Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (
More info?)
Ninip
Before doing anything else to the computer, take it back and get the
technician to fire it up..
--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User
"Ninip" <gwen6039@home.com> wrote in message
news:eiGse7KrFHA.3720@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Thanks for all the goodwebsites and info.
>
> But I cannot get to my desktop to use any of these.
> My computer will not go beyond the HP screen and then it goes to a black
> screen with the words Reboot and select proper boot media.
> Thanks
>
> "Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" <mike.hall.mail@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:uAPgZeKrFHA.716@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> Ninip
>>
>> You go to the Staples store with your computer, and you stand in the
>> computer department and make a fuss in front of any other customers
>> present.. when approached by management, you make it clear to them that
> you
>> will continue to do this until such time as they fix your computer..
>>
>> This assumes that it is a hardware problem of course.. Staples can't be
> held
>> responsible for what a computer user does to the computer after it has
> left
>> the store.. Staples is only responsible for defects caused during
>> manufacture and finishing..
>>
>> It would help your cause to take it to an independent computer technician
>> and get a second opinion on whether it is a hardware issue or not.. re.
>> spyware, it is unfortunate that computer users have to be so guarded
>> about
>> what they do and where they go..
>>
>> I will give you some things to do, none of them being beyond the scope of
> a
>> newbie.. but first, a few lines about what to avoid..
>>
>> Spyware and its associates lurk in all places.. P2P services are among
>> the
>> biggest spreaders of grief, so avoid programs like Kazaa for instance..
> even
>> if you install the so-called spyware free versions, files downloaded
>> from
>> these services can be devastating.. there are users of these services
>> that
>> deliberately make infected files available to the unwary.. others just do
>> not realise that their systems are infecting those of others in a covert
>> manner..
>>
>>
>>
>> Websites offering free programs often have 'sponsor' software that comes
>> down with them.. it is important when installing free programs to look
>> carefully at check boxes.. if you are given the option to NOT install
>> sponsor material, take it..
>>
>>
>>
>> Something else to be wary about.. replying to e-mails that offer services
>> that you really don't want.. replying very often leads to floods of other
>> internet 'waste'.. just delete them.. and one more thing on this topic..
>> I
>> have noticed that the Microsoft Cumulative Patch e-mail has surfaced
> again..
>> Microsoft do NOT send patches out to 'Dear Friend' EVER.. do not open
> them..
>> just delete them..
>>
>>
>>
>> Run the processes below in order.. none of the processes are beyond the
>> abilities of a newbie user..
>>
>>
>>
>> OK.. start by turning OFF the System Restore function.. click on the
>> Start
>> button.. right click on 'My Computer', then select Properties.. now
>> select
>> the 'System Restore' tab..
>>
>> Check the box "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on
>> all
>> drives".. now click on 'Apply'.. you will be asked if it is ok to lose
>> all
>> restore points.. answer YES to this.. now click on 'OK'
>>
>>
>>
>> Now to the removal process..
>>
>>
>>
>> Run a one shot virus remover.. I have found that McAfee Stinger works for
>> people.. download and run it..
>>
>>
>>
>> http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
>>
>>
>>
>> Another alternative is ..
>>
>>
>>
>>
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
>>
>>
>>
>> Finish this process first..
>>
>>
>>
>> You will also need to download Spyware removal software.. Spybot and
> Adaware
>> are available at these websites.. both are free.. download and run them..
>> don't forget to check for updates after you have started them..
>>
>>
>>
>>
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
>>
>>
>>
>> ... and this link is for the latest Microsoft helping..
>>
>>
>>
>>
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
>>
>>
>>
>> Spybot has the ability to immunize a system, but there is better for this
>> function, so download and run Spyware Blaster too.. again, check for
>> updates..
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/
>>
>>
>>
>> The above programs all need to be updated after the initial install.. do
>> this, and then run them..
>>
>>
>>
>> Time to turn ON System Restore.. this is obviously like turning it OFF,
>> so
>> just reverse the procedure..
>>
>>
>>
>> If you have had your Internet browser hijacked, that is to say, you get
>> redirected through a search engine NOT of your choosing, you will need
>> different tools.. the best website for tools to rid yourself of home page
>> hijackers is.............
>>
>>
>>
>>
http://www.pchell.com
>>
>>
>>
>> Mark Hasting has put much work into this site.. it is an invaluable site,
>> both for reference and fix-its..
>>
>>
>>
>> You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some links
>> for you..
>>
>>
http://www.mcafee.com
>>
>>
http://www.zonealarm.com
>>
>>
http://www.kerio.com
>>
>>
http://www.sygate.com
>>
>>
http://www.avast.com
>>
>>
http://www.grisoft.com
>>
>>
>>
>> If you do not run a firewall and anti-virus solution, you are leaving
>> yourself open to attacks of all kinds.. these two types of program are
> your
>> first line of defence..
>>
>>
>>
>> So by now, your system should be in reasonable shape.. you will have
>> tools
>> 'locked and loaded', ready for weekly use against those who seek to
> destroy
>> your pleasure.. incorporate these into a housekeeping policy that
>> includes
>> running Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, and you will be able to easily
>> maintain your system..
>>
>>
>>
>> Please return to this thread and provide feedback.. it is the only way
> that
>> helpers here can determine how effective the advice given has been..
>>
>>
>>
>> Good luck..
>>
>>
>> --
>> Mike Hall
>> MVP - Windows Shell/User
>>
>>
>> "Ninip" <gwen6039@home.com> wrote in message
>> news:%233HEULKrFHA.3788@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>> > Hi everyone
>> > I hope someone can help me, I am fairly new to computers.
>> > I have a 2 month old computer. HP Pavillion running WINXP with DVD
> burner
>> > and a CD Drive.
>> >
>> > I have had it in to the store for repairs (STAPLES) twice now. I will
>> > have
>> > to take it in again.
>> > Problem is I will be using it fine and then walk away and when I come
> back
>> > later the screen goes to black with the words Reboot and select proper
>> > boot
>> > media.
>> > So i do that and nothing works I cannot get into windows. I will try
> this
>> > on and off during the day and then will sometimes get to the screen
> where
>> > it
>> > shows a bunch of messages including Master Boot Record Error. One time
> it
>> > said backup your files hard drive failure imminent.
>> >
>> > The thing is the last time I took it in for repair on this problem
>> > (last
>> > week) the tech said it started up fine but he saw spyware on it when he
>> > did
>> > a scan. So he sold me Spysweeper and charged for installation ($68.00)
>> > Said the problem was spyware. There was already a spyware program on
>> > my
>> > computer preinstalled plus Norton Security with all the bells and
>> > whistles.
>> > Like I said this is a brand new computer.
>> >
>> > So I get this supposedly fixed computer home yesterday and start it up
> no
>> > problem. But later in the day it went to that boot screen again.
>> > (same
>> > problem)
>> >
>> > So now I am using my old WINME computer to talk to you guys.
>> >
>> > Question is what is going on and how do I resolve this issue.
>> >
>> > Should I take it back for repair. Should I ask for a brand new one?
>> >
>> > Also if they exchange my computer, what about all my documents and
> photos
>> > that are on my computer, I have backups but I don't want to leave them
>> > with
>> > my personal info.
>> >
>> > Sorry this is so long but I don't know what to do and I am so
> frustrated.
>> > Thanks in advance.
>> > I will await your replies anxiously.
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>
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