rid yourself of home page
hijackers is.............



http://www.pchell.com



Mark Hasting has put much work into this site.. it is an invaluable site,
both for reference and fix-its..



You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some links
for you..

http://www.mcafee.com

http://www.zonealarm.com

http://www.kerio.com

http://www.sygate.com

http://www.avast.com

http://www.grisoft.com



If you do not run a firewall and anti-virus solution, you are leaving
yourself open to attacks of all kinds.. these two types of program are your
first line of defence..



So by now, your system should be in reasonable shape.. you will have tools
'locked and loaded', ready for weekly use against those who seek to destroy
your pleasure.. incorporate these into a housekeeping policy that includes
running Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, and you will be able to easily
maintain your system..



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


"Ninip" <gwen6039@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%233HEULKrFHA.3788@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hi everyone
> I hope someone can help me, I am fairly new to computers.
> I have a 2 month old computer. HP Pavillion running WINXP with DVD burner
> and a CD Drive.
>
> I have had it in to the store for repairs (STAPLES) twice now. I will
> have
> to take it in again.
> Problem is I will be using it fine and then walk away and when I come back
> later the screen goes to black with the words Reboot and select proper
> boot
> media.
> So i do that and nothing works I cannot get into windows. I will try this
> on and off during the day and then will sometimes get to the screen where
> it
> shows a bunch of messages including Master Boot Record Error. One time it
> said backup your files hard drive failure imminent.
>
> The thing is the last time I took it in for repair on this problem (last
> week) the tech said it started up fine but he saw spyware on it when he
> did
> a scan. So he sold me Spysweeper and charged for installation ($68.00)
> Said the problem was spyware. There was already a spyware program on my
> computer preinstalled plus Norton Security with all the bells and
> whistles.
> Like I said this is a brand new computer.
>
> So I get this supposedly fixed computer home yesterday and start it up no
> problem. But later in the day it went to that boot screen again. (same
> problem)
>
> So now I am using my old WINME computer to talk to you guys.
>
> Question is what is going on and how do I resolve this issue.
>
> Should I take it back for repair. Should I ask for a brand new one?
>
> Also if they exchange my computer, what about all my documents and photos
> that are on my computer, I have backups but I don't want to leave them
> with
> my personal info.
>
> Sorry this is so long but I don't know what to do and I am so frustrated.
> Thanks in advance.
> I will await your replies anxiously.
>
>


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