[naeby]

all updates have been run for windows except SP2. I think we may leave it as is and check out the functionality.

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Does it go online much?

[Retired Tech]

Does it go online much?

[naeby]

it will be going online a bit over the next six weeks. why?

[Retired Tech]

That is where SP2 would help

http://www.geekstogo...P2-t116688.html

Have you got a firewall and anti spyware programmes

[naeby]

We enable windows firewall as per the details in one of the repair links you gave me. Is there something else we should be using? and I have AVG anti virus, but no Adaware or Spybot S&D.

[Retired Tech]

If you click start then control panel, is security centre there

[naeby]

no its not

[Retired Tech]

Update any that you install before running them

This is a good firewall, install it when you have the registration code

http://www.personalf...gistration.html

This is for AVG anti spyware

http://www.filehippo...download_ewido/

Programmes 1, 6 and 7 from here run on XP

http://www.filehippo...re/antispyware/

Programme 8 does but not sure if it will encounter the same error SP2 is at the moment

You can bookmark these and run them whenever, they should run in the background

Online Scans

Panda Scan

House Call

If Trend Micro freezes during updating, close then retry

Trend Micro Spyware Scan

Kaspersky Online Scan

[naeby]

will we ever be able to upgrade to SP2? I was reading on the microsoft site that the BIOS for the computer may need to be updated in order to be compatible with SP2. Does that makes sense?

I haven't yet run the memtest you advised, honestly am tired of staring at the screen. I've downloaded the firewall, the AVG anti-spyware and am running a Panda scan right now.

Hopefully this thing will last until it gets back home in February. Are there any other tasks I should complete before my hubby takes it?

[Retired Tech]

Everest Home Edition will tell you the motherboard make and model so we can look at the BIOS update options

Download and install Everest Home Edition

Run the programme, click + next to computer then summary

Look on the right for motherboard

[naeby]

What info do you need? ID: <DMI> Name: Dell Inspiron 8600

[Retired Tech]

This is one option, click check my computer, see what it tells you

http://pccheckup.del...420813292483806

[naeby]

below is what was displayed:


Please wait ...
PC Checkup has detected the following problems on your system.
Click the headings below to view a more detailed description of each problem.
Update your Sun Java!
[1-1501]


Install a critical Internet Explorer update!
[1-0911]


Increase your Internet security level!
[1-0201]


Update Your Westell Router Driver
[11-0905]

[Retired Tech]

Is there an auto fix option, if yes, run that

[naeby]

two of them say "get it" one says "fix it" and the last says more info