Something is seriously wrong with this comp o' mine.

After downloading Adobe Reader off the Internet, the computer has been haywire lately. I haven't been able to do anything without it locking up on me. Various activites my Dell computer can no longer handle is:

Play Games
Use Messenger
Download files over 50kb
Use Virusscan

Those are confirmed as "no-nos" now since my computer crashes hence. I was able to get the virusscan working long enough a few days ago to pinpoint 2 Trojan viruses and 4 adwares. However, virusscan does nothing but lock up the comp now when I try to use it.

Is the parts inside going bad, or did I contract some new age computer virus? Please help if you can.

P.S. Anybody who makes computer viruses should be beaten to death.

Ok well, first problem is that you have a dell. ^_^

Otherwise I don't think any of those things specifically has to do with Adobe Reader so you probably did contract a virus with it. Try doing a System Restore to before the date you downloaded it by going Start --> All Programs --> System Tools --> System Restore and following the instructions.

Either that or you can try running TrendMicros online virus scan which will normally work when all others fail (or has for me on viruii that would delete virus scan installer programs which were transfered to a computer I was cleaning). http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Also you might want to try booting into safe mode by hitting F8 when windows is booting (during the black screen which has a progress bar). This normally will not allow viruii to do anything and will allow other programs to work. Not always the case but worth a shot. Also if you do not have a virus scanner program get AVG (it's free just google for it). For trojans there is a program called a sqaured which is a free trojan scanner and cleaner. For ad stuff Adaware and Spybot search and destroy should have you covered.

So try the online scan first, then if that doesn't work try Safe Mode boot up. Cause with the System restore it depends on when you made one as to how viable an option that will be. (I believe I still use 2000 and do not have this option).

If all else fails back up everything that you want to save. Restart the pc wait until you see the big dell logo, when you see it press ctrl and f11. This is for a complete system restore. Everything will be deleted and you should have it in the same condition as when you bought it. I own 3 dells(by accident) so i know what problems come from their company.

P.S. Some computer virus are needed especially for leechers. But it doesn't excuse the punishment to a non participating member.

I don't think computer viruses are ever needed. All they do is cause problems for eveyone as they spread themselvers over the entire network. There is no reason to ever cause harm to anyone else's computer, ever. If people didn't want leechers, then they shouldn't be sharing stuff in the first place or should limit who they share with. So there is no need to infect someone else's computer with a virus, just protect your own computer from unwanted people accessing it. Though on a much more superficial level, saying people should have the ability to give people computer viruses is like saying anyone who takes a free sample, but isn't who you want to have it, should be infected with a virus (or beaten or something else like that). So there is no reason to ever distribute a virus that would not have a malicious intent. Otherwise it would not be called a virus.

Spyware is a bit trickier territory, and depends on ones views on privacy. I think spyware should not be allowed, but many people who value safety above privacy (Patriot Act anyone) would disagree. Also pretty much all businesses disagree as they have come to like the new age of transactional processing.

So I tip my white hat to everyone (doubt too many people will get that, though wikipedia apparently has a decent article on it).

Well there is the exceptional rule that some people deserve a computer virus. This world's people comes in many shapes and forms.

Besides I've learned that you should never buy a dell in the future. Google a couple of forums and you'll get alot of hated responses from them.

*clips on his Dell tech tag*

ok.... this sounds like you might have a RAM problem

turn off your system, remove any sticks of ram you have, then place one of them back in, and try ddoing things that make it lock up, if it stops, try that same stick in every other memory slot you have untill you ahve tried them all, or it starts locking up again, if it locks upin just oen slot, you need a new motherboard, or just avoid useing that slot, if all of them work, try the other stick, it most likely is bad.....

How much ram do you exactly have by the way? There is a free ware program called free ram xp. This is very useful to free up some ram on your pc.

How do you check the RAM?

And Cyrusnagisa, this comp is actually owned by my brother, so I will consult him before doing that. Or anything else people have suggested.

He was planning on upgrading everything anyway, so this won't be a problem.

There is a program called Memtest86 that you can download and either put on a CD or floppy, then reset the computer with the CD or floppy in and boot using that. Then you let it run for around 3 hours or so and see if it comes up with any errors.

http://www.memtest86.com/

So just follow the instructions on there. Basically it just does a bunch of random memory operations (copies, read, writes) and sees if any of them fails.

Though it is still very possible it is actually a very bad virus. But it is true bad memory can lead to random lockups. Like many computer problems symptoms can normally have multiple causes, but software problems are normally easier to diagnose and rule out first, then you check the hardware.

And HellHunter, though windows reclaimation of RAM is normally less than spectacular, this normally does not lead to crashes unless you somehow turn off virtual memory (not ever recommended to do, though it is always a good idea to set the max and min size of the virtual memory size to 1.5 times how much memory you have (so for 512MB your virtual memory [page file] should be 768MB)). This is done by right clicking on My Computer and going to properties -> Advanced -> Performance Options -> Virtual Memory.

No one has suggested a re-format yet.

Back up your data and give it a fresh copy of Windows. It may take some time, but if it's not a hardware problem, this will fix it. Some trojans are so deep within your registry files, that taking them out may also take out necessary file for your OS. I know this method is a little extreem, but it will work.

I will format my computer just about every 6 months to a year, just because it's good for the system. Doesn't matter if there are any major problems or not. It's a suggestion, if anything.

Actually Lantis I have suggested a reformat. Dell has a complete system restore that deletes all your files. Your OS will be restored back to the first date you've bought it and turned it on. It takes only 7mins to do this. All you have to do is press ctrl and F11 when you see the big Dell logo.

No OS can re-install in 7 minutes. And I was a computer technician... so I know all about the restore partition. And depending on the model, it may not be F11.

Technically I'm still a comptuer technician... just an Network Admin too.

But anyway, I don't like the restore partition for 2 reasons.

1) They load the comptuer with the most useless crap. A load of pre-installed programs which even have AOL trials. I hate AOL with all of my soul, so you can see why I wouldn't want that on my machine. (if it were a dell)

2) The actual install in on your hard drive. What happens if the virus gets a hold of that partition? Now you don't have an OS at all.
Dell no longer sends the OS on disc. You have to order them. Of course, if you have a key, they should send it to you without charge... but who know.

Well its not really an OS reinstall. Its in their manual or pdf about the complete system restore. It depends on what year and month you purchased it. It wored when I didn't have a cd for my bro's pc and Our pc's are the same.(Brand, OS, Features). But then again I could be wrong.





[/list]

Yeah now that most companies don't include a full install disc, it's an even better reason to build your own or have someone else do it and get an OEM copy of Windows. No manual but at least you get a full install disc should you ever need to do that.

The reason I didn't suggest a full reinstall is because most people don't back up their data in general, so this is always a last ditch effort after you try everything else possible to get rid of it. Better to google around and find out what registry entries you need to delete, than have to go through the arduous reinstall process (it's more than just the OS, you also have to install all your other programs, drivers, and reconfigure all your programs to your liking, which normally takes 4 times or longer or more than installing the OS).

I thought you computer technician would know this .