Dokie

Hello! Lots of great advise to what seems to be a very difficult problem. I also am leaning toward a fresh install of your OS but might give this a look.I have used this tool before(clean boot).It can be time consuming, but might be worth a try to see if your having apps conflicts. After reading your first post and seeing that the issue doesn't seem to happen in safe mode, this is kind a like a extension of safe mode with more options. Is recommended by micro$$oft. Cheers! http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796

Hello! If your asking if you can format the old HD and use it to store back ups on, the answer is yes. This is MHO. You do not need to clone a drive and leave it in a drawer. You need to make a back up image of your OS on a external drive with a third party software like Macrium Reflect. You can restore your OS with this program and it will be just like the day you created the image. I have done this several times.I grantee you it will work.

Hello joddle! Very strange that malwarebytes is crashing your machine. I don't know if this will help, but you could give it a try . It's new software from Malwarebytes and it's called Chameleon. Malwarebytes has a lot of new software. https://www.malwarebytes.org/chameleon/ https://www.malwarebytes.org/downloads/#beta

Hello! Your very welcome. I hope it stays. You should always use the safe to remove hardware feature. I also agree with you that could have caused your issue. Good luck!

Here's Micro$$oft definition of safe mode. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-is-safe-mode#1TC=windows-7

Hello! Not sure where to go next. The drive may be getting ready to bite the dust. Which seagate test did you use? Some times the seagate dos is better. It is a ISO file and will need to be burned to a CD. Here is a tutorial how to use and burn seagate dos. If you have questions,I will try to help! http://knowledge.seagate.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/201271en?popup=true

Yes It is to test the HD ; but As I said in previous post, it also can repair your drive. I also have a seagate external drive.[ATTACH=CONFIG]1208.vB5-legacyid=2205[/ATTACH] Hope you can read the fine print!!

Hello! Just to add my 2 cents. Most HD manufactures have software that will test their HD's. Some will even try to repair the drive much like windows does. You might do a search. This is what I came up with for WD. http://support.wd.com/product/download.asp?groupid=608&sid=3&lang=en

Hello Starbuck! very nice tutorial. Thank you for the tutorial! ERUNT has been around for years. Please check this out and see if you approve. I have been using this for years. Just a little extra from ERUNT. Be careful where you down load it. There are a lot of down load managers out there. I trust this site. Would like to hear your thoughts on this program. http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/eruntgui.html PS If there is a better down load site without down load managers ,please post the link! The internet is getting really bad when down loading free programs. Please be careful!!

Hello! I would just like to add that I agree 100%. If you maintain a back up image of your OS, you will always have a way out. I've been there and done that. Lots of freeware programs that will do that for you! I like Macrium Reflect!

Ok! Thank you for your reply. Glad you solved your issue. This is the way I learn! Hey Ray1000

DSTM Was just wondering if you installed the drivers like DSTM suggested before doing all that?? Thanks for your reply. I'm sure it will help others with that problem.

5. Is it necessary to run a programer like Belarc to discover the license code for the copy of Windows on this machine? To answer your question about Belarc. Belarc will give you the 25 digit license code, which is always good to have laying around, but it shouldn't be needed to restore your PC back to factory if you make the recovery media as I recommended in my reply. I suggest the flash opposed to the DVD's. Much more reliable if your computer has the option to boot from USB ; I recommend the flash drive. PS I'm not easily discouraged when I think I can help. I will find away:rolleyes:

Macrium is very easy to use. I'm also a fan and have used it for years. It will clone or make a back up image of your drive. The wizard is very easy to follow. Once you try it, you be be amazed how easy it is to use. Looks like we all are Macrium Reflect fans. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2181[/ATTACH]

HP System Recovery (Windows 8): http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03489643&tmp_task=solveCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc... Creating Recovery Discs (Windows 8): http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03481733&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=5336700 Randy is correct. You can only make recovery one time. I recommend using a flash. It will take 4 or 5 DVD's .Flash is much more dependable

Hey Ken! I'm wondering why the OP can't get into the safe mode. I guess that can be figured out later. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2180[/ATTACH]

Sorry! I don't have a answer for you. This is all I know about zip folders. Good luck?? http://condor.depaul.edu/slytinen/instructions/zip.html

Hello! I see your problem is not being answered. I'm not sure what your asking?? It is my understanding that extracting the file is the way you open it. See If this helps answer your issue. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/zip-or-unzip-a-file-HA001127690.aspx

Hello! This will probably need to me moved to the appropriate section. Wondering if any one uses this Windows tool. I find it very usefu http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/how-do-i-use-problem-steps-recorder I Have used the PSR to record steps taken to use CCleaner. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1196.vB5-legacyid=2177[/ATTACH] PS I do not recommend using the register cleanner in CCleaner! ccleaner.zip

Thanks for the Update Troubleshooter Ken. I learned some thing today.

Hello! Would just like to add. If the above solutions offered by forum members doesn't work; there is a very good possibility that your pen drive has gotten corrupted and will not be useable. I have seen that happen, but don't have a explanation. Always use the safely remove hardware feature. I have read that it's not necessary for pen drives, but I always use that feature to be on the safe side. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/safely-remove-devices-from-your-computer

Hello! This is what Micro$$oft is saying about your error code. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957310

Hello! I may be wrong, but it sounds to me that you may not be booting into safe mode. W8.1 is different than other OS's. This is what Microsoft says http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2809468 PS I don't have W8. Maye someone here can help you with booting into safe mode

Hello! It has been my experience and I have not found a answer to your issue: the flash drive is history. It can not be formatted or deleted or new content added. I will follow this thread because I'm very interested in the solution. Good luck!

Thanks for your support seedy 21. Linux has worked for me and my senior citizens. I enjoy learning and sharing. Once your issue is resolved, I recommend a third party software like Macrium Reflect to create a system image of your OS at least once a month. It will take a little effort to learn, but I guarantee it will be well worth the effort. Macrium Reflect has never let me down. It has saved me many times. I just wish I could get more PC's usurers to use a third party program to back up their OS. It would cause a lot of less grief and it's not that hard to do PS I came here to learn, help when I think I can, and to share with computer owners.