I could really use some HELP
Saturday, 17 May 2008 10:44![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fatrockstarMy computer did not have SP3 -- it had a virus. System restore helped me out quite a bit, and pointed out that my realtime virus monitor had been disabled by another program I had downloaded in an effort to get rid of some really annoying spyware.
The process of getting to this conclusion was complicated by the fact I have two hard drives, both plugged into my motherboard in some way but only one is accessible. This is because I was very concerned about losing files from my previous computer, so in the beginning we had hooked it up so I could copy everything over. We didn't leave it like that because the drive is only accessible through an outdated cable, and the case won't close if it's hooked up. I have no idea how this actually complicated things, but I do know that the initial stages of startup when the IDE scan is happening, I have to hit escape to continue booting. I was still able to enter Safe Mode successfully.
I unplugged the remaining (ribbon) connector to this hard drive when I initially went into safe mode thinking it would make a difference. After my system restore, a good virus scan, uninstalling the interfering spyware program, I was able to use my computer normally again. Before I went to bed I was prompted to download from Windows Update during shutdown, so I did. This morning I plugged the second hard drive back in, closed the case, and attempted to boot my machine. Failure.
I'm back in a perpetual cycle of reboot, only able to access anything through the stability of Safe Mode. Attempting to do a System Restore did nothing. Virus scan found nothing. I can only go back so far, and it's frustrating the shit out of me. I had to shut Grady out of the computer room because he was meowing at me nonstop (why? He has food and a clean litterbox, and I want this computer issue resolved FIRST) and I was getting increasingly pissed off.
So, if you have some time today, please call or come over. I really need my computer to work, and not just because I'm a dork that surfs the internet all day. I have legit things to do that don't involve the internet, and in this state I'm stuck. If you don't have my number and you're on my f-list, I have enabled text messaging on my profile page.
Just... anything right now. I'm at the end of my rope -- Garret used to take care of this for me.
The process of getting to this conclusion was complicated by the fact I have two hard drives, both plugged into my motherboard in some way but only one is accessible. This is because I was very concerned about losing files from my previous computer, so in the beginning we had hooked it up so I could copy everything over. We didn't leave it like that because the drive is only accessible through an outdated cable, and the case won't close if it's hooked up. I have no idea how this actually complicated things, but I do know that the initial stages of startup when the IDE scan is happening, I have to hit escape to continue booting. I was still able to enter Safe Mode successfully.
I unplugged the remaining (ribbon) connector to this hard drive when I initially went into safe mode thinking it would make a difference. After my system restore, a good virus scan, uninstalling the interfering spyware program, I was able to use my computer normally again. Before I went to bed I was prompted to download from Windows Update during shutdown, so I did. This morning I plugged the second hard drive back in, closed the case, and attempted to boot my machine. Failure.
I'm back in a perpetual cycle of reboot, only able to access anything through the stability of Safe Mode. Attempting to do a System Restore did nothing. Virus scan found nothing. I can only go back so far, and it's frustrating the shit out of me. I had to shut Grady out of the computer room because he was meowing at me nonstop (why? He has food and a clean litterbox, and I want this computer issue resolved FIRST) and I was getting increasingly pissed off.
So, if you have some time today, please call or come over. I really need my computer to work, and not just because I'm a dork that surfs the internet all day. I have legit things to do that don't involve the internet, and in this state I'm stuck. If you don't have my number and you're on my f-list, I have enabled text messaging on my profile page.
Just... anything right now. I'm at the end of my rope -- Garret used to take care of this for me.
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Computer
17/5/08 18:22 (UTC)I would suggest booting into safe mode, plug in a USB dongle, copy all your important docs off to the key. Then reinstall everything.
Also don't run as administrator for normal use. Setup a non admin account for yourself, makes it much harder to get a virus.
Re: Computer
17/5/08 18:43 (UTC)I have a copy of XP -- thank goodness for that! I'll also set up a non admin account. I hadn't thought of that. I'll send my phone number to your lj email, so you can call before you go out of your way.