HowToFixComputers.com

BLOCKSTER · Guest

Hello--I could use some help. My G-6 300 running 98 will not boot today. Bios
screen and initial virus scan run--ScanDisc runs, then the Windows
"password"screen appears. After clicking on OK, the toolbar flashes on for
perhaps a half a second and then I am left with a blank screen.

Icons fail to load. Mouse and pointer work but only can shut down with power
button since there is merely a blank screen. (Background wallpaper loads--this
is not a blue screen).

I reseated all cards and RAM. I reset cmos. In the process of heading out to
get a new cmos battery, but voltmeter shows 3 volts so I am not optimistic that
this will help.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Jim Block

BLOCKSTER · Guest

One more clue--icons fail to.
load in safe mode also

Ben Myers · Guest

Jim,

I've seen a similar system in recent days. My guess is that your system is
infected by some sort of parasiteware that may not yet been identified as a
virus. Symantec, Trend, and Network Assoc are all working on anti-virus
packages that include scans and elimination of parasiteware, malware, and most
of that other awful stuff.

In the meantime, download and run Spybot and Ad-Aware, in that order, if you can
even do so. Another tool to use, HiJackThis version 1.97, is especially tricky
to use because you have to know a lot about the Windows registry and Windows
innards.

If you can't even run Windows at all in safe mode, your best choices are to
reload Windows from scratch (which loses your valuable data) or to install
another hard drive with Windows on it, afterward doing all the virus and
parasite scanning. Or, sad but true, if your own personal data is extremely
valuable, put the computer in the hands of a service professional with a good
reputation... Ben Myers

On 23 Dec 2003 18:39:50 GMT, blockster@aol.com (BLOCKSTER) wrote:

Edward J. Neth · Guest

Download gwscan or the utility provided by the drive maker and scan the
drive. It sounds like your hard drive may have failed.

"BLOCKSTER" <blockster@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20031223133950.11616.00000811@mb-m25.aol.com...

BLOCKSTER · Guest

Thanks Ed and Ben. Can't run Spybot cause it will not boot--I did run powermax
software which says HD is good.

Still up a tree!!

Thanks
Jim

BLOCKSTER · Guest

Ben, Ed---I didn't get the cmos battery yet? Is that a possible cause or would
I likely be wasting my time in Radio Shack pre-Xmas rush?

Ben Myers · Guest

It's probably worth the small investment, if you can put up with the crowds...
Ben

On 23 Dec 2003 22:15:23 GMT, blockster@aol.com (BLOCKSTER) wrote:

JBlock56 · Guest

I finally installed an old HD. Formatted and reinstalled 98. Computer works!!
Something evil corrupted my OS.

One last question for you folks: Can I install the HD with the corrupted os as
a slave and transfer some files over to the master drive. Is this drag and
drop:? I have no experience here.

Thanks for all the help!
Jim

PC-Gladiator · Guest

Yes you can but I'd run complete virus and spyware scans on it first. I'd
also try installing AVG virus scanner as well. It picked up a bunch of
trojans that Norton failed to detect for me.

Also if you use Outlook Express then do NOT under ANY circumstance repoint
it to your old mail store on the old disk or you will wipe out all your
mail. There is NO warning or confirmation. All your mail files simply get
deleted. It's a wonderful "feature" of OE that I unfortunately "discovered"
and many others have gotten bitten as well by this.

"JBlock56" <jblock56@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20031223225940.26263.00001596@mb-m06.aol.com...

Albert Alcoceba · Guest

On 23 Dec 2003 18:44:14 GMT, blockster@aol.com (BLOCKSTER) wrote: