[bgarrett]

I am a retired guy, just barely computer literate. (or maybe not) Please go easy on me. My computer starts and goes to the desktop screen and looks OK but when I click on internet explorer, I get the hourglass and nothing happens after that. The mouse moves but it seems that the computer locks because I cant click on anything else. I cant use the start menu to shut down, so I kill power. On a new start I can go to re-start or shutdown. Both work. I can click on a desktop icon and view a photo. When I click on other icons like ad-aware, it goes to the hourglass and locks up. I have tried disconnecting from the cable modem. I sure will appreciate any suggestions, Thanks guys, Bruce

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might be viruses or something llike that, is there anyother virus programs on your computer

if so do a scan, and see if it works.

[customcomp]

might be viruses or something llike that, is there anyother virus programs on your computer

if so do a scan, and see if it works.

[bgarrett]

When I hit control,alt, delete, my task manager Performance says 100 per cent. Does that seem ok? I have the following spyware/virus stuff and have run most of it recently (last 2 or 3 days) microsoft antispyware, cleanup, AVG, bazooka, Etrust EZ ARMOR, AD-AWARE SE, SPYBOT, SPYWARE DOCTOR, SPYWARE BLASTER AND SPYWARE GUARD, also ewido. some of my problems started when I un installed zone alarm

[bgarrett]

Thank you for the link, Tony. I dont know enough about computers to know if its malware. The first suggestion, Preparation, sounds like what I need to do. I dont know how to go to that link since I cant get my computer to go online. Am I missing something?
To restate my problem more clearly, I am using a borrowed computer to come to this forum. My computer is working up to the desktop. It will not connect to the internet. I HAVE run all the adware/virus programs I listed above.

I am lost without my daily internet fix. Thanks!

Edited by bgarrett, 11 September 2005 - 08:08 AM.

[Johanna]

Do you have your XP cd?

Johanna

[bgarrett]

I dunno. XP was on my puter when I got it. Do you think it would have been included in my purchase?

[Numb Remxed]

It depends. Some companies do, others do not.

What kind of internet connection do you have? (cable, dial up, etc.) Also have you tried opening up web pages through other browsers such as Firefox?

[bgarrett]

The connection is Cable. I am networked to another computer (the one I am using now) so I know the cable is working. I am using internet explorer. Several months ago I tried to use firefox but I guess I dont know enough about computers. I couldnt get firefox to work and my puter just barely functioned so I un-installed firefox and the puter started working well again. I thank everyone for their suggestions. Isnt there a common procedure I can follow to reconnect to the internet?

[Johanna]

Right click on your network connection icon and choose "repair". If no joy, try a System Restore to a known good working date. Start> All Programs>Accessories> System Restore.

If that fails, too, try a System File Check
Start > Run > cmd
sfc /scannow
sfc - system file checker, retrieves the correct version of the file from %Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache or the Windows installation source files, and then replaces the incorrect file.

If you want to see what was replaced, right click My Computer > manage, expand event viewer > system.

Johanna

[bgarrett]

Dear Johanna,
Thank you! It sounds like you have good advice and I appreciate you!
Your first suggestion got me a screen with
open
run as
scan with AVG
add to archive
add to iexplore.rar
send to
cut
copy
creat shortcut
delete
rename
properties

your second suggestion got me to
system restore
after I clicked on that, the screen stayed on the desktop and my mouse could move but nothing ever happened.

the third suggestion got me a black screen with
c:\documents and settings\users with a flashing _
I tried typing in
sfc
sfc/scannow
scannow
each try got me a "not recognized as an internal or extrnal command"

Do you have any more suggestions Please? Thank you Bruce

[Johanna]

Try the SFC again, note the space between the c and the /.

Johanna

[bgarrett]

Thank you. I had missed the space. I still get "sfc is not a valid command"

[Johanna]

Type into the command window:
sfc /scannow

Johanna

[bgarrett]

that gives me


'insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack I CD now"

I have XP Home Edition