Need serious computer help - Control panel/add new programs missing

[watzitoou]

This morning I was trying to see why Norton 360 wasn't working. I kept getting an error code that I need to uninstall program then re-install. I went to control panel to add/remove programs The only thing in there is Logitech quickcam, all the other stuff is missing. I installed the quickcam 12/17/07 and everything was there in the add/remove programs. Now everything is gone. When I go to Start - all programs everything is there.

How did everything disappear?
Do I need to re-install everything?

[mikersoft]

Yikes, that sounds odd. I had a similar problem with Norton just a couple of weeks ago. I tried some additional overlocking of my processor and Norton AV 2007 gave an error saying that I needed to uninstall then re-install.

I had to use the Norton Removal Tool (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039)from the Symantec website to completely remove all traces of Norton software before I could re-install. You might want to try that first and see if it clears up your add/remove programs issue. Be sure the read the warnings before running it.

-Mike

[okisteve]

You can use System Restore to back it up to 12/17/07, when everything was still there.

[watzitoou]

You can use System Restore to back it up to 12/17/07, when everything was still there.

That was the first thing I did try after seeing everything was missing, but I keep getting error code invalid file. Then I went to http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/ and it said I had no folders to scan. :ohmy:

I just did the Norton removal tool, but the add/new programs is still the same - everything is still missing. I am re-installing Norton right now.

[DocTurtle]

Step 1) Get rid of Norton!!
Step 2) Get AVG. It's free and better than Norton. Norton is crap.

Just google it. There are plenty Norton vs AVG articles out there and they all say the same thing. Norton was the shiznit back in the day, but now it's pretty much crap. Plus, it embeds itself into your kernel files which means it's pulling power from anything else that you are trying to run. It's a resource hog!

[Tanimaga]

Gotta agree about AVG vs. Norton. Nothing but problems w/Norton, but AVG runs flawless.

[okisteve]

What does AVG stand for? I've used Norton sometimes but I agree it causes more problems than it solves.

BTW, for a totally great free antivirus, I recommend Avast.

[DocTurtle]

Avast and AVG are great! Good call there Okisteve. I forgot about Avast.
I don't know what AVG stands for honestly.
If you are set on paying for a good anti-virus program though, Kasper is the best out there from what I remember. But free is always good :D

[retributionnk]

I'd recommend staying away from free anti-virus altogether. There's a reason that paid anti-virus services cost money: They are flat out better. The virus definitions are updated much more often, and are much more vast with the pay programs. I'd recommend BitDefender myself. Don't get me wrong, free protection is better than no protection; But personally, I think 30 bucks a year is a small fee to pay to protect a computer that is worth anywhere from 300 to several thousand dollars. Happy virus hunting!

P.S. : As for your actual problem, which version of windows are you running?
You should start by rebooting (which i'm sure you've already tried), and get more serious from there... feel free to PM me if you want to know where to go from there.

[DocTurtle]

AVG is better than Norton hands down.
AVG updates daily at least...if not more often.
There are plenty of good free ones that work just as well as the 30 dollar ones, but you have to make sure you get the right ones. AVG and AVAST are great free anti-virus programs. They work better than a lot of the ones you pay for.

If nothing else, google! Do your research for good anti-virus protection. And please, PLEASE, don't think that one program is good enough for everything. Do it :D Google research FTW!!!

[TheLastDon]

Or get a Mac!:rolleyes::p

[Mad Hatter]

I'd recommend staying away from free anti-virus altogether. There's a reason that paid anti-virus services cost money: They are flat out better.

I agree with you on only one point... BitDefender is the bomb... I love it... I download like it's cool, so my crap is always under atack... but to say that just because something is free = carper... DISAGREED!:thumbdown: There are things out there for free that are absoulte over powering the paid market. Linux is a prime example. And not to get it twisted... I'm a Windows man, I don't and won't ever use Linux on my home computer... but that doesn't mean that Linux is crap... Hell NASA uses it (as DK loves to point out to me all the time).

As far as the OP... Norton 360 is the crappiest thing out there. I get more customers with computer problems due to 360... it start up junked this one guys machine... this other person had the same problem that you are having... it all boiled down to a permission thing. He didn't have permission to view alot of what was going on in his computer. He use to, but after a Norton 360 update... BLAM... DENIED!

[DoctorP]

I like AVG, and it seems that my machine runs smoother with it installed. I currently use McCaffee (sp?) only because you can get it free as long as you work for the govt. But it really seems to slow down my machine (esp at startup)!

As for your problem...if you can't find the control panel, then you could try using the disk for Norton 360...maybe it has an uninstall feature on the disk?

[watzitoou]

Since my previous computer problems, my Japanese friend installed VCOM - Fix it utilities professional - which already has anti-virus and anti-spyware included provided by Trend Micro.

My husband has been on my case cuz I haven't updated the Norton. Since he deployed when he would call (rarely) he would tell me how I need to update Norton ASAP, that would be my 3 min. of talk time with him. So last night I did the free Norton 360 for 30 days. And thats when I started having problems again..

While he will be gone for another 5+ months, I have been checking out http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6600_7-6655968-1.html?tag=txt I was going to try Kaspersky since it has high ratings, but my friend installed the VCOM.

[DocTurtle]

Watzitoou, this is the 2nd time now that you've asked for our help/opinion and you've ended up doing your own thing. lol

I'm not trying to call you out...at the same time maybe that is exactly what this is and I'll apologize for that in advance if it's perceived as that. Not my intention to cause any hate or discontent.

I just remembered when you asked about getting a new computer a while back...and after all the offers for help that were there you found something else and went your own way with it...by the way...what did you end up doing or getting?

[IndyGal]

Step 1) Get rid of Norton!!

I have used Norton for quite a few years and I do have to say that the Norton 360 sucks. I think it has caused problems with my machine. In the years past I was pleased with Norton, but I think I will be looking into something else.

[watzitoou]

Watzitoou, this is the 2nd time now that you've asked for our help/opinion and you've ended up doing your own thing. lol

I'm not trying to call you out...at the same time maybe that is exactly what this is and I'll apologize for that in advance if it's perceived as that. Not my intention to cause any hate or discontent.

I just remembered when you asked about getting a new computer a while back...and after all the offers for help that were there you found something else and went your own way with it...by the way...what did you end up doing or getting?

So you assumed I did my own thing...I did get all movies off of the computers onto a external hard drive and sent to my brother for Christmas!! Except for my husband's Anime movies are still on here. I also got rid of the applications we haven't used in long time or never used, been expired and so on. I did you use the Norton removal tool to get rid of all copies of Norton.

My friend installed the VCOM after my 1st computer problems, before I even posted for help on here.

So what part am I not listening to you guys?

Oh and I was going to go with AVG, before my husband deployed, but my husband didn't like the ratings on it. He is convinced Norton is the best while I have been looking for something else. My husband doesn't think the VCOM is good cuz he never heard of it. He keeps telling me I need Norton for extra protection.

Since I have had the VCOM:
Files scanned: 4,294,852
Viruses detected and treated: 9
Spyware detected and treated: 309
Disk space C:\ 79% used

[DocTurtle]

So you assumed I did my own thing... I was going off of what you said. Your friend installed VCOM. Well...the posting of that info in the time line made it sound like it was done after all of this. Meh, not important though. :)

So what part am I not listening to you guys? Explained above. The time line of the posting made it sound like you threw our suggestions into the wind. I was also refering back to the 1st computer thread you made.

Oh and I was going to go with AVG, before my husband deployed, but my husband didn't like the ratings on it. He is convinced Norton is the best... It's good that you were at least going to go with it. As for your husband though, well. As I'm occasionally reminded by my wife, it's the wifes job to let the man know when he is wrong, lol. Might be your turn :p

I've never heard of VCOM myself, but that doesn't mean it's bad?
For anti-virus I use AVG
For anti-spyware I use spybot search and destroy (I think that's what it's called)

Also, here are a couple articles on Norton and it's flaws if you will. Also a couple articles on AVG.
AVG Review #1 (http://fileforum.betanews.com/review/1028312263/1/view)
Norton Review #1 (http://discuss.pcmag.com/forums/thread/1004345856.aspx)
Norton Review #2 (read last post) (http://discuss.pcmag.com/forums/thread/1004373516.aspx)

[okisteve]

Given all the contradictory comments on even a single item (like on that AVG link you posted Doc), I think it is unreasonable to expect someone to follow advice 100%, no matter that it was offered with the best of good will. We need more people who look at the evidence and make their own decisions.

Having just said that, here's some more advice from me::ohmy:

All the virus programs I've used have many settings that you can make, most of which can affect how much they slow down your computer when they are working. Probably the most radical is when you let the program do a complete scan each time you boot up, but there are many more subtle effects too. I don't even understand what a lot of the settings mean in the one I use (Avast!), including the whole thing about "stopping providers", so I just leave it as is.

I've been using Avast! for a few years along with Windows Defender for spyware/malware (also free) for a couple of years and can't remember when I have had any sort of infections. I use ccleaner frequently and my old machine runs fast and reliably enough for me. I get maybe one "blue screen" in 6 months. I change peripheral hardware fairly often, but admitteldy I don't do a lot of very demanding stuff like video editing.

[DocTurtle]

We need more people who look at the evidence and make their own decisions. Amen brother!!!!!

I get maybe one "blue screen" in 6 months. I change peripheral hardware fairly often, but admitteldy I don't do a lot of very demanding stuff like video editing. I'm suprised you don't go down the patch of using a Mac then? Mac's, although not good for gaming...since that's not what they are made for, are top notch for music and video editing, which Mac's ARE made for.

Here is one last link for you. The first couple posts put Avast on a pedestal. Fact of the matter is, for every one article you find saying something is bad, you can find 3 more saying it's good...well...except for Norton, lol.
Last one....maybe? (http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/f49/anti-virus-do-you-use-6553/)
When in doubt though, the majority can often have a point. Norton really isn't as good as it's hyped up to be. Hope this has helped! :D

[Bones]

The only thing that I would like to add, is that "watzitoou" never actually informed us about which version of Windows that she is running.

I'm guessing Windows XP-Home or,Media Center Editions. Or perhaps Vista Premium?

NBTP

[watzitoou]

The only thing that I would like to add, is that "watzitoou" never actually informed us about which version of Windows that she is running.

I'm guessing Windows XP-Home or,Media Center Editions. Or perhaps Vista Premium?

NBTP

Windows XP home edition version 2002 service pack 2

[Bones]

Thanks, "watzitoou".

There are a few things that I could recommend, not sure if they will work for you.

First, make a back-up of all of your important data files. It sounds like you have enough external storage. If so, export all of your husbands movies to an external drive that has sufficient storage.

Some manufactures out there ship actual Windows disks with their computers, perhaps yours is one of them.

After you have backed up all of your important files, insert the original windows disc that came with your computer, into your optical drive bay. Click on the start button, click on turn-off. A dialog box pops up, select restart computer. Do not take your Windows disc out of the drive, leave it where it is.

Once the computer restarts, you might at one point see a screen that says install windows, or repair windows.

Click on repair, and let it go to work.

Once this process has finished, theoretically your computer will restart, and all of your missing utilities will be re-installed.

Some of the newer manufacturers, will only ship with a "System Restore" disc.
So carefully read all of the documentation that was packaged with your computer, and make sure that the you have a "Windows" disc, v.s. a restore disc.

With a genuine Windows disc, once you select the "repair" option mentioned earlier, all of your missing utilities will be restored, and most, if not all of your important files will be left in tact.

If your system only came with a "System Restore" disc, once the system starts up again, it will be in about the same shape as when you've purchased it. All the junk that you got rid of earlier will be there. You'll have re-install all of your applications, get all of the necessary patch files, and re-install all of your backed data manually.

It's time consuming, but worth a try.:)

NBTP

[DataDink]

Hope the repair option works. If not..
Any chance that tweakUI was installed on this PC? This can be run to turn on/off the settings you describe. You can attempt to use this to fix your problem as well, search for tweakui. http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c/a/fca6767b-9ed9-45a6-b352-839afb2a2679/TweakUiPowertoySetup.exe
If you or your friend is computer savvy, have them check this registry key: (there are multiple keys that control the control panel, but this is where I'd look 1st)
HKEY local machine\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\ control panel\don't load\
Anything listed here will be hidden when you open control panel.
If nothing or little is listed do a search under windows for *.cpl
you can double-click on them to see if they work for example appwiz is the add/remove program wizard. If these open, we can walk you through more steps. I'd just hate to reload a PC if you don't need to.
Hope this helps.

[watzitoou]

Thanks, "watzitoou".

There are a few things that I could recommend, not sure if they will work for you.

First, make a back-up of all of your important data files. It sounds like you have enough external storage. If so, export all of your husbands movies to an external drive that has sufficient storage.

Some manufactures out there ship actual Windows disks with their computers, perhaps yours is one of them.

After you have backed up all of your important files, insert the original windows disc that came with your computer, into your optical drive bay. Click on the start button, click on turn-off. A dialog box pops up, select restart computer. Do not take your Windows disc out of the drive, leave it where it is.

Once the computer restarts, you might at one point see a screen that says install windows, or repair windows.

Click on repair, and let it go to work.

Once this process has finished, theoretically your computer will restart, and all of your missing utilities will be re-installed.

Some of the newer manufacturers, will only ship with a "System Restore" disc.
So carefully read all of the documentation that was packaged with your computer, and make sure that the you have a "Windows" disc, v.s. a restore disc.

With a genuine Windows disc, once you select the "repair" option mentioned earlier, all of your missing utilities will be restored, and most, if not all of your important files will be left in tact.

If your system only came with a "System Restore" disc, once the system starts up again, it will be in about the same shape as when you've purchased it. All the junk that you got rid of earlier will be there. You'll have re-install all of your applications, get all of the necessary patch files, and re-install all of your backed data manually.

It's time consuming, but worth a try.:)

NBTP

I did the first part...I need to see where my husband did with the system restore disc. I did click on repair I still get all the same error codes I was getting before ..

When it restarts it always says Floppy Diskette seek failure. Strike F1 to continue, F2 to run the setup utility. (been getting this error for the past 1yr+)

After I press F1 and it goes thru everything I get an error code: windows installer - preparing to install. I don't know what its trying to install , it will keep flashing then freeze. When you go Control, Alt, Delete its not there.

Runner error - runner file name (LogitechDesktopMessenger.exe) lacks '-' (the app ID seperator). I click ok to get rid of it. I have gone to Control Panel add/new programs and clicked repair, but I still keep getting error code.

MS Time Zone - the application has encountered an internal error and must be closed: object reference not set to an instance of an object. - That use to be in Start-Programs, but is no longer there.

I do have system restore on VCOM, I use to have system restore on this computer in start-programs, accessories, system tools but its no longer there. We do have a disc for it somewhere.

[okisteve]

Thanks, "watzitoou".

There are a few things that I could recommend, not sure if they will work for you.

First, make a back-up of all of your important data files. It sounds like you have enough external storage. If so, export all of your husbands movies to an external drive that has sufficient storage.

Some manufactures out there ship actual Windows disks with their computers, perhaps yours is one of them.

After you have backed up all of your important files, insert the original windows disc that came with your computer, into your optical drive bay. Click on the start button, click on turn-off. A dialog box pops up, select restart computer. Do not take your Windows disc out of the drive, leave it where it is.

Once the computer restarts, you might at one point see a screen that says install windows, or repair windows.

Click on repair, and let it go to work.

Once this process has finished, theoretically your computer will restart, and all of your missing utilities will be re-installed.

Some of the newer manufacturers, will only ship with a "System Restore" disc.
So carefully read all of the documentation that was packaged with your computer, and make sure that the you have a "Windows" disc, v.s. a restore disc.

With a genuine Windows disc, once you select the "repair" option mentioned earlier, all of your missing utilities will be restored, and most, if not all of your important files will be left in tact.

If your system only came with a "System Restore" disc, once the system starts up again, it will be in about the same shape as when you've purchased it. All the junk that you got rid of earlier will be there. You'll have re-install all of your applications, get all of the necessary patch files, and re-install all of your backed data manually.

It's time consuming, but worth a try.:)

NBTP

Every name-brand computer I've ever owned came with System Restore disks, not actual Windows or DOS, but I think those all install the OS in full as well as proprietary stuff, offers, etc. Shouldn't make much of a difference - you'll lose all the data and apps either way.

Watzit has done a nice job of describing the problem. It's way beyond me, but it smells like something is wacky with something in the startup process. If it were me, I'd try removing all non-essential startup programs, or just start with an emergency boot disk and carry on from there.

[Bones]

As posted by Watzitoou:

I did the first part...I need to see where my husband did with the system restore disc. I did click on repair I still get all the same error codes I was getting before ..

When it restarts it always says Floppy Diskette seek failure. Strike F1 to continue, F2 to run the setup utility. (been getting this error for the past 1yr+)

After I press F1 and it goes thru everything I get an error code: windows installer - preparing to install. I don't know what its trying to install , it will keep flashing then freeze. When you go Control, Alt, Delete its not there.

Runner error - runner file name (LogitechDesktopMessenger.exe) lacks '-' (the app ID seperator). I click ok to get rid of it. I have gone to Control Panel add/new programs and clicked repair, but I still keep getting error code.

MS Time Zone - the application has encountered an internal error and must be closed: object reference not set to an instance of an object. - That use to be in Start-Programs, but is no longer there.

I do have system restore on VCOM, I use to have system restore on this computer in start-programs, accessories, system tools but its no longer there. We do have a disc for it somewhere.

I have to agree with Okisteve, you've done an excellent job with explaining your symptoms. So this is what I guessing might be your problems up to this point:

1.Floppy Diskette Failure:

Most of the time that you will be greeted by this message is when your computer can not find the installation disk of the program that you are trying to repair. Be it Windows, Vcom, or whatever. In this instance, it appears that you are trying to restore your version of Windows without your Windows disk. It can't be done.

2.Windows installer is preparing to install- then freezes.

It freezes because your computer can not locate the required disk. It needs that to install, or repair, missing or damaged files.

3. "Runner Error-runner file name (Logitech Desktop Manager.exe) lacks the "-" seperator"


When you install an application, sometimes you have to enter a serial number. It can be kind of lengthy, and may require you add dashes between the number sequence. Your husband may have done that, but it somehow became corrupted, so if remove the application and re-install it, that problem should go away.

4. MS Time Zone- the application has encountered an internal error.

Either the program has been corrupted, or you may need a new CMOS battery. The computer clock back-up is powered by a battery. When your turn your computer off, the clock is kept running by the battery and it needs to be replaced occasionally. A good way to tell, if your system clock starts losing time, replace the battery.

5.V-Com system restore will only work if you have you have created a restore point during the software installation. If you have not, it's useless.

So next time when your husband calls, ask him where he hid the disks. Put the disk into the cd drive, and let it work its magic. But since you've implied that you only have a restore disk, when you turn your computer on, it will be exactly like it was when you brought it home from the store. So please,
make sure that you have backed all of your information (including address book info), before you bring your computer back to life.

Hope that this helps.:)

NBTP

[ststephen65]

ok ok ok, youve already invested way to much time and aggravation on this. do yourself a favor, back up your shit, and do a complete windows re install. if you dont have a plain from the store copy, you need to get one anyway. those system restore disks that come with your computer are crap! and the are loaded down with TONS of programs and things you wont ever need. if you dont want to shell out a bunch of money and are willing to wait a week microsoft has crazy good discounts for military. im not sure of the link/code but you can get a genuine copy of xp service pack 2 for about 40 bucks...i "aquire" alot of programs from various places but if there is one thing you need working correctly it is your OS

[watzitoou]

As posted by Watzitoou:



I have to agree with Okisteve, you've done an excellent job with explaining your symptoms. So this is what I guessing might be your problems up to this point:

1.Floppy Diskette Failure:

Most of the time that you will be greeted by this message is when your computer can not find the installation disk of the program that you are trying to repair. Be it Windows, Vcom, or whatever. In this instance, it appears that you are trying to restore your version of Windows without your Windows disk. It can't be done.

2.Windows installer is preparing to install- then freezes.

It freezes because your computer can not locate the required disk. It needs that to install, or repair, missing or damaged files.

3. "Runner Error-runner file name (Logitech Desktop Manager.exe) lacks the "-" seperator"


When you install an application, sometimes you have to enter a serial number. It can be kind of lengthy, and may require you add dashes between the number sequence. Your husband may have done that, but it somehow became corrupted, so if remove the application and re-install it, that problem should go away.

4. MS Time Zone- the application has encountered an internal error.

Either the program has been corrupted, or you may need a new CMOS battery. The computer clock back-up is powered by a battery. When your turn your computer off, the clock is kept running by the battery and it needs to be replaced occasionally. A good way to tell, if your system clock starts losing time, replace the battery.

5.V-Com system restore will only work if you have you have created a restore point during the software installation. If you have not, it's useless.

So next time when your husband calls, ask him where he hid the disks. Put the disk into the cd drive, and let it work its magic. But since you've implied that you only have a restore disk, when you turn your computer on, it will be exactly like it was when you brought it home from the store. So please,
make sure that you have backed all of your information (including address book info), before you bring your computer back to life.

Hope that this helps.:)

NBTP

1. I don't have a floppy diskette on this computer. The thing I thought was my husband used the wrong disc on this and used the other disc for the other computer that has a floppy diskette.

2. I don't know what its trying to install, that happend after a guy came to fix my computer. Is there any way of getting rid of it?

3. I am the one who installed the logitech cam, I did everything it said, including the serial #. It said not to hook up camera, but to run disc first which I did. Put all my info in and then installed cam. I installed the cam 12/19/07 and when I tried to use it the other morning I kept getting the error code. It worked but it kept freezing. I did un/re-install. Still getting error code.

4. The MS time zone I downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com the clock on the computer works fine. I tried to un-install it, but its not in the add/or remove programs when it was before. Its no longer on the start menu either. Also I had a calculator from the same website that is also missing in both locations.

5. VCOM - restore - that one is useless!!

For my husband to call would be a miracle. I only get a satelite call from him once in a blue moon!! I am pretty much on my own here trying to fix this computer and my other one's!! I need the computer I take online classes. I will go thru the boxes tonight trying to find all the disc's. I have the windows CD, just the restore one I need to find along with all the applications. I backed up all my files already and transferred all movies and music to the external hard drive. Once I get the kids to sleep I will look for the other disc and try everything you mentioned.

Thank you so much for your help!! :thumbup:

[ststephen65]

ok ok ok, youve already invested way to much time and aggravation on this. do yourself a favor, back up your shit, and do a complete windows re install. if you dont have a plain from the store copy, you need to get one anyway. those system restore disks that come with your computer are crap! and the are loaded down with TONS of programs and things you wont ever need. if you dont want to shell out a bunch of money and are willing to wait a week microsoft has crazy good discounts for military. im not sure of the link/code but you can get a genuine copy of xp service pack 2 for about 40 bucks...i "aquire" alot of programs from various places but if there is one thing you need working correctly it is your OS


this is your best option. start from scratch. but what do i know. ive only already built, rebuilt my pc about 100 times

[DataDink]

this is your best option. start from scratch. but what do i know. ive only already built, rebuilt my pc about 100 times

So what did you do wrong the 1st 99 times?:scared:

[Bones]

As posted by ststephen65:

this is your best option. start from scratch. but what do i know. ive only already built, rebuilt my pc about 100 times

Well, if you've followed this thread that's what she would like to do but can't, since she doesn't know where the disks for her computer are.

The avenues that I'm trying to point her towards, may be time intensive, but they won't cost her any money at all.

Also quite sure, that if she would take the time to read my response to her, everything will fall into place. Right now she's a nervous wreck, but after taking a couple of deep breaths, I'm sure that everything will be fine.:cool:

One of the things that I like to do is, build computers. I do it as a hobby, and some of my customers back in the states brought some equipment over, that would render you useless, or at the very least, have you sitting in a corner spanking your monkey. Way beyond what I would be willing to spend, but I get to play with it for a few.:D

Once the lady talks to her husband, finds out where he hid the disks, she can do a re-install, and things will be fine.

Also, I would say that if somebody who claims to have followed directions to the letter, they're lying to you. Or if they have followed instructions, they were in too much of a hurry to see their new piece of hardware in action.

NBTP

[DataDink]

Maybe I missed it, but do you know the make of the PC, and if so, most name brands have the key/CoA sticker on the PC. I have several versions of restore CD's, and I also have several version of OEM XP install CD's. I can provide the software, and if you have the key it will be legal. The only issue is that some OEM product keys only work with certain OEM vendors. Like Dell, and HP keys work together on the OEM load, but not with Sony OEM keys...
Let me know if this would help out the situation.

[ststephen65]

So what did you do wrong the 1st 99 times?:scared:

well it comes from getting my pc running beautifully, after about a week im like hmmmmm i bet i could get it just a little bit faster if i did such and such. then it would get screwy with me so id have to restart. sometimes replace yadda yadda.

[DocTurtle]

I like the start from scratch idea as well. If you don't have the disk though, just go to the computer store in Foster. Not the exchange, but that little computer store in the little shopping mall thing right next to the exchange. Take your computer there and let them do a fresh install of the OS. It'll cost a couple bucks, you wont get the disk, but at least you will have a guaranteed version of Windows.

Sometimes when the repair option just doesn't work, you have little choice but to do a fresh install. I'm getting ready to have to do the same thing for my pc...keeps crashing when I play any media file. :(

Please realize though, that if you do a fresh install, you need to make back up copies of everything that you want to keep as a fresh install is just that. You start from square one. Make sure you save any pics, movies, or whatever else there is that you want on a separate device.

Hope get this to work for you. Nothing worse than having a bum computer!!!

[ststephen65]

As posted by ststephen65:



Well, if you've followed this thread that's what she would like to do but can't, since she doesn't know where the disks for her computer are.

The avenues that I'm trying to point her towards, may be time intensive, but they won't cost her any money at all.

Also quite sure, that if she would take the time to read my response to her, everything will fall into place. Right now she's a nervous wreck, but after taking a couple of deep breaths, I'm sure that everything will be fine.:cool:

One of the things that I like to do is, build computers. I do it as a hobby, and some of my customers back in the states brought some equipment over, that would render you useless, or at the very least, have you sitting in a corner spanking your monkey. Way beyond what I would be willing to spend, but I get to play with it for a few.:D

Once the lady talks to her husband, finds out where he hid the disks, she can do a re-install, and things will be fine.

Also, I would say that if somebody who claims to have followed directions to the letter, they're lying to you. Or if they have followed instructions, they were in too much of a hurry to see their new piece of hardware in action.

NBTP


all im sayin is that those disks that come with package deal PCs suck. because you run into this kinda crap. spend the 100 bucks and just buy a copy of windows.

and your right people claim to read directions and they end up skimming, usually over that one sentence that makes all the difference. ( i learned this the hard way)