Software problems on XP Pro

[Ridders]

I am experiencing the following problems. Please can someone help?

I'm running Windows XP Professional

- Unable to run any software from my hard drive or desktop.

- Unable to do any downloads from the Net or from disc.

- Unable to print

- IE running very slowly

I have seen rundll32.exe errors popping up. I have checked my Windows folder and that file is there so it's not missing.

I am running Norton Antivirus which has been up to date. I am running a complete system scan but it appears to be stuck (it has been running or 10 hours now. Is that normal?).

I do not have spyware or adaware & I am unable to download them at the moment.

I am also unable to download any software to check my PC for corrupt files.

Unfortunately, I do not have any XP discs as the PC was second hand. So, I can't reinstall Windows.

What can I do?

Would a system restore help? If so, how do I do that?

If I do need to save all my hard drive to disc and reinstall new OS, how do I do that save to disc if my software wont work?

 

[Marcs41]

That sounds like a mixture of virus, adware and spyware.
Get rid of Norton to start with and download a free one like AVG.
Use AdAware and UPDATE before using it, turn on ALL options like deepscan etc.

Also, read this faq608-4650

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}
How Do I Get Great Answers To my Tek-Tips Questions? See faq219-2884

 

[jsauce]

Can you remember a time when this wasn't happening? That's about the only time system restore will work. If you know a time that this didn't happen and you think restoring the system, and you have a restore for that time on the hard drive, then click on START. The Click on Programs, and then accessories, then system tools, and then system restore. Following the on screen instructions and find the date at which you think the system would have been stable and try restoring to that point.

You said that you cant run certain things, have you tried going to

http://www.antivirus.com

and running the remote pc scan called house call. It will run from their server. If you have some kind of virus or spyware running that is blocking some of your system from running this is a good way to get rid of it.

John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[SESaskDFC]

Howdy:

When you purchased the system, the seller was obligated to either a remove the operating system or b give you tyhe operating system cd's with the computer..

Suggest you contact the seller and do just that !!

Murray

 

[linney]

Try running in Safe Mode and see if you can do anything more in there. If you have access to another machine perhaps you can obtain the various spyware programs via that and run them in Safe Mode.

You may have to purchase a retail version of XP Pro if you can't chase up the original.

See how much of the following you are able to do without any XP CD.

To get further information about the error look in your Event viewer.

Look in the System or Application folder. You can get to the Event Viewer via right click My Computer icon and select Manage.

Any errors logged in the Event Viewer can be expanded by double clicking on the error line.

Take any event error I.D. number and search for it on these sites.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr.../prodtechnol/winxppro/support/EE_winxppro.asp

http://www.eventid.net/events.asp

To check your RAM.

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

To check your drivers.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

To check conflicting software.

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Spybot

http://security.kolla.de/

Ad-aware

http://www.lavasoft.nu

Hijack This

http://www.merijn.org/files/hijackthis.zip

Will check your computer for spyware and adware.



To checkout unnecessary services you are running.

http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer. (See Help and Support).

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

As you can see you really do need a XP CD. It's a bit like running a car without a spare tyre.