Computer problem

[Meg 50]

I'm on W7.

over the last few days I have had problems - it starts by online pages not loading properly, then telling me I have no network, then won't shut down.

I force a crash and when I reboot - it opens as far as welcome to windows then black screen - but mouse cursor moves ok

crash it again.

it'll open in Safe mode, so I have backed everything up

once in safe mode I go to system restore and go back a couple of weeks -( the only file it removes is 'checkpoint - something to do with Zone alarm)

All hunky dory again for a boot or 3, then it starts all over again.

Any ideas?

I don't want to put back to factory settings cos I'm not sure the SPs will still be available. Possibly time for a new PC, but would prefer to sort this one!


thanks

[david63]

There are several things that it could be, including:

Corrupt disc
Corrupt memory
Corrupt file
Virus
Malware
Old age (the PC not the user )

It might be worth taking to a "man wot fixes computers" to see what he says unless you need an excuse to get a new one

[Meg 50]

I've run the virus/malware/scans and they're ok.

A man what does might be cheaper than a new PC - initially

ta

[Meg 50]

I've removed Zone alarm. Hopefully that'll help


otherwise....
I have almost talked myself into a new one! This one is pretty old and I like the look of the all in one version - expensive, but by the time a monitor is factored in - there's not much in it

[Kendhni]

Could be a hardware (memory?) problem but it is easier to rule out software first.

Do you use powerline plugs - these have sometimes been known to drop out an internet connection.
Try installing and running something like 'CCleaner Free' (https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download)
Do you have diskspace available? If your disk is getting close to full it can cause strange things to happen - in particular if you are forcing a crash or turning off without shutting down then it can leave a lot of garbage floating about on your system.
Try disabling/removing any extensions/add-ons to your browser and see if that makes a difference - then re-enable one at a time.
You could try uninstalling some of the crapware you will have collected over the years - try one program at a time and see if it helps.

If none of the above helps take back up of your data and try a clean install of windows and then copy your data back on (do not restore any window disk images or a full backup .... just your data). A clean install will remind you of how fast your computer was when you first bought it.

[Silver_Shiney]

Good advice from Ken. However, if lack of disk space is the problem, you may not be able to install CCleaner.

When you run software, it creates a load of temporary files. When you close the programme, it deletes them. However, if you force a crash, those temporary files don't get deleted.

Somewhere you'll have a folder called Temp, or Temporary Files. Delete as much of the contents of that folder as possible, the empty the Recycle Bin.

When running CCleaner, check the settings carefully as it has been known to wipe out saved passwords for websites

[Kendhni]

Fortunately CCleaner is quite light-weight it requires less than 20Mb for install.
By default CCleaner will delete passwords because it will clear out internet caches etc. (you can disable this) - good warning there SS.

I have given this word of warning before ... NEVER EVER let your browser store passwords. I am amazed at the number of people that let it do this and within a couple of minutes of getting access to a machine that someone has asked me to look at I am often able to tell them their passwords and where they use them.

[Meg 50]

I have c cleaner already. I set it to which cookies to save (about a dozen) and the other 3 million are cleared once a week!

I got on no probs just now so am hopeful that removing ZA might have done the trick.

I am bothered about a clean reinstall since I'm on W7 - is it still supported - ie will I be able to access the updates and stuff?

[Kendhni]

Did you sign up for the W10 update or did someone convince you not to?
I have a feeling that if you haven't done so you may have missed out on the free upgrade (unless Microsoft extend it) ... in most cases it goes a long way to tidying up the computer and making it run like new again. W7 will be supported until 2020.

[Meg 50]

last date for free update to W10 was yesterday.

we didn't meet the criteria

[Silver_Shiney]

I thought W10 was change for the sake of it , so reverted back to W7 last week on my desktop. Will probably reinstall 7 over 10 on my laptop too.

[towny44]

I thought W10 was change for the sake of it , so reverted back to W7 last week on my desktop. Will probably reinstall 7 over 10 on my laptop too.

I think you made a mistake Alan, W10 has given my laptop a new lease of life, I was on the verge of buying a new one but since I switched to W10 it is like new, it may only be a newer version of W7, but it clearly works much better and faster.

[Silver_Shiney]

My laptop seems a bit faster, John, but the desktop was decidedly slower after W10.

I need Microsoft while I'm still working but once I retire it's getting the elbow in favour of Ubuntu