Drop down, shut down and start up problems

by PudgyOne Jul 3, 2007 6:10AM PDT

Dell Inspiron B130
Windows XP

I just used the recovery disk.

Computer starts and I now get this message about something caused the computer to shut down, you can start the computer last known config, safe mode start normally. Message will not go away

I even put in the driver disk and there is the Dell OS tools, but it says Java version 4, not 6. so I did not install it.

If I try to use drop down menus, it locks up. When I shut down the computer, it hangs, then when I start it up the next time, it gives me the error message but it starts.

I went to get Windows updates, and it tells me I have to be logged in as administrator. I am logged in as administrator. Ran this

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag/

and it validates. I can't figure it out.

Seems when I use anthing that has a drop down menu, Windows Explorer or try to add a picture to an email or save a picture to a folder, if I use the drop down menu, that's it it freezes. Have to use task manager to get out of it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rick

Discussion is locked

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Hi Rick..

by jackintucson Jul 3, 2007 6:16AM PDT

This sounds like a classic case of malware. When was the last time you scanned and what did you use? And why did you feel you had to use the recovery disk?

and life goes on...

Jack

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Only malware I found was com.com

by PudgyOne Jul 4, 2007 4:55AM PDT

Was getting a device driver error and that's the reason for recovery.

So if there's no walware, What's next?

Rick

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Rick

by tomron Jul 3, 2007 6:29AM PDT

This link although dated may help.Now whenever I try to use the drop-down lists to find,open or save files, the system hangs - sometimes it eventually finds thelocation I click on but othertimes it just freezes

Tom

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Tom

by PudgyOne Jul 4, 2007 5:02AM PDT

I tried reading and didn't get a lot of time right now.

I read about HP and reinstalled the HP Photosmart camera drivera and program. That did NOT help.

Did not get a chance to work on the the other items yet.

It sounds like it will be a slow process. Instead of shutting down the computer and watching it hang, I am hibernating it.

Just a piece of information, I cannot get into the control panel using my account. I can get there using the safe mode and my administrator account. Everything seems to work fine in the safe mode.

Happy 4th of July,

Rick

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I'd certainly install all Dell drivers.

by Kees Bakker Jul 4, 2007 5:03AM PDT

You can always update Java later on. That's the idea of using a recovery disc: bring the machine to the state it was when you bought it.
If it doesn't work then, it's a hardware issue.

Kees

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There's a backup section on the hard drive

by PudgyOne Jul 4, 2007 10:27AM PDT

How do I use this?

Will try installing drivers again.

Rick

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Sorry, never had a Dell.

by Kees Bakker Jul 4, 2007 5:10PM PDT

So I can't tell you how to go back to the start.

Good luck.

Kees

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Installed drivers and

by PudgyOne Jul 4, 2007 5:25PM PDT

no luck.

I cannot get windows updates. It say that I'm not the administrator. I and using an unrestricted account.

I cannot use the send to menu to put items on my flash drive. I can install and update everything else. It's like something maybe with scripting with Windows explorer. I tried IE fix and that didn't even work.

Says I have a valid version of Windows. The start up screen gives me the option of starting in the safe mode, last known config or normally.

I didn't add any new hardware. I managed to install all drivers but still nothing. IE6 and Drop down menu's are the worst. If I use the folder up and click on the files to go down, I'm ok.

Rick

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(NT) Can you create another administrator account for a test

by tomron Jul 4, 2007 10:07PM PDT

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Tried that

by PudgyOne Jul 4, 2007 11:43PM PDT

It still doesn't allow me to update it.

Rick

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I was just getting ready

by PudgyOne Jul 5, 2007 1:44AM PDT

to copy items for a clean install. I went into my documents & settings then my account. Looked for my favorites and what did I see! Send to was a hidden file. I checked the Windows folder also. It was hidden and read only. Changed this also and presto, I am now updated.

Found out, I was logged in the other day and someone wanted to borrow it. I don't mind, but.., I prefer they use the special acount I have for them. My wife left them use it and I guess they thought they were doing me a favor!? Well, I have everything back on track, again.

Thanks again,

Rick

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Good to read.

by Kees Bakker Jul 5, 2007 1:48AM PDT

It's best to use the Guest account for guests. Especially if they can't be trusted fully. And for your privacy.

And never stay logged in when you're not present at the machine. It's easy to switch to the logon screen when you leave or lock the screen (win-key L)

Kees

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(NT) Sounds good,I knew you would eventually solve it

by tomron Jul 5, 2007 2:36AM PDT

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Had me going for a little while

by PudgyOne Jul 5, 2007 3:17AM PDT

I left the house and the computer will always lock after 10 minutes. I was planning on returning but I got tied up. Someone wanted to use it. I have a special account for this. I guess instead of locking it, I will have to log out, from now on. They have the password for the visitor account.

Spent about 5 days working on this.

Start up error message disappeared as soon as I changed the properties for the Windows folder. I was then able to download the Windows updates. Now I can spend more time with my wife, today's her birthday.

Thanks again,

Rick

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I would now

by jackintucson Jul 5, 2007 4:15AM PDT

have a serious discussion with whomever used it so this doesn't happen again. Trust me, if you don't bullet proof your access it will.

and life goes on...

Jack

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Congrats.

by Kees Bakker Jul 5, 2007 4:24AM PDT

Have a nice day. You've earned it.

Kees

Drop down, shut down and start up problems

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