Computer expert [Can i have it?]

[I'm just a guy]

Hello everyone, long time no see!
I have gotten a comp and its pretty messed up, iv tried system restore and all that. The problems are just odds and ends really, cant install Itunes or uninstall limewire without my comp messing up, and many other things. Im asking if anyone knows enough how to do a safe-crash? I'v done one before but it's been years and i'v forgotten. Thanks in advance.



~Just a guy

[I'm just a guy]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

just putting this post here to put the thread back on the "new posts" just resetted when i posted

[Jarre]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

Sounds like you have downloaded something dodgy via limewire. Virus scan, spybot, adaware, and crap clean then see if it does it again.

[I'm just a guy]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

Tried :\ nothing works, i just hope someone here knows how to safe-crash :3

[Icemage]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

How long have you been having this problem?

If it has been a while, it's going to be very difficult to find the problem; it may be best simply to reformat and reinstall your operating system.

P.S. Even as a "tech guy" I have no idea what you're referring to by a "safe-crash"....


Icemage

[Minimee]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

i had a pc once that crashed regular. first it was just when i tried to play games. soon it was becoming more and more random. turned out power supply was going bad. cheap power supplys that come with most cases and mass built pcs are weak. this is something to check into. also might try a good cleaning, and while you are at it, make sure everything is seated properly. this could also be caused by ram failing. pc old? when did this start, all of a sudden? right after a download of some program? system specs also good thing to post as well. good luck in finding it may have to do a full reinstall of windows if nothing else works.

[Sabaron]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

Best solution to unresolvable unusual behavior:

1. Backup all documents
2. Format Hard drive
3. Reinstall all software

If it continues to work strangely, it's not the software.

Don't install Limewire unless you know exactly what you're doing. If you download something, you might want to scan it before you try to open it, and even then... you never know.

I don't know what a "safe crash" is either, nor does any relevant terminology explanation appear on the first page of google search results. Your computer's software is dead. Employ Buddhist techniques to make sure you're attachment to anything you had before is gone and then wipe the pc.

Oh, and please don't back up your Limewire downloads.

[Lunaryn]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

I wonder if he is referring to Safe Mode?

This sort of 'oddness' could be the result of corruption or malware at the software level, or it could be indicative of hardware failure. More specific lists of symptoms might narrow it down, but diagnostic steps may be more fruitful.

If the system is particularly old, the chances of the problem being hardware related go up, as well as the chances of naturally-occuring registry problems.

If you know of a place where you can test your power supply, it might be a good idea; if the supply is old it may no longer be operating to spec, and even if it is, you may want to weigh the maximum power rating with the needs of the hardware (particularly if it has more than one hard drive or a relatively high-end graphics accelerator, especially one added as an upgrade).

The easiest thing by far to check is memory integrity, I recommend Memtest86+. You can install this easily on a floppy, and if you lack a floppy drive, several GNU/Linux-based rescue CDs include it or its predecessor. Do read the notes as there are a couple types of systems where certain tests can fail for known reasons unless you change the config.

You should also check the filesystem for issues. In My Computer, right-click the drive icon (if more than one HDD or partition, you may need to do this for each) and select Properties. Under the Tools tab, select Check Drive. Check both boxes and click OK. You will receive an error message. Click Yes. After this is done for each drive, reboot the system. Upon reboot, the system will check each of the drives.

When it comes to software problems, I also subscribe to the 'nuke from orbit' approach: back up what you must, then delete the whole system and reinstall the OS. There is no other completely sure way to make sure you've eliminated any possible incorrectness. However, you may want to consider checking for known malware with an antivirus program. If you do not already have an antivirus program of choice, I suggest ClamWin, as it is free software and the virus database is very actively maintained.

[Macht]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

Have no clue what a "safe-crash" is, last time I heard something close to that was when a friend wanted me to trash his system within what warranty would accept to get a new computer. Basically he asked to trash the BIOS.

Other thing is how do you guys know what problem he is having? All he stated is that it gets messed up, and that it's odds and ends. That's so vaigue and so general an explination of the problem it could be anything. As far as we know it could be his RAM going bad, Power Supply, Harddrive, Overheating, Video Card going bad, NIC going bad, bad cables, adware, malware, spyware, worm, virus, or a whole slew of other possible things.

I mean with what little there is that he gave, install and uninstall is related to his access rights. If his access is suppose to have those rights then it sounds like a malicious program has overwritten them. If that is the case though then the malicious program also probably voided his permission to use Ctrl+Alt+Del. If he's getting an error stating he doesn't have "Administrative Rights" when he tries that then it's more likely malware, virus, or a worm.

EDIT:

Lunaryn, sorry didn't see your post. I must of been on that thread writting that longer then I thought. >.>

[Aksannyi]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

I would attempt a System Restore before reinstalling all of your programs.

[Macht]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

I would attempt a System Restore before reinstalling all of your programs.

Well yeah, it's kind of general rules or steps when troubleshooting. You start with the simplest and most likely then work out to a more global fix.

Not to sound instulting but every networking or computer book I've read on troubleshooting a user's problem on your systems is to do this:

Make sure the User is using it right (Very often this is the problem)
Make sure the User has the right permissions (Next most often thing)
Make sure that the software and such is working
Make sure that the media is in good condition
Clear the OS and start over

Obviously as you see the more global stuff is last. Not to be insulting but when I was troubleshooting people's problems with VRS 90% of the time it was because the user didn't do it right.

[Aksannyi]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

Oh, well, I don't know a lot about computers but I know that System Restore has saved my butt more than once.

[I'm just a guy]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

thanks al for replying, i was surpirsed of seeing so many ^_^ iv tried the system restore and all, the comp is a few years old.. not to bad though, not sure how to reinstall windows, unless you mean putting the XP disc back in and pressing install hardware lol.. but all that has failed. The "safe crash" is just a term i use.. dont know if theres even a word for it hehe, but along tim ago my old comp was acting as this one and my pops crashed it safely and used some kind o flopy discs and stuff.. wish he was still around, rest his soul ._. as for your advice Lunaryn, thanks a bunch and to all ohers as well.. but im just a gamer.. i have no clue about comps then the basics, dont get half the things you said ^_^; i think im just gonna work around it, if i cant do some things oh well, i think ill start saveing for a new comp.. and better at that D: t could be that this comp sucks cuse its a cheap-ass one DX but i can afford a better one now i think, thanks again everyone

~Just a guy

[Macht]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

thanks al for replying, i was surpirsed of seeing so many ^_^ iv tried the system restore and all, the comp is a few years old.. not to bad though, not sure how to reinstall windows, unless you mean putting the XP disc back in and pressing install hardware lol.. but all that has failed. The "safe crash" is just a term i use.. dont know if theres even a word for it hehe, but along tim ago my old comp was acting as this one and my pops crashed it safely and used some kind o flopy discs and stuff.. wish he was still around, rest his soul ._. as for your advice Lunaryn, thanks a bunch and to all ohers as well.. but im just a gamer.. i have no clue about comps then the basics, dont get half the things you said ^_^; i think im just gonna work around it, if i cant do some things oh well, i think ill start saveing for a new comp.. and better at that D: t could be that this comp sucks cuse its a cheap-ass one DX but i can afford a better one now i think, thanks again everyone
~Just a guy

Sounds like your pops just formatted the drive and reinstalled the OS. Basically the simplest way to go but also the most time consuming getting all the software back onto the computer. Kind of the reason for the steps, why redo an entire OS if the problem is a simple one. Just a weight and measure, if time to fix will take longer then it does to install all the software then why bother spending that time?

Best applied logic is that, unless the problem is a constant reoccuring thing that you need to get to the bottom of to solve on a more permanent basis then it's weighing how much time you want to waste.

[I'm just a guy]

Re: Computer expert [Can i have it?]

ok, small words please O_O i have NO idea what you just said lol D: