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April 26th, 2009 16:00
mysterious Windows XP issues
I have been having what I think must be a Windows issue. It first came to my attention when my wireless internet connection seemingly would cut out after about an hour – I would click a link, but it would time out and nothing would happen, or if I tried to open a new window the “Server not found” error screen would come up. After troubleshooting w/my wireless provider, however, I have determined that it is not the wireless.
Other things have been happening, though: when I tried to ‘Repair’ the internet connection (when that seemed to be the problem), the grey box would come up, but then would not progress to further stages, and when I tried to click ‘Cancel’ nothing would happen. The box would simply stay on the screen and I could not get rid of it. Also, when trying to turn off the computer, it would stay on the blue ‘Windows is shutting down….’ And never turn off – I would have to turn it off by disconnecting the power supply.
My wireless provider tells me I must be having a problem with Windows, because these extra events point to that. I ran a System File Check (sfc /scannow), but after checking the system, the function just disappears and neither tells me if there was a problem, or whether it thinks everything is fine.
The only new program I have installed is the newest version of Spy Sweeper, as part of my subscription. But I have not had any problems with Spy Sweeper before.
These problems are ongoing. Could anyone please give me an idea of what may be causing them, and any possible solutions? Thank you.
PudgyOne
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April 26th, 2009 19:00
OBeigleghinn,
It could be the type of security you're using in your wireless router, Windows shutting down your wireless card to save power, etc. Try using some of the tips located at Welcome, PLEASE READ FIRST and see if this helps.
Rick
OBeigleighinn
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April 27th, 2009 11:00
Thanks, Rick. Unfortunately none of those links seem quite to address my problem. Today shortly after booting up, most programs were "Not Responding". I wish I could be more specific about what's going on, but all I can do is describe the symptoms. Could it be a worm/virus? Could Windows be messed up? Thanks for any possible help. O'B
PudgyOne
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April 27th, 2009 16:00
OBeigleighinn,
You can try system restore and go back to when it worked.
Did you recently install Internet Explorer 8? It has been playing havoc with connections.
How to repair a connection
If you feel it may be a virus, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, update it and do a quick scan. If it finds anything, then go to DELL Malware Removal Forum read the top post by bigbatter and follow the instructions.
Rick
OBeigleighinn
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April 27th, 2009 19:00
Thank you for the tips.
OBeigleighinn
82 Posts
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April 27th, 2009 23:00
I tried System Restore -- at the end of the process it said it was unable to restore to the date specified and that no changes had been made, even though the date in the calendar appeared to be a valid date to choose. Trying it again with other dates got the same result -- it was unable to restore.
Could you or anyone tell me why this would be the case? What would make it so that System Restore doesn't work? Could there be a serious Windows problem? Could I be the victim of a virus or worm that would do this?
Thank you.
PudgyOne
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April 28th, 2009 01:00
OBeigleighinn,
Did Malwarebytes find anything? What type of virus protection are you using. Did it find anything? We could try a system repair of your operating system, if you have the disks. If not and you're the origional owner and live in the United States, click below my signature.
I always suggest that people makes copies of files and folders that you cannot afford to lose. It should be a normal practice but not everyone does this.
Insert the Operating system disk and restart your computer.
Press any key to boot from CD.
Choose install.
Do the agreement.
Now choose repair. Leave the operating system disk in until you see the Welcome screen. Takes about 35 minutes. Remember to get all your Windows Updates, again.
Rick
OBeigleighinn
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April 28th, 2009 20:00
Thanks for that. Just to update -- Malwarebytes finds nothing (except for 'Antivirus Disable Notify /Disabled.SecurityCenter', which I am told is not actually malware, though I have not recently changed any security settings myself). SpySweeper finds nothing.
I finally got System Restore to work, and thought it might have fixed things. But tonight the same problem occurred -- internet function stops working although the signal is fine, then when I try to restart the computer it stays on the "Windows is shutting down" screen until I have to turn it off manually.
My virus protection is Symantec -- but that brings up another point -- today when I tried to run it, it said that it could not access the scan database (or something like this) and that there may be a problem with the installation. However, I have not recently reinstalled it at all (installation far predates the Sys Restore date) and have had the same program installed for years, so that was weird. Currently cannot run a virus scan -- the Symantec icon on my toolbar now appears crossed out in a red circle. [Edit: Later -- Symantec is now spontaneously working again...]
I do have the Windows disc that came w/the computer (Windows XP, Dell 4600), and could do the System Repair. Just to confirm, though, this would be a repair and not a reinstall, correct? I can make copies of files and so forth, but a couple of programs I longer have the discs for and would not want to lose, if possible. Thanks.
nancyspeed
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April 28th, 2009 22:00
I would also be interested in the answer to "this would be a repair and not a reinstall." I have been researching the topic and always read the advice not to repair, always to reinstall--something about password issues.
PudgyOne
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April 29th, 2009 03:00
OBeigleighinn,
On a Dell computer with XP, a system repair like I described above will repair only your operating system and your files and folders will not be touched. On a Compaq/HP computer the same sequence will wipe out everything. It is a good practice to ALWAY have copies of files and folders that you cannot afford to lose. If your computer fried and died today, would you have these files and folders?
You can try using WinSock XP Fix and see if this fixes your issues before doing the repair.
Also are you using Intel ProSet Wireless to connect? If so, did your try using Windows to manage your wireless?
Rick