Computer dying? - please help.

[Quacker]

My computer keeps automatically rebooting and not letting me do anything. I went into safe mode and that allowed me to disable the auto reset.

 

Now it is doing it again and comes up with the following -

disable drivers? check for updates.

Try changing video adaptors, check with vendor for BIOS updates.

Disable BIOS options such as chaching or shadowing.

 

It then gives a string of numbers (possibly drivers) again I'll print below

 

Stop - 0X0000008E (0XC000000C 0X806EE753 0XF469BOC 0X00000000)

 

I wonder if the above are affected drivers? - needless to say the above is all above me and beyond my capabilities. I've not been able to get into the PC and backup/retrieve any data. Is this terminal? - am I going to have to replace. Does the above mean anything to anyone as just confuses me.

 

I run XP service pack 2 and have the free AVG if that helps.

 

Please advise anything - I'm going out shopping now - will look for my next purchase I think:mad:

 

Here's hoping - please bear in mind, I can just about get into safe mode and that's just about it! - I think I have recovery software somewhere, but not sure if it will help.

 

I'll answer any further queries on my return - using the downstairs PC for this message.

 

Cheers

 

Steve

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok - thats 'normally' a serious HDD problem, or serious driver compatabilty issues - guessing it worked before HDD would be my first guess - is the HDD old?

 

Have you installed the latest BIOS?

is the HDD the primary boot device?

have you changes anything recently?

[Quacker]

Ok - thats 'normally' a serious HDD problem, or serious driver compatabilty issues - guessing it worked before HDD would be my first guess - is the HDD old?

 

Have you installed the latest BIOS?

 

No & don't know how to to be honest.

 

is the HDD the primary boot device?

 

It boots up to the C drive if that's what you mean?

 

have you changes anything recently?

 

Only added the AVG new update

 

 

Just to add went to my local store today, looking at something new. He has advised me reboot in safe mode and see if I can do a system restore. I am suspecting it may be HDD though, as it "seemed" to be making a grinding noise. I was thinking it is only 4 or 5 years old - but can't be sure.

 

I'm back in again now (obviously) - million dollar question - is my data retrievable?

 

Thanks DH for attempting to unravel this.

 

Steve

[Dalo Harkin]

It does sound like the HDD is broke for lack of a better word :rolleyes:

it sounds like a clicking noise when its breaking, can last 10 seconds or 10 hours lol

you could buy another HDD install the OS on that and then 'try' amd retrieve the info off the other drive -

If you can get into safe mode - you can save what you need to a USB drive they are about £10 for an 8gig one now.

[Flair4it]

Hmmm BSOD Nasty

 

go into safe mode click start > all programs > accessories > system tools > system restore

 

Restore your machine to a Date you Know it was Fine.

 

If that resolves your problem you know its not the HD

(Just thinking if you can get into safe mode its most likely not your HD)

 

Please note: System restore wont loose data on your machine but anything you installed after the restore date will be lost. I.E Applications

 

Could you please post the spec of your Machine I.E is it Dell or custom and the full specifications of the machine.

 

By any chance have you ran windows update and download SP3? I've seen some machines suddenly stop working cause of SP3

 

Let me know how you get on with the Restore,

Regards,

Shane

[Dalo Harkin]

If that resolves your problem you know its not the HD

(Just thinking if you can get into safe mode its most likely not your HD)

 

Not always true, I have seen loads that the drive can start clicking and messing up hanging and whatever, and last for another year or so or 1 day - if its an intermitten problem with the HDD there may still be time to get the info he needs off before its knackered.

[Flair4it]

Dunno about that one to be honest, I never came accross it when a HD is Knackered its Knackered you know :)

 

Try the restore might give you enough time to get another HD in to Backup your machine, or External Media of some sort :)

[Dalo Harkin]

If the drive is knackered the last thing you want to do is a system restore - you need to get the info off first and then do it - if you do a system restore first and it f**ks it up then you have lost all you wanted to save.

[Flair4it]

Ok ill drop out of this one

[Dalo Harkin]

Flair,

Sorry just re read this thread and it sounded nasty on a second read - (not my intention)

if there is indeed a problem with the HDD and the clicking is there then chances are the arm will be sticking in the HDD and a system restore could just be enough to kill it once and for all -

[Quacker]

Hey guys - look how late I'm up. Had a busy day, lots to do. Anyway thanks for the help and hope you haven't fallen out seriously lol - I know it sometimes reads a lot more aggressive that it should.

 

Good news is the system restore appears to have restored things to normal. That allows me to access anything I may need to save. Most stuff I have is backed up, except for a few hobby photographs (birdwatcher) - I wasn't overly bothered about these so figured if it went t*ts up I had nowt to lose.

 

Is it at all possible the problems were caused by AVG 8 - the update? - that's all I can think of. I'm not even sure I am protected!

 

Next, where can I get this 8gb USB drive? - will that be sufficient. I read recently about a backup programme can you advise? and finally is there anything I can add to remove spyware and all associated rubbish as when I run tests, they always find fault then try to flog me something to clean it up - I haven't the knowledge or expertise to self-clean.

 

Sorry if off topic - I'm relieved but wary at the same time. At least the hard-drive seems normal - I'm sure It was making a grinding noise previously.

 

I'll check the thread or feel free to PM if appropriate - thanks guys.

 

I'll read the forum more and see if I can find out how to look after my next one!

 

Steve

[RandyL]

Hi Quacker;

To be honest I've seen AVG fail numerous times to detect and or clean infected computers. Do you have any reason to suspect any form of malware?

 

Depending on your answer we can either link you to reputable free programs or supply you with our removal guide which contains the links and the instructions.

 

Some older drives did make noise when working hard. Perhaps malware was taxing your drive. I can't say that's the case and I do doubt it but just a thought.

[Dalo Harkin]

Glad the system restore worked :rolleyes:

for future reference - always make some form of backup and DO NOT rely on system restore - it is always advisable to have 2 HDD's if one goes up the swanny then you have the other to install an OS to if needed, also if there are any things that you want to keep and never lose (pics and videos etc) burn them to DVD or CD when you need to (advisable to have them on a flash drive and when it gets to capacity of CD or DVD burn them)

Flash drives are available everywhere look on kelkoo or a big pc site (scan.co.uk and microdirect etc)

[Quacker]

Thanks again fellas, but I still don't think I am out of the woods. I tried to remove AVG 8 as advised. Now it is there, but not there if that makes sense? - I can't run or update it, yet I removed it or at least tied to via the remove programmes option.

 

I know this is slightly off topic. I just want tp clean this up and then find some way of protecting it. I am going to purchase an external hard drive and a flash drive. Is there a backing up programme?

 

The main thing is it's working, but I just sense it is not quite right - awaiting the next problem. Not even sure if I have any antivirus protection - which concerns me of course. My local shop have reasonably priced stuff where they can clean and repair. Might be better I go there if I can't do it myself.

 

I'd prefer doing it for free - with a donation to the site of course.:D

 

By the way i tried testing on PC Pitstop - I'm sure it did me no favours. Now it won't run properly on there. Any comments?

 

By the way Randy, I KNOW there is bad stuff on the system. When I run free scans I'm always told there's spyware and loads of other stuff found, which can be cured if I pay x amount of dollars.

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok first things first Antivirus - get AVAST its free off their website for HOME USE - they send you a key and it lasts a year and you just request a key every year if you decide to keep it - again for malware and spyware use AD-AWARE - again the older versions are free.

You have to go into C:/ program files/ AVG and delete the whole file - then you know its gone!

[AdvancedSetup]

By the way Randy, I KNOW there is bad stuff on the system. When I run free scans I'm always told there's spyware and loads of other stuff found, which can be cured if I pay x amount of dollars.

 

Ad-Aware is not up to speed these days to deal with the current Malware out there.

 

This routine should clean your system up.

 

 

Your computer could be infected with Malware.

 

• Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent.
  It is a combination of the words malicious and software.
  The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.
  

 

• Required Cleanup Steps
  
  1. Disable the Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER if enabled
     
  2. Run a Temporary file and cache cleaner (ATF)
     
  3. Run 2 Anti-Malware scanners
     
  4. Run an Online Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware Scanner
     
  5. Clear out old System Restore points
     
  6. If continued Malware type activity is present you may be asked to post a TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Log file
     

   

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection speed.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 10 to 90 minutes.

The ESET online scan should take between 1 to 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

Heavily infected systems or slower PCs can take much longer to scan and clean.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the

Selection

choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/printer-selection.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 1

• Disable Spybot Search & Destroys' TEA TIMER: (if installed)
  
  
  1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
     
     
  2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
     
     
  3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
     
     
  4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
     
     
  5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
     
     
  6. Restart your computer.
     
     
   

__________________________________________________

STEP 2

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from
  Snapfiles.com
  to remove un-needed temporary files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
  
• You can also download it from
  Majorgeeks.com
  
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
  
• NOTE:
  If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".
  
  

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner01.gif

.

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner02.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 3

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from
  SUPERAntiSpyware.com
  
  
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
    
  • DO NOT
    allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
    
  • On the
    Top Left
    select the
    Scan your computer
    button.
    
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all
    Fixed Drives
    .
    
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" to Repair issues found and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.
    
    
   

__________________________________________________

STEP 4

• Install and run
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  from
  Malwarebytes - (direct download)
  
  
  • Accept all defaults for the installer
    
    
  • Allow the program to update the definitions
    
    
  • Click on the
    Quick Scan
    and click Next.
    
    
  • If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.
    
    
   

__________________________________________________

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
   
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    
   

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

 

If required this is the download link for

TrendMicro™ HijackThis™

Unless instructed to by the Technician helping you then do not download this tool.

 

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

 

[Dalo Harkin]

Ad-Aware is not up to speed these days to deal with the current Malware out there.

 

And spybot is :rolleyes:

 

Lets be honest these programs are all limited in terms of what they do, its all down to preference.

[maynardvdm]

These steps only include how to disable spybot (but should be enabled after scanning). We recommend SAS and MB which are better scanners. :)

[Dalo Harkin]

lol - note to self 'read all of thread' :D

Ad - aware is still good and very quick :p

[Quacker]

Cannot remove AVG as message avgse.dll cannot be removed - I've tried removing anything to do with AVG or Grisoft - to no avail:-(

[Dalo Harkin]

try in safe mode to delete it and see if that does the job :)

[Quacker]

Safe Mode makes no difference still get the avgse.dll message:confused:

 

I've loaded avast and now when I reboot, AVG still tries to launch but can't - in program files there's a folder called Grisoft - I can't delete it. -I'd like to get this right before trying any of the other steps, or should I continue?

 

Steve

[Seth]

I didn't read through the whole thread, but if your unable to uninstall avg, then reinstall the same version, then uninstall.

[Quacker]

Have already tried that Seth. It appears it may be the remnants of an old AVG from 2005/6. I will try again though, bit I can't understand how that would work - it seems stuck there like a stubborn stain.

 

Regarding the 5 steps to clear up the PC - in the very first step it mentions Spybot S&D. Am I supposed to already have this or download it along with the other suggestions?

 

Might it be worthwhile just to admit defeat and have the thing restored to the initial settings - obviously backing up relevant files? - I seem to be getting in deep here and in danger of causing more mess:(

 

I'm tired and obviously grouchy at present. Will look afresh in the morning.

 

Thanks again fellas.

[Seth]

FPCH does not recommend Spybot. It's mentioned in the steps becuase Spybot can prohibit changes that decent scanners need to make.