virus or hardware problem, any ideas on how to identify and repair?

[stella15]

my keyboard has stopped working on my windows XP \system32\drive desktop computer. I had a warning triangle advising that I was low on virtual memory which has been an ongoing problem. I closed this message and a strange drop down box appeared at the top RHS of my internet screen which appeared to produce odd letters when i typed using my usb wireless keyboard, then my keyboard stopped working. If I try typing it always starts with a capital Q the aa , TAB SPACE , aa tab space and so on , QWERTY is not an option.

i tried all of the usual keyboard problem solving tips to no avail and then I found an error log which told me the following:

The device ROOT\LEGACY-FSBL\0000 disappeared from the system without first being prepared for removal.

and

the PC tools browser defender service depends on the following non existent service: pctcore

Pctcore located in C;\windows\system32\driver

I have minimal use of my desktop at present as it will allow me to use the on screen keyboard however, I am completely blocked from the internet or downloading any files from the internet.

anybody any suggestions?

Note:I am typing this on my Pavillion note book with windows 8.1 so I can I hope download onto a CD or USB if necessary

 

[Chicano]

Could be anything but I'd suggest you start removing temp files to make some room in case that is the cause of the problem since it appears that your system doesn't have room to operate... anything you do needs virtual memory and if no disk space is left to save virtual memory, this may be the result.

This problem can occur when you try to compress files within a 3.5 floppy disk that's almost full, and a message pops-up saying you do not have enough disk space. So, whether it's software or hardware, you have to start by making room for any process you initiate. You can delete .tmp, .log, and most file types that CCleaner will scan for.

You can try to remove the temp files manually from Start/run/ type: %temp%, and temp and delete the files in those two folders. If typing is not possible, use the mouse to copy and paste this two commands in Start/Run.

You can also use a USB flash drive to move there the paging file (virtual memory) from Control Panel/System/Advanced/Performance/Settings/Advanced/Change/ set the virtual memory in the C drive to none and select the USB drive, and next select System Managed Size and click on Set. Restart the computer and check if any difference.

You can install CCleaner on a USB flash drive
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/portable

How to set virtual memory in Windows XP
http://resources.esri.com/help/9.3/arcgisdesktop/com/gp_toolref/Spatial_Analyst_tools/changing_the_virtual_memory_setting.htm

If enough virtual memory doesn't make a difference, you can run the antivirus and malware scanner. If still nothing after this, replace the keyboard or borrow one to confirm or diagnose the problem.

 

[stella15]

Thanks for your help, I have carried out the following: restored twice, run the CC cleaner, deleted temp files, run a disc fragment,reset the virtual memory to recommended setting for my PC from 640 and 640, there seems to be adequate disc space, but I haven't tried your suggestion yet so will give it a go.

My computer will not allow me to access my mail server or let me perform downloads as present which is a real problem would a virtual memory problem cause such a significant problem?

I have noticed a number of unknown filed in utilities one of those being windows defender would this also relate to my problem?

 

[Chicano]

Low virtual memory (and 640MB was very low), will only slow down the computer but not stop you from doing anything you normally do... and anytime this becomes an issue, while logged on in the Administrator or administrative account, you have to suspect of a virus or malware infection. So, run virus and malware scanns, and if necessary run a online virus scanner.. this is sometimes better when the antivirus is itself infected and may not run or detect infections. When this happens, you can't download security programs such as antivurus or antimalwares and since you can download security programs from any software website, you may not even be able to access that type of websites or mail websites as you could also ask friends or family to download an antivirus/antimalware and mail it to you... so, it's very likely that your system is infected, and the unknown files in Windows Defender may very well be part of that infection. If Windows Defender is your only security program, you will have to do a online virus scan and try downloading Malwarebytes Antimalware.. if not possible, repeat with another online scanner, try the download and repeat untill you can download it and maybe some other antivirus such as Avast or AVG free editions.

After scanning and removing infections or clearing doubts. check this thread for multiple tweaks and fixes to help restore your system back to normality.
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1863469/slow.html

Online Virus Scanners
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=cr&ei=G0ZxU_GcEtGEogTL8oHQAw#q=online+virus+scanners

Malwarebytes Antimalware
https://www.malwarebytes.org/products/

BTW: I have cleaned a virus infection that had blocked a laptop keyboard and have also read similar cases, so your issue is no doubt a distinct possibility.

 

[stella15]

Thanks for your advice. I think that I have a virus known as threat windows32-Adware-gen(Adw), I will attempt to remove it using your recommended anti malware site. I have ,managed to remove a number of trojens in the past but this one is a nightmare as it seems to lock into everything.

 

[Chicano]

If you can't remove Windows32-Adware-gen from Windows, program your antivirus for a Boot-Scan.. that way it will be inactive and unable to prevent it's removal... another way to remove stubborn bugs is to disable the System Restore so their favorite hiddidng place... where they can save copies of themselves, is not available.

Also, if your present antivirus has been disabled, infected or corrupted by the virus, it would be a good idea to uninsall it and replace it with a better option... the antivirus PC Tools is relatively unknown and far better options are Avast, AVG, Avira Bit Defender, etc. I have used Avast for a long time and AVG occasionally, and have never had a serious virus infection.
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/best-free-antivirus-9-reviewed-and-rated-1057786