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Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

So, the laptop I have had for a month or two has worked swell, but when I finally got Internet I also apparently got some sort of malware/virus/spyware. When Windows 7 loads, it just completely freezes and I can do nothing. I loaded up in Safe Mode with Networking so I'm able to post this message. I would appreciate any help. GP, are you there!?! Wink

Dell Inspiron N4010
P6000 @ 1.87GHz
3.00 GB RAM
64 Bit Operating System
Windows 7 Home Basic

What steps should I take to diagnose the problem?

Posted: Oct 27 2010 03:02 pm

If you suspect a Virus/Malware, then run anti-virus/malware while in safe mode.

If that doesn't work, then restore your system to an older state.
(Here's instructions, if you are unsure how to do it:
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/30783.aspx )

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

It won't let me, as it says I need administrator access to do so in Safe Mode.

Posted: Oct 27 2010 03:32 pm

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/enable-the-hidden-administrator-account-on-windows-vista/

This also works on Win 7.

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

It's still saying "System Restore has been turned off by your System Administrator" whether I am in my or the Administrator log in. I don't mind losing any data and doing a full restore, as I have everything backed up, but so far it's only letting my do anything in safe mode.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Josh, do you have your original Windows 7 DVD?

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

I never got one. It was preloaded onto the computer already.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Call Dell and tell them that you require a Windows 7 DVD to do an overlay install of the OS. They will argue, just tell them that your computer technician said the disk was mandatory.

I have had to do this four times over the last few months and they will send you a disk, it takes a few days to get it.

-----------------------

In the mean time, you are communicating to us somehow, I assume you have another computer. What kind is it?

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

I am in Safe Mode on the laptop in question. I ran a malware scan yesterday with MalwareBytes Anti Malware and when I turned it back on today, Windows starts loading, it goes to my desktop and the mouse cursor disappears and it freezes. No ALT CTRL DEL or anything, so I went into Safe Mode with Networking and here I am.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Can you run this tool:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

I need to head off for a while, so I'll leave you with this.

On a USB disk install the following software:
http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/clamwin_portable

Boot off the repair disk with the USB stick plugged in.

When the computer boots choose to run the command prompt.

Navigate to the clamwin install point on the USB drive.

Run ClamWin.

That should at least give us a baseline that can say if your system has a virus or not.

Joined: Aug 04 2009 Posts: 2515

What i would do is run it in safe mode, back up files then reinstall the OS.

I don't know how true this is but i was told when i got my new computer to make sure my anti-virus was up-to-date. Something about your computer is very vulnerable when first using the internet.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

He doesn't have a Windows DVD yet.

As far as getting a new system, before I plug it into the internet I do two or three things right away. First, I make sure I am behind a router as a natural firewall. Second I reinstall a fresh copy of Windows. If it is a large network, I'll then make sure Windows Firewall is locked down after the fresh install.

After that I go online and get all Windows security updates. After that, I'll install the rest of my system drivers and go and get Microsoft Security Essentials.

Antivirus is great stuff, but unnecessary if you know that the system is protected and you aren't making outside contact. This remains true up until the point you start browsing the web, going for email, or are outside of your firewall.