11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Computer crashed need advice please

by gjd6599
9 replies
Hi, my computer, a dell 2400 went blue screen recently, and a friend was able to get it running again. He said I had a Trojan, and a couple of viruses. The computer is 6 years old, and ran like new until I downloaded a program to get store coupons for my wife.

It went to a white screen right after I did that, but a computer restart seemed to make everything ok until the next day.

It is back running, but not like it was before. My internet explorer browser won't work, but my firefox is fine. A few of my programs like micro niche finder barely run.

I get messages like "The exception breakpoint, a breakpoint has been reached (0x80000003) occurred in the application at location 0x7egb6ede

My friend who is not a computer expert, but knows a lot more than me, thinks the registry has been corrupted. Does that sound right?

He has suggested I format the hard drive, and reinstall windows. I would rather not do that because of all my programs I have installed that I can't backup, and would have to reinstall.

Do any of these registry cleaner programs, that claim to fix registry errors work?

Thanks Glenn
#advice #computer #crashed
  • Profile picture of the author Bruce Hearder
    Honestly you could mess about for a long time with registery cleaners and whot-nots and still nebver get it working again..

    I would suggest the following :

    1. back up as much stuff as you can. ONLY THE FILES YOU CAN'T RE-INSTALL.
    Ieon't back up your entire MS Office installtion, you can get it all from the CD again

    2. Insert your Windows disk and do a full re-install. If, like you say, you've had it running for 6-years, then its DEFINITELY time for a re-install.

    I reformat my PCs at least once per year, and my main production laptop at least once every 6 months..

    Hope this helps

    Bruce
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1851768].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author simpleonline1234
      Yup I've heard of that same issue from another friend of mine with the coupons....there's actually a few tricks that you can try first before whipping your drive.

      1] You can try to restore your computer to a previous date before the coupon issue....reboot into safe menu tapping the F8 key during boot-up...click on start > all programs> accessories> system tools> system restore...pick a date before the crash and restore to that point. Be sure to backup anything you have put on the computer since that date

      2] You can try to re-install windows operating system only (everything remains intact) too much to type here's the direct link to tutorial

      How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

      3] Last resort...whip the drive clean and re-install all softwares....
      Signature
      Check out deals
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1853518].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Marc Quarles
    If you're looking for alternatives to wiping and starting from scratch, try replacing your RAM.

    Bad RAM can cause all manner of weird errors, freezes, and lockups. RAM is extremely cheap these days, especially for a 6-year-old computer. If you're not ready to do the wipe-and-reinstall routine yet, buy some new RAM, install it, and see if that helps (dont add the new RAM to your existing - completely replace it.)

    If the new RAM doesn't fix the problem, box it back up and return it to Best Buy or wherever you got it.

    I've tried a number of "registry cleaners" and they are mostly bunk. If you want to go that route, stick with a boxed one from a brick-and-mortar retailer published by a major brand (Symantec, McAfee, etc) - I wouldn't trust any of the no-name online ones.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1855690].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Desh
      If you suspect a trojan or virus, do a complete scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from
      Malwarebytes.org
      before you try to run a reg scan or formatting should be a last resort, try restoring previous restore points mentined by simpleonline1234 is also a good option.
      Wish you luck.
      Signature

      Hmmmm....

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1868309].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rhinocl
        There is a thread over at MajorGeeks.com that explains how to get rid of persistent viruses. I would run through the whole procedure-should take 3-4 hours to be sure the computer is virus free. If it still acts funny, I'dd then think about replacing the RAM ,reinstalling windows etc.
        Signature
        cheap search engine optimization
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1868782].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Gary King
        Start with a BACKUP as soon as you can of the most critical things.

        Then, do as Desh suggests and use Malwarebytes, it rocks.

        Originally Posted by Desh View Post

        If you suspect a trojan or virus, do a complete scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from
        Malwarebytes.org
        before you try to run a reg scan or formatting should be a last resort, try restoring previous restore points mentined by simpleonline1234 is also a good option.
        Wish you luck.
        After that, go to free.avg.com and download their free antivirus. You probably don't need to go for the paid options, just start with the freebie.

        All the best - this is a stinky situation, I've fixed it dozens and dozens of times, and each one leaves a funky taste in your mouth.
        Signature

        ===========================
        OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1870275].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author clositherapi
    that happened to my computer before and i ended up doing a FULL SYSTEM RESTORE... i lost everything, but i had my computer working like normal again... one thing about DELL is they have amazing customer service... they can do miracles if you contact them... somehow, they can "link" into your computer from their data center... hope you have some luck!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1870298].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author senderbot
    Glary Utlities has an excellent program for fixing/cleaning your computer. Its free too. Get it here - Glary Utilities - Award Winning System Optimizer and Registry Cleaner | Glarysoft
    Signature
    PornStarStamina is for sale! - Buy the book rights and website! or Just Download the Book For FREE! - Check it out!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1873972].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cpaul
    I guess it's a DMA problem, which is enabled by default on most of the ATA or ATAPI (IDE) devices.

    Quick fix:

    Click My computer / Hardware / Device Manager /
    Select IDE/ATA/ATAPI Controllers and click the [+]
    Select Primary IDE Channel / Device 0
    Set Auto Detection and "DMA if Available"
    Restart

    Hope it helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1877626].message }}

Trending Topics