Freezing, programs not opening, etc

Question

Not sure if this is the right place or if anyone can help, but I've run into some problems with my Inspiron laptop, running Windows 7.

It generally boots up ok, but sometimes programs (such as iTunes) won't open. Sometimes a program (such as Firefox) won't minimize to the taskbar, though if I Alt-Tab, I can see that it's still running and switch to it. The Adobe Flash plugin then started constantly crashing, so I uninstalled it. If I try to access video files, I get a message stating 'server execution failed'.

I've tried running Malwarebytes, but it freezes fairly quickly into the process. Same thing with McAfee. I tried running HiJackThis, but got the following message: "For some reason your system denied write access to the Hosts file. If any hijacked domains are in this file, HJ may not be able to fix this. If that happens, you need to edit the file yourself. To do this, click Start, Run, and type: notepad C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts and press Enter. Find the line(s) HJ reports and delete them. Save the file as 'hosts.' (with quotes) and reboot."

I haven't done that yet, as I'm not sure if it's related to the laptop problems. I *am* able to boot the computer in SafeMode, and can run a Malwarebytes scan there- it comes back clean.

I tried to go back to a Restore point, but it says I never created one (though I'd swear I did and had gone back to it at one point).

I wouldn't have a problem going back to a factory restore really, except it says I need the Windows installation disk and I can't find it. I do have the drivers disk though.

Really unsure of the problem at this point. I'd think it was a virus, but Malwarebytes in SafeMode doesn't find anything.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

DELL-Allan D · Answer

Hello Heywalt,Appreciate the effort that you took to troubleshoot the issue. However performing a factory restore is a last resort. It deletes all the data from the computer. Hence I would suggest few steps before we restore the computer to the factory state. Please follow the steps mentioned below: 1. Run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics.  Run the test and check if gives any error code. Note down the error code and update me with the same, would let you know the next course of action. If the test passes on all the hardware components, follow the next step. 2. I would also suggest running the Microsoft Fix it for the performance issue. Please refer to the link mentioned below for the Microsoft fix it. Run the Performance Troubleshooter Run the Maintenance Troubleshooter3. Updating the BIOS to the latest version can also be tried. Click here to go to the Drivers and Downloads page.-- Enter the System Service Tag.-- Click Drivers and Download Tab. -- Choose the Operating System. -- Download and Install the latest version of BIOS. -- Restart the computer and check the functionality. **NOTE: Few things to ensure before updating the Bios is, the Ac Adapter should be plugged in and the battery should have minimum of 15% charge. No other external peripherals should be connected to the computer. Please ensure that the Bios update should not be interrupted else it would damage the motherboard. For more details please follow the article on performance issue by clicking here. Please try the steps and write back, would be glad to assist you further.

Heywalt · Answer

Hi Allan D,

Thanks so much. Ran the PSA/ePSA diagnostics and received the following error message:

Error code: 2000-0142

Validation: 17506

Msg: Hard drive 0 - SN S2TBJ0C291821, self test successful. Status=7.

Haven't tried #2 or #3 as described above yet.

Thanks!

DELL-Allan D · Answer

Hi Heywalt,

The error code 2000-0142 means the hard drive self-test failed and the hard drive needs to be replaced.

Does the computer have an active warranty? You can check the warranty status here. In case of expired warranty scenario, we would not be able to extend warranty entitled services. If the warranty on the computer has expired, you may contact our Expired Warranty Services (this is for US based customers).

In case the computer has an active warranty, I would also request you to private message me the system service tag so that I can assist you further with the issue. To private message, click on my user name and click start conversation.

Please write back, I'd be glad to assist you further.

Heywalt · Answer

Hi Dell, Computer has an active warranty (it's less than a year old), and I've sent you a private message.  Just let me know if I need to do anything else at this point.  Thanks!

DELL-Allan D · Answer

Hello Heywalt,Thank you for replying. I have received your private message, and would be responding to it.

DELL-Allan D · Answer

Hi,This conversation was taken offline for privacy reasons. The solution to this issue is: Replacing the hard drive.If you continue to experience issues after attempting these steps, please start a new thread.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Freezing, programs not opening, etc

Was this post helpful?