I came across this website when I was trying to find info about my current pc issues. (Using my laptop on my home network to try to fix my desktop). My desktop pc (Piece of Crap) is a Dell 8100 running Windows ME (yes, I know I need to update my OS). Ok, so I've had this system for nearly 8 years! I kept up with it and ran updates etc.... and for a long time now it has given me nothing but trouble. My fault since it's been a $2500 paperweight for a while now since I couldn't get updates done without getting the BSOD (blue screen of death) on it constantly. I have another pc in another room which is running wirelessly on a Linksys router from my Dell and I'm running a laptop on the same wireless network. Sorry for the lengthy reading here, but I'll try to give as much info as I can to help your process of assisting me if possible.
Ok, so I couldn't get my computer to even turn on one day (blinking yellow power light). Struggled with that for months (tried everything ~ added more RDRAM, replaced power cord, to no avail) and finally replaced the motherboard which fixed the problem. Now, I got it to boot Windows so I decided I would start to clean it up. I removed a bunch of useless programs and uninstalled AVG, Spybot & other programs I wasn't using. Then went to msconfig & unchecked other junk in my Selective Startup menu to clean more. Upon reboot I got a message & blue screen, "System Memory running very low - Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect may not be able to function properly".
Did a clean boot, now, when I reboot the pc, I get the Windows ME main screen then a blank screen with my blinking pointer and that's it!
I tried Safe Mode and msconfig for Normal Startup and still the same thing happens. I can boot Windows in Safe Mode but not in Normal mode. My whole point to cleaning things up is to be able to run some scans like Malwarebytes, etc... since my system is so unstable, then I'll try to backup my photos & documents to an external hard drive. Once this is done, I'm going to upgrade to Windows XP Home edition and hopefully have a decent system again. I'm trying to squeak more useage out of this system because I'm confident it's possible. Also, I noticed that one of the last restore points on my pc is from 2004! UGH! Not sure how that is possible. I was sure I had more current restore points. Was gonna do a Restore but don't know what I'll lose for files and such. I'm quite sure that my system is completely INFESTED WITH VIRUSES AND MALWARE, etc.. since I was unable to reactivate my Internet Security programs or turn my pc on for so long. Plus my nephew subjected it to all kinds of crap a while back, which really frustrated me.
I'm was thrilled to find this website since I'm not a pc geek at all and want to learn all I can to fix my pc. Yes, I could just run out and buy another computer but I find this all very fascinating and look forward to hearing from someone in this forum who would be interested in assisting me with my problem. I'd like to try to fix my pc and have a sense of accomplishment in the process.
NOTE: (I'm unable to get internet access with this desktop because my wireless setup was recently adapted to add a T-Mobile wireless router for a home phoneline with them & their router was piggybacked to my Linksys router & cable modem on this pc. Now that I'm able to power up my pc, I lost my internet access on this particular pc. My other desktop & laptop are obviously running off the T-Mobile wireless router). I don't know how to fix this problem either.
Also, I have Malwarebytes, Spybot etc.. on a cd but my pc won't run properly to run the cd.
I apologize for the complete mess of a problem that I have. I hope it won't deter someone from helping me.
I'll try my best to answer any questions you have. Hope this is enough info to get someone started. Please post a reply when you have time! Looking forward to your expertise!
PEACE
Edited by peacelovepeace, 29 January 2009 - 11:11 PM.