Help - computer shutting down

[Yolanda]

I'm using my laptop to seek help - my usual computer is acting strange. I guessed that perhaps it was topped up to the brim with not an ounce of space to spare for the startup process, but I have been reading about the Sasser worm virus, and I am wondering if that is my problem.

I boot up ok, I have a display to log on as guest, or myself etc. I click on my name, it takes forever to process. I end up with the task bar at the bottom of the log on page - usually it would go to my home screen. When I click Start, my home screen finally appears and just as I get excited, I click on any icon and the whole lot disappears leaving me with only my home background screen. I try guest - the same happens.

On other occasions, when I click on an icon (within 60 seconds) it displays a message saying that the file is missing or corrupt.

I went to the Microsoft Website - I followed the instructions of clicking Start, then Run, and typing in cmd then clicking ok. I was able to do this once under guest, but on my own account the icons disappeared before I was able to type cmd in the Run panel. As guest, I got as far as typing in 'shutdown.exe-a' and clicking enter. It registered, except the vital '-a' part. '-a' is meant to tell the computer to stop shutting down. I entered another command to try and log the problem, but as I was in as Guest, I was unauthorized!

Do you think I need some advice? I do! I am desperate! I phoned Microsoft for help, they said I needed my XP disk and serial number - I installed this a year or more ago, and have misplaced it. They can't help me without it they say! Is there anyone out there with any inkling as to what is wrong with my computer and how I may be able to get it back up and running. I never got around to putting scanned family photos and old pics on disk, they are all on that computer. HEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPP me PPLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEE.

Thank you for reading this.

Yolanda

p.s. sorry about all the smilies got a tad carried away consoling myself.

[Billy Brethren]

First welcome. This is a "technical" forum, and most people here are "technical". For the most part, what we really want to do is help to solve your problem. So a lot of "social" or "conversational" communication is not ony not helpful to solve your computer issues, but they can be a distraction and an impediment. Your problem will get solved if you are patient and don't give up. So, while at one level the "smiliey's" are appreciated etc..., it would be best to limit your communication to just facts. This includes the (text) wailing "HHEEEELLLP!" and other distracting and (sometimes) annoying things that novice Users do.

I'm using my laptop to seek help - my usual computer is acting strange.

Please define exactly what you mean by "strange". What does it either do or not do ?

I guessed that perhaps it was topped up to the brim with not an ounce of space to spare for the startup process,

Do you mean your HD is filled to capacity, or your memory is inadequate for the processes you are using? Or both ?

but I have been reading about the Sasser worm virus, and I am wondering if that is my problem.

Unless an AV program told you that you have this virus, chances are that it is NOT your problem. There are literally thousands (if not millions) of possible causes to your computer problems at this time. It is not a good idea to "seize" one explanation without good reason.

It is obvious that you are failry inexperienced with computers, and this means that in order for you to provide the information we need to help you, you are probably going to have to learn more about your computer than you do right now. Communication is very important, so you are probably going to have to learn some new words and what they mean.

First, what Anti-Virus program are you using ? Is it recently updated ? When was the last time you ran a scan ? When you scan, are you scanning the whole system ?

Do you have a firewall and is it enabled ?

Please list your basic system specs. These include, but are not limited to
CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Power Supply and any other peripheral devices.

Do you connect to the internet via modem, cable or DSL ? Are you on a network ?

when I click on an icon (within 60 seconds) it displays a message saying that the file is missing or corrupt

It would be very useful if you could copy an exact transcript of this error message and paste it into your next post.

At some point, we are probably going to have to try to get you into "Safe Mode", so as long as you are reading about computer stuff, it would be a good idea for you to become familiar with that and how to do it.

[Yolanda]

I like to think I was friendly and descriptive of my problem. It is naive of you to expect people with computer problems to speak computer lingo.

As it happens, without having your great mind, I was able to get into safe mode and run virus checks and delete unnessary folders and programs. After about 12 hours of persisting, I succeeded in preventing my computer shutting down every time it started up.

So, if I can help you sort your computer out, let me know. I have the ability to get things done in a friendly manner. You should try it.

For your information the first message I clicked on in this forum was crude and disgusting, and I expected high standards. Yours has been my first message from the forum and it has been long, curt and damn right rude. I shall look elsewhere for my technical help when I need it!

Yolanda

[CTSNKY]

Hi Yolanda,

Please don't judge all the good folks by this response. This is NOT the TSF way. We are more than happy to prvide you with assistance on your issue.

Let's rule out any problems with spyware/malware first:

Please download HijackThis - this program will help us determine if there are any spyware/malware on your computer. Create a folder at C:\HJT and move HijackThis.exe there. Double click on the program to run it.

1. If it gives you an intro screen, just choose 'Do a system scan and save a logfile'.
2. If you don't get the intro screen, just hit Scan and then click on Save log.
3. Get HijackThis Analyzer and save it to the same folder as the hijackthis.log file. Run HijackThis Analyzer and type in y if you agree. The result.txt file will open up in Notepad. Copy the whole result.txt log and post it in the forum. We do not need the original hijackthis.log (unless we ask for it). Do not fix anything in HijackThis since they may be harmless.

[Yolanda]

Thank you for your message. I have now resolved my problem, but I wish I had experienced your considerate message first as I have now terminated my membership in the group, rudeness isn't a friend of mine. I stick with the cheerful guys!

I was desperate - my computer had been out of action since January. I had a technician come to fix it, but he left with the task unresolved. I had requested microsoft help, but no luck. I determined to get to the bottom of it myself - and I am pretty pleased with myself for sorting out the problem!
My computer is working great now and I have been able to sort out updated security. (it took me about 15 hours of persistence, 15 hours of shutdowns and startups!)

Thank you again.

Yolanda

[CTSNKY]

Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to post a log, but I understand. Sorry you had a negative experience.

FYI......

To help prevent future spyware installations/infections, please read the Anti-Spyware Tutorial and use the tools/programs provided.