problems repairing windows xp home edition on dell dimension 4700 11/27/10

mgallotti,

If you're the registered owner and live in the United States, then Request Backup Disks USA

If you get the disks, I can walk you through an Xp repair.

Rick

I sent my request to Dell. Thanks a lot.

Hi mgallotti,

I am sorry to learn of your problem, and I am glad that you have initiated order of the discs. However, I am interested in what anti-virus program you used and what your virus symptoms were. Some of malware does break the system if you try to remove it. This information might help others who may be dealing with the same issue.

hi,

I had several messages about having a virus on my system. The entire desktop was covered with messages about viruses. I couldn't do anything. I had popups telling me to enter my credit card # to resolve the problem. the messages said that I had over 300 viruses on the system.  I use AVG which I have kept up to date. Somehow, something got through- not sure how or when. ..

Thank you for the information.  AVG has had some problems lately, so you might want to consider installing a different free AV such as Microsoft Security Essentials or one of the others on the computer after you reinstall the OS.

Good luck with your project. :emotion-21:

bestis1980,  mgallotti will reformat/reinstall Windows after he receives the discs. He no longer needs malware removal help.

Please see these pages for

LISTS OF FREE SECURITY SOFTWARE  

FREE SECURITY SOFTWARE

Here is my standard list of simple steps that you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future.

If you have used Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware as part of your cleaning procedures, keep it updated and use it to scan every so often for malware, or upgrade to the paid version for realtime scanning and auto updating.

The following suggestions are general prevention and are not customized for your computer. You may have already taken some of these steps, and depending on your current security, you may not need to implement all of these:

1. Visit Microsoft Update: Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system, Office, and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS from Microsoft Update at update.microsoft.com. More info HERE.

2. Please use a firewall and realtime anti-virus. Keep the anti-virus software and firewall software up to date.. Run a complete system scan with your anti-virus at least once a week...preferably in Safe mode.
If your anti-virus program is a paid/licensed version that is about to expire, you can consider using a free one such as:
Microsoft Security Essentials
AntiVir Personal Edition Classic
Avast! Home Edition

If you prefer not to use the Windows Firewall, there are several of the freeware Firewalls available on the public domain.

Please see this list for anti-virus, firewalls, and other FREE SECURITY SOFTWARE.

3. Using an alternate browser can reduce your chance of certain infections installing themselves. You might consider installing Mozilla / Firefox.
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/

4. Do not use file sharing. Even the safest P2P file sharing programs that do not contain bundled spyware, still expose you to risks because of the very nature of the P2P file sharing process. By default, most P2P file sharing programs are configured to automatically launch at startup. They are also configured to allow other P2P users on the same network open access to a shared directory on your computer. The reason for this is simple. File sharing relies on its members giving and gaining unfettered access to computers across the P2P network. However, this practice can make you vulnerable to data and identity theft. Even if you change those risky default settings to a safer configuration, the act of downloading files from an anonymous source greatly increases your exposure to infection. That is because the files you are downloading may actually contain a disguised threat. Many very malicious worms and trojans, such as the Storm Worm, target and spread across P2P files sharing networks because of their known vulnerabilities.

5. Keep your software updated...make it easier on yourself and install the free security tool Secunia PSI .

6. If you have not already done so, you might want to install CCleaner and run it in each user's profile: http://www.ccleaner.com/ ** UNcheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar that is checked by default for the Standard version, or download the toolbar-free versions (Slim or Basic) when given the option for those.

7. Web Of Trust , uses colored alerts to warn about risky websites warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:

• Red for Warning = STOP
• Yellow for Use Caution
• Green for Safe
• Grey for Unknown

There is a Web Of Trust version for Firefox as well.

8. If you still wish to use Internet Explorer, please make sure you install SpywareBlaster:  http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
It will:
Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.
Tutorial here:http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html
Periodically check for updates.

9. You might want to install Winpatrol. Winpatrol is heuristic protection program, meaning it looks for patterns in codes that work like malware. It also takes a snapshot of your system's critical resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without you knowing. You can read more about Winpatrol's features here.  You can download a free copy of Winpatrol or use the Plus version for more features.
You can read Winpatrol's FAQ if you run into problems.

10. Many of us in the online security community have tried and tested programs to determine their abilities. Please remember that there is no guarantee regarding computer security. However, the available software, combined with the rest of these recommendations will contribute to helping your system running safely.

Here are some helpful articles:
How did I get infected?  HERE

  I'm not pulling your leg, honest?
by Sandi Hardmeier  HERE

11. If you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) you might want to stay informed at SpywareHammer's Forum for Social Media Security

Let us know if you need additional help after your reformat/reinstall.
Happy and Safe Surfing!

Hi,

I tried repairing xp windows after I received the cds, but it failed.  I got to the point where the files were copied from the CD and then it reboots itself. The screen remains black,  no green lights flickering, no nothing.  I tried it a couple of times with the same results.  I guess my next step should be to re-install the o/s altogether?

 mgallotti,

Did you???

Insert the disk and stop it from running.

Restart your computer.

Press any key to boot from CD

Choose install

Do the agreement

Now choose repair

Rick

Sorry to say, same results. Nothing at all happens after the machine reboots itself. Screen is completely blank - no error messages,etc.

 mgallotti,

With your files and folders backed up, then see if you're one of the lucky people that have a recovery partition installed.

Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings

If not, then the other option is to reinstall the operating system. Longer process.

How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft® Windows® on a Dell™ Computer

Please pay close attention to install the notebook/desktop utility and the chipset drivers first, or the rest of the drivers will fail to install. How to Install Drivers in Microsoft® Windows® on Dell Systems

Rick

hi,

When I tried repairing the o/s I did not use the option F6 for drivers.   (When I look at the drivers via the BIOS screen, it says that the drivers are' SATA'. Should I be using the F6 option or not? )

thanks-

 mgallotti,

Restart your computer and press F2. Enter the Bios.

Change onboard devices Sata operating from AHCI to ATA

Rick

hi,

I was able to reinstall windows XP. The only problem I have now is that when I try to access the Internet, I have a message telling me that "This machine does not have any installed network adapters. The required network device may not have been installed."..   How should I resolve this? 

 mgallotti,

The desktop/notebook utility and the chipset drivers need to be installed first, or the rest of the drivers will fail to install. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order

Rick