[tvanzee]

Hello G2G staffer,

You're my new best friend. Ha, just kidding, but I will be extremely greatful if you are able to help me out!

A little over a month ago, I ran into some spyware/malware/etc. problems. G2G staff member "handhfan" has been very helpful with most of my problems. Unfortunately, my computer still isn't back to the system I once knew. Below, I will provide a link to my spyware topic, just in case it would help you to see what processes and errors we've been through. Also, here are a few of the issues currently worrying me: "blinking hourglass cursor, delayed cursor movement response, still unable to use Defrag, and now on a few occasions, my computer has randomly restarted while resting and during use."

http://www.geekstogo...s...148148&st=0

Again, your assistance will be greatly appreciated! Thank you, in advance, for your time.
tvanzee

[Advertisements]

"unable to use defrag" can somtimes be a sign that the hard disk is failing, if defrag starts but freezes at a certain point (the same point every time) and refuses to go any further.

Most hard disk manufacturers have their own diagnostic software that you can download and run from a floppy disk, which will confirm whether or not this is the case. You can check the make of your disk in Device Manager, then use one of the following links:

For Western Digital:
http://support.wdc.c...?...=999&swid=2

For Seagate:
http://www.seagate.c...000dd04090aRCRD

For Maxtor:
http://www.seagate.c...000dd04090aRCRD

For Samsung:
http://erms.samsungu...s...&PROD_ID=-1

Edited by pip22, 05 March 2007 - 12:59 PM.

[pip22]

"unable to use defrag" can somtimes be a sign that the hard disk is failing, if defrag starts but freezes at a certain point (the same point every time) and refuses to go any further.

Most hard disk manufacturers have their own diagnostic software that you can download and run from a floppy disk, which will confirm whether or not this is the case. You can check the make of your disk in Device Manager, then use one of the following links:

For Western Digital:
http://support.wdc.c...?...=999&swid=2

For Seagate:
http://www.seagate.c...000dd04090aRCRD

For Maxtor:
http://www.seagate.c...000dd04090aRCRD

For Samsung:
http://erms.samsungu...s...&PROD_ID=-1

Edited by pip22, 05 March 2007 - 12:59 PM.

[tvanzee]

I was able to create a boot disk from the "For Western Digital" link, however, I didn't know what command to type after rebooting and getting the a:\ prompt.

Please advise.

[Whiskeyman]

From Western Digital's site.

DlgDiagv504f.zip

Instructions:

• 1. Download the DlgDiagv504f.zip.
  2. Extract and run the DlgDiagv504f.exe file. (Alternately you have the option to download the exe version of the file which does not require extraction with a zip utility).
  3. You will see a Diskette Creator icon on your desktop.
  4. Double-click on the icon, follow the prompts and create your diagnostic diskette.
  5. You can now boot to this diskette. Make sure that your boot order in your Bios is set to boot from the floppy drive first.
  6. You will see the following options:
  

• SELECT DRIVE - Always choose this option first, as it determines which drive you will be working on.
• QUICK TEST - This option tests your drive quickly for any major physical problems. (Please note: Although this option is safe and does not alter the data on your hard drive, Western Digital recommends that you have a current backup of your data).
• EXTENDED TEST - This option checks your drive thoroughly and it can repair any correctable errors. (Please note: Although this option is safe and does not alter the data on your hard drive, some data loss may occur, depending on the errors found and the errors corrected. Western Digital recommends that you have a current backup of your data).
• WRITE ZEROS TO DRIVE - The Write Zeros option, wipes any and all data off your drive. This option used when your data is no longer usable or recoverable. If you no longer need any data from your drive and would like to start over, run this option to set your drive to an as new condition. NOTE: Please make sure that you have selected the correct drive to perform this function on as once ran, no data will be recoverable.
• VIEW TEST RESULTS - You can see the results of the test you just performed
  PRINT TEST RESULTS - Test results can be printed with this option. USB printers are not supported
• LOG FILE OPEN/CLOSE - You can access the log file which is generated automatically
• ENTER AND PRINT RMA INFORMATION - Information pertaining to each drive tested can be customized and printed with this option.
• HELP - Brief descriptions of each option in addition to explanations of error codes are available in this option.
• QUIT - Reboot your system once you have completed the selected tasks
  Select the task you wish to perform.

[tvanzee]

Yeah, I did read through that information before trying to reboot with the disk.

"6. You will see the following options:"
No options were displayed... it rebooted and then displayed the DOS prompt for the a: drive (I think... it's been quite a while since I've dealt with DOS).

Are the words in all caps what I'm supposed to type after the prompt (a:/)?

[tvanzee]

Help, please!

Still waiting for instructions on how to proceed...

[ohwhoknows]

I have ME also. The disk defrag is know to be troublesome. Close out all running programs ctrl alt . I think you leave explorer and system running. I close everything else out. It takes a while to Defrag but it works when everythings closed out. I've had to do this for 7 years. A computer tech explained this to me. ME has too many problems too list lol.

[Whiskeyman]

Help, please!

Still waiting for instructions on how to proceed...

It doesn't sound like you created the floppy disk correctly. Go back to the starting point and recreate the floppy with the correct file.