Computer Problem, What Am I To Do?!

[Taffi Abernathy]

I'm putting this out there in the hope that someone who's facile with IT issues will reply . . . I was responding to e-mails on my notebook which I placed in front of my desktop. (The desktop was on because I was listening to music.) Long story short, when I moved my mouse, both computers became erratic. The notebook straightened itself out and is now perfect. The desktop however, keeps showing this message when I turn it on, "Choose an operating system to start or press tab to select a tool: Microsoft Windows Vista." I press enter, it then boots up normally, but when I click on a site, I can't get past the opening page. My notebook is Windows 7. Does anyone have any idea what has happened, and more importantly, how I can rectify the problem? Thanks!

[snow_rocks]

Did you shut the desktop down completely before restarting?

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

Did you shut the desktop down completely before restarting?

Yes I did, Rick.

[snow_rocks]

I had a similar problem on my Mac, had to reload the OS!

[explodingtaco]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

. . . but when I click on a site, I can't get past the opening page.

First off it sounds bizarre. Secondly I bet it was a power issue and had nothing to do with you moving your mouse. Your laptop was plugged in right?

Thirdly please explain that statement above. What is your opening page, which browser are you using and what does it say when you click on a link?

[Brunotheboxer]

Faith I would try this. Sorry I cant help more but I'm on my way out:





Basic Windows Vista Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting a Vista computer system that is having problems can be a difficult task due to the endless software and hardware configuration possibilities on a machine. However, I've put together a basic guide for Vista users that may lend a helping hand in finding out where the trouble lies and how to fix it.

<>System Restore:

If you do not know where to start and you don't have a clue as to why you're having trouble with Vista, then I recommend using System Restore to take your system files back to a time when you were not having any trouble. To use System Restore, follow the instructions below:

1. Go to Start>> All Programs>> Accessories>> System Tools>> System Restore
2. Click Next
3. Select "Choose a different restore point"
4. Click Next
5. Select a date and time that you would like to restore to.
6. Click Next to begin the process
7. In the confirmation prompt, select Yes.

Once system restore has completed the process, your computer will restart.

<>Identify a Hardware Problem:

In this section I will show you how you can identify a hardware problem.

-Memory:

Normally, Vista monitors your installed memory and will notify you when an error occurs. However, for the purpose of troubleshooting it is a good idea to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool manually to rule out a possible memory issue. Here's how:

1. Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System and Maintenance>> Administrative Tools>> Memory Diagnostic Tool. You may be prompted for an administrators password or confirmation at this point.
2. Select the option titled: "You can restart your computer and run the tool immediately".

Once the tool has completed the diagnostic process, you will know whether your problem is memory related or not.

-Hard Disk (CHKDSK):

In most cases, problems that develop on a hard disk are from either corrupt system files or physical errors. To identify a possible hard disk problem, you will need to scan your drive for errors. Here's how:

1. Go to Start>> Computer
2. Right click the hard disk that you would like to test.
3. Select Properties
4. Select the Tools tab
5. Click the Check Now button under Error-Checking. You may be prompted for an administrators password or confirmation at this point.

* Select the option: "Automatically fix file system errors"
* Select the option: "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors". Selecting this option will perform a thorough scan of your selected hard disk and attempt to fix any physical errors on the drive. Depending on the size of your hard disk, this could take quite some time to complete. For best results, avoid using your computer system during this process.

6. Click Start

-Devices:

If you have recently installed a new device on your computer. It is possible that the driver for your device is not compatible with Windows Vista. In most cases, downloading an updated driver from the manufactures web site will solve this problem. If you cannot find an updated driver for your device, try removing the device from your system and see if Vista now boots correctly.

<>Software:

Software that was designed to run in Windows XP will usually run fine in Windows Vista. However, some of the older programs will run poorly or not at all. You can try running the Compatibility Wizard to run the program or use the programs Compatibility tab. For more information click the link below:

I can't get a program to install on Vista

If you still cannot get your software to run in the Vista environment, it may be time to find a suitable replacement or if it is that important a program to your business, you still have options:

* Dual-boot Vista and the older version of Windows that has ran that program.
* Keep an older system that will run that program.

<>Vista is running slow:

There are many possible causes and remedies for a Vista system that is running poorly.

-Dual Boot or Multi-boot systems:

If your computer is setup to run two or more operating systems, you can select the boot order so that only one operating system will start when your machine is turned on. Here's how:

1. Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System and Maintenance>> System
2. Select Advanced System Settings. You may be prompted for an administrators password or confirmation at this point.
3. Select the Advanced tab
4. Select Settings under Startup and Recovery
5. Under the System startup category you'll find a default operating systems list. Select the operating system that you would like to use when you start your computer.
6. Click OK and exit all windows.

-Using Startup Repair:

If you are sure that your Vista systems poor performance is not hardware or virus related. You can try running the Startup Repair feature to fix system files that may have become corrupt or gone missing. Here's how:

You will need your Vista installation DVD/CD for this task.

1. Insert your installation disk
2. Restart your computer. Your computer should boot to your installation disk. If it won't, you will need to change the boot order in your BIOS. Consult your computer manufactures operating guide for this procedure.
3. You may receive a prompt asking you to press any key to start Windows from the installation disk.
4. Select the language setting and then click Next.
5. Select Repair your computer
6. Select the operating system that you would like to repair and then click Next.
7. Select Startup Repair from the System Recovery Options menu.
8. Follow all of the on-screen prompts and answer the questions accordingly. Your system may restart as repairs are made.

-Using the System File Checker (SFC):

If you are experiencing system lockups or error messages when using Windows applications, you can try running the System File Checker tool to scan your operating system for corrupt files. If the SFC finds any corrupt files, it will automatically replace them with "known" good files. Here's how to use SFC:

1. Go to Start
2. In the Serch field, type in: cmd
3. Right click the "cmd" entry
4. Select "Run as administrator". Continue through any resulting UAC prompts.
5. At the command prompt, type in the following command:

sfc /scannow

6. Press Enter on your keyboard

-Using Safe Mode:

Safe Mode is a very useful diagnostic tool used to troubleshoot system startup problems and performance issues. When you start your system in Safe Mode, Vista will run only the basic default Windows settings, services, devices and drivers. If your system performs fine in Safe Mode but poorly in regular mode, you can eliminate these default settings as the cause. You can access Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key on your keyboard as Windows first begins to boot.

If none of the above troubleshooting steps has helped you with your computer problem. It might be time to get some help from our staff of knowledgeable volunteers. Click the link below for free assistance:

5 Star Support Free Help Forums

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[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

I had a similar problem on my Mac, had to reload the OS!

That is a fate worse than death, I certainly hope not!

Originally Posted by explodingtaco

First off it sounds bizarre. Secondly I bet it was a power issue and had nothing to do with you moving your mouse. Your laptop was plugged in right?

Yes.

Thirdly please explain that statement above. What is your opening page, which browser are you using and what does it say when you click on a link?

The desktop uses AOL. When I type in a web page, it takes me there, but when I click on a link on the page, it's nonresponsive. Both computers are HPs.

Windows Boot Manager comes up and displays the message "Choose an operating system to start . . ." Then underneath it says, "To specify an advanced ooption for this choice press F8. I am running the Windows Diagnostic Tool right now.

[snow_rocks]

Can you reset your browser to clear everything, cache, cookies, etc?

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

Can you reset your browser to clear everything, cache, cookies, etc?

Yes, after the diagnostic tool is finished running. It is almost 90% complete.

[snow_rocks]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Yes, after the diagnostic tool is finished running. It is almost 90% complete.

Fingers crossed!

[Taffi Abernathy]

Uh oh! I had to shut the desktop manually, it rebooted but the mouse was frozen. I can see that I need to up my fire insurance. A few nights ago, I blew a fuse because I plugged in a little heater to keep Taffi warm (she likes to lay down in a particular spot), and I started my hair dryer. Just restarted the desktop and there are unsettling noises originating from the tower, this is not what I call a positive sign. I'll call my computer repair guy and see if he can come by this weekend. Thanks so much to you guys for your assistance.

[snow_rocks]

Did the cord of your mouse come loose (slightly) from the keyboard?

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

Did the cord of your mouse come loose (slightly) from the keyboard?

No

[snow_rocks]

Well, you're just going to have to open a nice bottle of Cabernet, and curl up with TRF tonite!

[explodingtaco]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

I'll call my computer repair guy and see if he can come by this weekend.

Thats the best idea. It sounds as though something fried because of bad power. Hopefully it is just a bad network card as they only cost $20 bucks or so, but if it is power related it could be multiple things.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

Well, you're just going to have to open a nice bottle of Cabernet, and curl up with TRF tonite!

I'm curling up under a down comforter with my ice tea, a good book and the trusty and beloved terrier. Have a great night, Rick, goodnight.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by explodingtaco

Thats the best idea. It sounds as though something fried because of bad power. Hopefully it is just a bad network card as they only cost $20 bucks or so, but if it is power related it could be multiple things.

Thanks very much for your advice. I appreciated your help.