Meangya, so Im on the computer Friday afternoon, and everythings hunky-dorry. Then, I get home @ like, 11 or so, to see the computer a shade of blue and the font is all bold and weird looking, plus it didnt look like XP anymore. Couldnt get online, had no sound, and it couldnt find the device manager. :cuss: My Dad tried fixing it today, but he had to take it to his friends house and start all over again. WTF!! All of my music, videos, and pics are now gone. Meaaaaangya. KT and Alison know I just got done last weekend organizing all my pics in folders! :cuss: Meangya, I had so much crap on here I wanted to save, its not even funny. Gaah now I have to go and DL everything again. Atleast, I have my CD-ROM back now. Ugh.

Originally posted by ¤MsConanOBrien¤
Meangya, so Im on the computer Friday afternoon, and everythings hunky-dorry. Then, I get home @ like, 11 or so, to see the computer a shade of blue and the font is all bold and weird looking, plus it didnt look like XP anymore. Couldnt get online, had no sound, and it couldnt find the device manager. :cuss: My Dad tried fixing it today, but he had to take it to his friends house and start all over again. WTF!! All of my music, videos, and pics are now gone. Meaaaaangya. KT and Alison know I just got done last weekend organizing all my pics in folders! :cuss: Meangya, I had so much crap on here I wanted to save, its not even funny. Gaah now I have to go and DL everything again. Atleast, I have my CD-ROM back now. Ugh. Sounds like your Windows XP got corrupted. A simple reinstall fixes that. same thing happen to me a few months ago.

This is off topic but anybody noticed that if you look at "XP" more closely, it looks like a face that is grossed out?

Originally posted by CoolCounty
Sounds like your Windows XP got corrupted. A simple reinstall fixes that. same thing happen to me a few months ago.
Yah, what a pain in my balls. The colors are still messed up. The reds are really dark, yet everything else seems kinda bright. I tried fixing it, but it doesnt help bring back the normal colors.

Originally posted by Brian
This is off topic but anybody noticed that if you look at "XP" more closely, it looks like a face that is grossed out? :lol:

Originally posted by ¤MsConanOBrien¤
Yah, what a pain in my balls. The colors are still messed up. The reds are really dark, yet everything else seems kinda bright. I tried fixing it, but it doesnt help bring back the normal colors. geez what did you DO ??? :eek:

another life lesson learnded: always back up everything you can't afford to lose right away

I always send a copy of my files to myself in my email. it helps.

Originally posted by robyrob
another life lesson learnded: always back up everything you can't afford to lose right away
LOl, thats what my Dad told me to do.. but I couldnt! That one night about a month ago the CD-Rom went out on me. Had I still had it I was going to put EVERYTHING on a CD. *throws things* All my saved avatars and icons. *bawls*

geez what did you DO ???:eek:
I dunno!! Here.. look at the colors. Ugh.

Notice how the reds are practicallty black?

Originally posted by CoolCounty
I always send a copy of my files to myself in my email. it helps.
I was thinking of doing that too, but of course.. I couldnt get online!! I swear it was out to get me.:mad:

Originally posted by ¤MsConanOBrien¤
LOl, thats what my Dad told me to do.. but I couldnt! That one night about a month ago the CD-Rom went out on me. Had I still had it I was going to put EVERYTHING on a CD. *throws things* All my saved avatars and icons. *bawls*
invest in one of those USB thumb drives - very handy

I'm in computer hell right now. My computer was doing all sorts of strange things, so it's at Gateway for repairs. I'm told I have corrupted software files
I'm using a borrowed piece of crap now. I can't post pics, articles...I can't even copy and paste. It's AOL, version 6, lol.
I feel like I'm using a kid's toy. Even with my high-speed internet, it's soooo slow.
I won't get my computer back for two weeks. It won't take that long to fix it, but they're understaffed I was told.
I've been haunting TJ left and right because I have trouble logging onto this site.

I just went thru computor hell. I have been off the internet for 3 weeks, I couldn't type anything online, I went thru 2 servers, the tech support people ( I only seemed to get guys from the MiddleEast ) were useless. Finally I had to take it to the shop. Now everthing is hunky-dory, for now. I feel your pain Crystal!

OUCH. Crystal, I hear ya!


Luckily, I back up all my pics and stuff on a CD-RW once every month...So if my computer ever dies on me (doubtful, since it's 3 and a half months old now), no biggie.

And that screenshot looks fine to me. :lol:

You guys, I hope your computers get better soon. ;)

Originally posted by ¤MsConanOBrien¤
LOl, thats what my Dad told me to do.. but I couldnt! That one night about a month ago the CD-Rom went out on me. Had I still had it I was going to put EVERYTHING on a CD. *throws things* All my saved avatars and icons. *bawls*


I dunno!! Here.. look at the colors. Ugh.

Notice how the reds are practicallty black?

*points to KaZaZ*

KaZaA and the gang member files it installs with it are not your friends.

(Especially ) If your computer is messing up, (but even if it isn't) read this:

BE SURE THAT WHEN YOU GET THESE PROGRAMS TO TELL THEM TO CHECK FOR UPDATES WHEN YOU FIRST GET THEM, AS WELL AS PERIODICALLY AFTER YOU GET THEM!!! Make sure you have, AND KEEP FREQUENTLY UPDATED these things:

A Virus Scanner - I recommend McAfee Viruscan. Don't forget to check for updates EVERY day! (BTW, how does everyone pronounce "McAfee"? I say "MA("A" as in "Apple")-kuh-fee", but I've heard people say, "Muh-KAF-ee".)

A Firewall - I recommend McAfee Firewall. Update it, but it doesn't update near as much as the Virus Scanner.

Program that finds/deletes "Spyware/Adware" (Which is baaaad stuff) - I recommend "Spybot, Search and Destroy", "Ad-Aware", and "SpySubtract". Go to " http://www.download.com " to get "SpyBot" and "Ad-Aware 6.0", and these two are free forever. SpySubtract you can get at www.adsubtract.com , and it's a 30-Day Free Trial. ("AdSubtract" is a cool program too; it stops pop-ups and banners on websites; it works very well.)

Other tips after you get these:

1. Don't use "KaZaA" or any other file-sharing program to download full versions of Virus Scanners/Firewalls, just go spend the 40 - 50 bucks and do it right. Like with the registering and everything. The Spyware/Adware removal programs are free, so I guess you can get them from KaZaA. I wouldn't, though. I'd still go to their websites and get them.

2. Be sure to run the Spyware/Adware scanner, and the Virus Scanner to scan your computer at least once a week. I'd do the Spyware/Adware Removal program scanner at least once a day, especially before and after using the Internet.

3. Make sure your Virus Scanner and Firewall are always running, ESPECIALLY if you are on the Internet. MORE ESPECIALLY if you have any sort of an "Always on" Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Satellite, etc. And MOST ESPECIALLY have them both on if you're using any File-sharing network such as "KaZaA". When you download a file off of KaZaA or any other file-sharing network (Or get it anywhere else) anything that needs to install, close everything; Virus Scanner, Firewall, Ad-/Spy-ware blocker, KaZaA or file-sharing network itself, and anything else BEFORE you install the program. You can download it with everything open, but once you install, EVERYTHING needs to be closed.

4. Use your "Scandisk" and "Disk Defragmenter" at least once a week.

5. WARNING: BE SURE YOU KNOW ALL YOUR ONLINE USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS BEFORE YOU DELETE YOUR COOKIES! If you don't need your Cookies, go to all your "Temporary Internet Files" folders, and delete EVERYTHING there. Some cookies are used to remember User Names/Passwords for you on Message Boards and other sites, so if you need some cookies, see if you can find which ones you need and which you don't, and delete the ones you don't need.

6. If you have ANY programs or files on your computer that you do not want, or do not use, get rid of it! The process you should use to get rid of them/it is this:

A. See of they have an "Uninstall", and use IT.

B. Whether it DOES or does NOT have an "Uninstall", go to your Start Menu, then "Settings", then "Control Panel", and go into "Add/Remove Programs". Check stuff you want to get rid of there and tell it to get rid of them.

C. After you do both/either of these (Or if neither displays the program you're trying to get rid of) go to "Start", "Find all Files and Folders", and type in the name of the program. Make sure you set it to search "My Computer" so it checks everywhere. When it finds it, delete it, then delete it out of your Recycle Bin, if you have one.

D. THIS NEXT PART DEALS WITH THE BACKBONE OF YOUR SYSTEM, SO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHILE USING THIS METHOD, AND I TAKE NO REPONSIBILITY FOR SYSTEM DAMAGE! Okay, now, go to "Start", "Run", and type in " regedit " and press "OK". It brings up a little window with a few folders. These folders contain files that are on your computer, and even ones you might've deleted! And fragments of different programs, as well. Double-click on "My Computer" so it searches everything, click "Edit", then "Find". Type in what you want to search for and press "Find Next". When it finds something matching what you typed in, MAKE SURE IT'S THE EXACT PROGRAM/FILE YOU WANTED TO DELETE, AND THAT IT'S NOT SOMETHING ELSE BEFORE DELETING IT! (Please be careful when using this thing, you can do serious damage if you mess up)

E. This particular thing ought to be completely off your system now.
(Thanks to "Jack1000" for these tips):
7. Never open e-mail attachments from anyone that you do not know or anything unexpected.

8. If you do have a virus-scanner you must update it regularly or it is meaningless. Auto-Update on some programs does NOT mean "Automatic Update." It means that when you connect to the Interent and click the Auto-update BUTTON, the prorgam will install the latest updates for you.

9. You are usually allowed one free upgrade of you Virus Scan program after you buy your computer, which is avaliable for download from the company's website. This will last you for about 1-2 years. After that, you have to pay for new versions of the program. You are allowed unlimited UPDATES to your anti-virus definitions for as long as the company supports your version of the software. An UPGRADE regarding an anti-virus program is when you get the latest version of the PROGRAM. An UPDATE is when new anti-virus definitions are added to the preexisting list in the software. Be aware of the difference.


Good luck with your comp., and stay tuned in case I think of any more tips/hints!

I had my computer problems the weekend after Christmas. We tried to turn the computer on and Windows would not start up, it just sat there and started over and over again. It did this all day. We called the Tech Support people from HP(whatever you do, don't ever get a HP, they are crap) and it turns out it was a flaw in, you guessed, XP. The guy was very helpful, told us which file to exclude, and then it started working. The computer was down for about 8 hours, but we were able to get it back up without losing everything(it's called a non-destructive system restore).

We don't shut the computer down anymore because of it. It goes on standby when it's left alone for 10 minutes or so... but never shuts down unless the power goes out.

Originally posted by Brent88
I had my computer problems the weekend after Christmas. We tried to turn the computer on and Windows would not start up, it just sat there and started over and over again. It did this all day. We called the Tech Support people from HP(whatever you do, don't ever get a HP, they are crap) and it turns out it was a flaw in, you guessed, XP. The guy was very helpful, told us which file to exclude, and then it started working. The computer was down for about 8 hours, but we were able to get it back up without losing everything(it's called a non-destructive system restore).

We don't shut the computer down anymore because of it. It goes on standby when it's left alone for 10 minutes or so... but never shuts down unless the power goes out.

I for one am tired of having to download patches and fixes for XP. Especially the security ones. Why can't they make the software pretty near perfect when they release it? I think I am going to get a Mac next time I buy a new computer. The attacks usually aren't directed at them that much and their software and hardware are better quality.

Originally posted by ¤MsConanOBrien¤
LOl, thats what my Dad told me to do.. but I couldnt! That one night about a month ago the CD-Rom went out on me. Had I still had it I was going to put EVERYTHING on a CD. *throws things* All my saved avatars and icons. *bawls*


I dunno!! Here.. look at the colors. Ugh.

Notice how the reds are practicallty black?
The reds look red to me.. there might be something wrong with your monitor because last year there were these black lines across my laptop screen and it was because of the monitor, if i made a picture of it with print scrn, it would look normal on any other computer.

Originally posted by robyrob
invest in one of those USB thumb drives - very handy

I just got one of those! I had to run the restore disk on my computer again last week and lost everything! So my husband felt sorry for me and he bought me one of those. I have everything important to me saved there. I hope it works! I keep adding to it everytime that I get a new program/file that I don't want to lose.:happyface

Originally posted by FamilyTiesGOP
I for one am tired of having to download patches and fixes for XP. Especially the security ones. Why can't they make the software pretty near perfect when they release it? I think I am going to get a Mac next time I buy a new computer. The attacks usually aren't directed at them that much and their software and hardware are better quality.

Once again, I agree with you and Brent88, this time about Windows XP and HP computers; they both suck. That's why I'm getting a Dell, except I hate that you HAVE to get an XP on it. I wish you could still buy Windows '98 in stores!

I totally agree. I have had more problems with XP than I ever had with Windows 98. It SUCKS! :mad:

With that... I haven't had any computer problems really since January when my mouse had a meltdown. I guess I shouldn't brag though...

After three plus years, my computer is on it's last legs...Seriously.

Sector by sector, my Hard drive is becomming corrupted (not the FILES, the DRIVE). Not only that, but Windows is having strange error after strange error. It's even been shutting itself down/restarting itself for no apparent reason (I think I know why..Not a virus either, since it always says Windows recovered from a fatal error..usually happens about twice/week now). My 2nd CD drive only works about half the time, and my first drive, the burner, is now consistently screwing up 1 out of four CDs. Oh, and then there's the Case. I have no front end now (The Partial Exposure is partially to blame for the accelerating deterioration of the comp), and other pieces are coming loose.

Eh, it's been a good run, and I'm getting a new one in a few months anyway (Dammit, I don't like changing computers, even though I DO want new stuff)

Originally posted by Seth Thrasher
Eh, it's been a good run, and I'm getting a new one in a few months anyway (Dammit, I don't like changing computers, even though I DO want new stuff)

If you know a thing or two about computers, I suggest going to a local shop and getting a custom-made desktop exactly how you want it. Some of them don't include Windows, so if you know how to install Windows, you can use whatver one you want.

Originally posted by Seth Thrasher
After three plus years, my computer is on it's last legs...Seriously.

I still have my 1st computer from 1991 and it still works, but it's REALLY outdated (of course). :D

Originally posted by Seth Thrasher
After three plus years, my computer is on it's last legs...Seriously.

Sector by sector, my Hard drive is becomming corrupted (not the FILES, the DRIVE). Not only that, but Windows is having strange error after strange error. It's even been shutting itself down/restarting itself for no apparent reason (I think I know why..Not a virus either, since it always says Windows recovered from a fatal error..usually happens about twice/week now). My 2nd CD drive only works about half the time, and my first drive, the burner, is now consistently screwing up 1 out of four CDs. Oh, and then there's the Case. I have no front end now (The Partial Exposure is partially to blame for the accelerating deterioration of the comp), and other pieces are coming loose.

Eh, it's been a good run, and I'm getting a new one in a few months anyway (Dammit, I don't like changing computers, even though I DO want new stuff)

I feel ya. My old PC (Bought in March of 1998) is slowly killing itsself. Strange things have been happening to it (Such as the unexplainable phenomenon where my printer didnt work when I told it to print, but after 486946 tries and 3 hours later, it magically begins to work again.) And then since it has Windows 98 on it, it's becoming slower and slower and slower every time I turn it on. But I'm really not shocked since it's been 6 years since we've had it. Plus, I received a new laptop for my studies about a month ago and Windows XP has been the greatest thing ever. I finally know what it's like to burn CD's (There was no point in installing a new burner to my old computer) and surf the internet at high speed DSL (Only when I'm on campus.) Still, I'm doing everything possible to make sure this computer doesn't have to be replaced for a LONG time.

Originally posted by Czas na Zywiec
I feel ya. My old PC (Bought in March of 1998) is slowly killing itsself. Strange things have been happening to it (Such as the unexplainable phenomenon where my printer didnt work when I told it to print, but after 486946 tries and 3 hours later, it magically begins to work again.) And then since it has Windows 98 on it, it's becoming slower and slower and slower every time I turn it on. But I'm really not shocked since it's been 6 years since we've had it. Plus, I received a new laptop for my studies about a month ago and Windows XP has been the greatest thing ever. I finally know what it's like to burn CD's (There was no point in installing a new burner to my old computer) and surf the internet at high speed DSL (Only when I'm on campus.) Still, I'm doing everything possible to make sure this computer doesn't have to be replaced for a LONG time.

I hear ya. I got an used computer in March of 2001 and it gave me nothing but troubles. Long story short, it screwed itself up and I'm on a new computer...it feels sooooo good to have a brand-new computer...and I'm doing the same thing, taking good care of it...So far, so good. It's been almost 4 months, haven't had any troubles with it. (I did have minor RAM problems a while back, but I was able to fix that) I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :D

I looooove burning CD's, too. :loveya:

Originally posted by Brent88
I totally agree. I have had more problems with XP than I ever had with Windows 98. It SUCKS! :mad:

With that... I haven't had any computer problems really since January when my mouse had a meltdown. I guess I shouldn't brag though...

Oh, yes! I have a Dell that is going on two years old (this October) with XP. So the computer is still pretty new and nice. I have had more problems with XP than I ever had with 98. I want 98 back! XP jams my computer easily and it just isn't that good. Everytime it freezes or does something, I just sit there and think, "I am never buying a XP computer again!" I mean, I haven't had any serious problems just annoyances. The computer just doesn't seem to run as smooth with XP. And like I said before, I am sick of these massive security updates that are necessary because the software wasn't right to begin with.

3. Make sure your Virus Scanner and Firewall are always running, ESPECIALLY if you are on the Internet. MORE ESPECIALLY if you have any sort of an "Always on" Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Satellite, etc. And MOST ESPECIALLY have them both on if you're using any File-sharing network such as "KaZaA".

If you are installing any software, it is actually helpful to TURN OFF your virus scanner and close out of all Windows before downloading. These Virus scanners can often screw up installations by MISTAKING an installation file for a virus. You will often be told to turn off (close all programs before installing any new software.) Your virus-checker will reboot when you restart your computer.

I don't even have a virus scanner. My dial up ISP has a very strong firewall that blocks most spam. Additionally if you have I.E 6 for your e-mail client, it will remove any unsafe attatchments from your e-mail. I used to have old MacAfee Virus Scan, but it didn't work right after an update and I just uninstalled it. I have a dial-up connection. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE A CABLE MODEM OR DSL, YOU SHOULD GET A VIRUS SCANNER AND UPDATE IT REGULARLY. You will also need firewall protection software.

I have heard of people having problems running Windows Update. I rarely do it. (never had a need to and my computer works fine for over 5 years.) Sometimes people side overly on caution because they want you to spend more time in front of your computer.

I DO HOWEVER SAY, BACK UP YOUR DATA AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. I run Scan Disk (standard test) every three weeks or so as well. I defrag every 3 months or so. Once a week for some of this stuff IMHO seems to be overkill.


Jack

PS. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM VIRUSES:

1.) Never open e-mail attachments from anyone that you do not know or anything unexpected.

2.) If you do have a virus-scanner you must update it regularly or it is meaningless. Auto-Update on some programs does NOT mean "Automatic Update." It means that when you connect to the Interent and click the Auto-update BUTTON, the prorgam will install the latest updates for you.

3.) You are usually allowed one free upgrade of you Virus Scan program after you buy your computer, which is avaliable for download from the company's website. This will last you for about 1-2 years. After that, you have to pay for new versions of the program.

You are allowed unlimited UPDATES to your anti-virus definitions for as long as the company supports your version of the software.

An UPGRADE regarding an anti-virus program is when you get the latest version of the PROGRAM. An UPDATE is when new anti-virus definitions are added to the preexisting list in the software. Be aware of the difference.

Jack

Oh, yes! I have a Dell that is going on two years old (this October) with XP. So the computer is still pretty new and nice. I have had more problems with XP than I ever had with 98. I want 98 back! XP jams my computer easily and it just isn't that good. Everytime it freezes or does something, I just sit there and think, "I am never buying a XP computer again!" I mean, I haven't had any serious problems just annoyances. The computer just doesn't seem to run as smooth with XP. And like I said before, I am sick of these massive security updates that are necessary because the software wasn't right to begin with.

Questions: When you got your computer, did it come with Windows XP already on it? Or did you just switch over from Windows 98 to Windows XP. In order to garentee a smooth install when you change OS (operating systems) it is necessary to completely reformat your hard drive and then put your new XP on it. You can't just update by putting Windows XP on top or over Windows 98. That is a disaster waiting to happen.

Also, Windows XP is a MEMORY HOG. You must have 512 MEGS of Ram preinstalled in order for XP to run smoothly. Windows 98 only uses 128 Megs of Rarm. Both of these factors are important.

Jack

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
If you know a thing or two about computers, I suggest going to a local shop and getting a custom-made desktop exactly how you want it. Some of them don't include Windows, so if you know how to install Windows, you can use whatver one you want.

Ahem...(Registered as a Computer Science major)

I'd MUCH sooner build one myself than let a local shop do it (But I just don't have the patience/time to do it)

XP came on my computer. We bought it new in February 2003. 2.4 GHz speed. Prior to that we had an Acer 500 MHz computer, that my parents bought for Christmas in 1999. That computer essentially died. It was freezing up and was slow as crap for the last 2 months. I couldn't even stand it. It had Windows 98 on it. We got cable internet in January 2003 when we moved to where I live now. Prior to that, we had Dialup(which compared to cable, SUCKED badly). I only had one meltdown on my Acer Windows 98 computer. That was in November 2000, we lost everything on it during that, Fortunately, it was around Thanksgiving and I was staying at my grandparents house(and I didn't spend near as much time on the computer then as I do now), so I didn't have to deal with it.

With regards to my post on page 2. I meant to say that OE 6, will remove unsafe attachments (Outlook Express 6) from e-mail, not I.E 6, which referes to I.E 6.

Jack

Originally posted by Jack1000
[B]If you are installing any software, it is actually helpful to TURN OFF your virus scanner and close out of all Windows before downloading. These Virus scanners can often screw up installations by MISTAKING an installation file for a virus. You will often be told to turn off (close all programs before installing any new software.) Your virus-checker will reboot when you restart your computer.

Yeah, I should've said something else, I'll update that big post up there with these things you've said, thanks.

Originally posted by Seth Thrasher
Ahem...(Registered as a Computer Science major)

Oh, then you know a few things, eh? :D Yeah, I'd like to build one myself, but I don't really know how to start, like, where to buy the actual deck that hold the cards/drives, etc. I don't know where to buy motherboards or anything like that.