Computer with no spyware - endless reboot loop
Here is my previous thread under Spyware Removal:
http://http://icrontic.com/forum/showthread.php?p=649242&posted=1#post649242
Katana has referred me to this area for further assistance. I appreciate any additional help that may be offered.
Thank you in advance for your time.
http://http://icrontic.com/forum/showthread.php?p=649242&posted=1#post649242
Katana has referred me to this area for further assistance. I appreciate any additional help that may be offered.
Thank you in advance for your time.
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Comments
Thank you.
As you did, I suspect that memory may be to blame. I'm going to ask that you follow this guide on downloading and running Memtest. I'd like to reiterate that even one error means that your memory needs to be replaced.
Secondly, I'm curious to know if that machine has had its copy of Windows reloaded from scratch any time during its eight years?
I just had to do a complete restore probably 2 months ago for other issues, my Mcafee wouldn't open and I went through advanced support through them and it resulted in my having to do a restore. Also, I believe YEARS and YEARS ago I may have had to do a restore as well.
I tried doing this memtest prior to posting any threads on here. I was browsing your forum and found it. I can't figure out to to run it. I do not have a floppy. I installed it on a flash drive, but what happens from that point? I was confused and never went further with it.
ETA: Also, do I need to do what Katana said in the last post about deleting the Combofix that was quarantined first? I haven't made it to that yet as I am on my laptop right now. Thank you!
Working on the Memtest. So far 5 have passed and 0 errors, will update once it is complete.
Next thing I'd like you to do is burn another ISO containing Seatools for DOS. Using this utility, perform the "extended test" when SeaTools is fully booted.
SeaTools will scan your hard drive for errors which are called bad sectors, or physical deformities in the storage material on your hard drive. Just like memory, even one error here signifies that the device will need to be replaced. If it comes to that, though, there are plenty of ways to back up all your information so you don't lose it when you replace the drive.
Ok...test is done and it passed.
When you said "restore," what process did you follow to do this?
Did you reload the machine with factory CDs, thus clearing all information from the machine?
Perform a Windows repair install?
etc.
Both times I have done the "restore" I have loaded the CD provided by the manufacturer bringing it back to factory settings, thus wiping out all my files.
Currently I don't have much of anything on there, because two months ago when I "restored" it I lost all files, my resumes (which sucked), etc. Everything but pics because luckily I backed those up. So right now, backing up my data is not an issue for me because there really isn't much on there.
So are you guys saying there is something else I can do, that I haven't already done???? Please say there is
The 0x0000008E error is one of the most common errors Windows XP experiences and it has no definite cause. In fact, we have a four page thread on Icrontic about this very error, but the fix alleged to be definitive has only worked for a handful of people. Other people, with the very same problem, cannot get the issue solved because nobody can find an accurate solution.
In this case, the only true fix is to restore that computer back to manufacturer defaults and get it all updated. It's nothing you did wrong, it just happens and nobody is sure why.
If this helps at all... I noticed that when we tried turning it on earlier, the blue screen error codes that is in parenthesis were different then what I initially posted.
Here's the problem... I turn it on, it loads, I go to do something or even leave it idle for a moment and it shuts off and goes to the blue screen. I did change some things from "start up" like 2 days prior to this crash, but it worked for well 2 days without issue. Not sure if that makes a difference.
The problem before was... we have cox and they offer a security suite powered by Mcafee.. it would run a scan, install updates then say I need to reboot, I reboot then windows would say I would update and say I needed to reboot, I reboot and the process would keep going over and over again. I went all the way through the Mcafee advanced support and got to the point where my mouse wouldn't even work anymore, resulting in my having to do the restore CD.
So... after hearing all that... is my only resort the restore? And if so, will this correct the issue you think completely? Or could I have issues again a month from now?
I cannot overstate how pervasive this issue is. It's the single most common blue screen for Windows, and nobody has ever found the damn cause or solution for it. It's extremely annoying for users who have it and solution providers who are trying to troubleshoot it. I would say that it, however, is unrelated to your previous issues with McAfee which was probably caused by McAfee being a notoriously buggy program.
I am fairly confident in saying reloading would resolve your current issue, though I can't say you won't have a problem down the line because I can't know what will happen to your PC by then.
If you really want to go ahead with a reload, we can get all your information backed up and safe for very cheaply.
When you say reload... are you talking doing the same thing I did before with the CD from the Manufacturer?
How does it work to back up the system? How involved? And is that necessary if I really don't have a bunch of files on there that I need? Could I just do the reload and that's it?
TIA
The process involves removing the hard drive from your computer and connecting it to another one with an adapter that allows you to plug it into a USB port like a camera. The adapter runs about $25.
I wish I would have known about that prior to my restore a few months ago. That would have saved me so much headache.
OK. I will try the restore, probably Thursday as I am jammed tomorrow.
I really appreciate your help. I will update once the restore is complete.
Do you recommend that I don't use the "free" security software through Cox which is powered by McAfee? I noticed you said McAfee is notorious for being "buggy."
Are there any "free" ones out there that are safe and effective that you know of?
The first I recommend is Avast! Home Edition and the second is Avira AntiVir Personal.
A good head-to-head review that includes these (and a few other options) can be found here. If it came down to personal choice, I would run with Avira because I like the interface much better.
Let us know how your restore goes. After that we can help you finish off updates, get the AV installed if you run into any hitches, and do some preventative maintenance that should reduce the chance for future errors.
Cheers!
//EDIT: Pigflipper makes a good point. While we've run some stressful tests on the machine, heat may still be a culprit. Heat wreaks havoc on the performance and stability of a machine, just like an engine would go ballistic if it were actually overheating. Before we got the last step and reformat, open the case to your computer and place a fan next to the machine that's blowing into the case. See if the PC is stable after this point, or if it continues to lock up. If it's suddenly stable, we can identify the cause of the overheating and fix it quickly.
I will try the fan... and then the restore if need be. Could this be a problem after 8 years? Granted I live in Vegas and yes it is hot here... but why wouldn't this have posed a problem before?
I will definitely touch base on Thursday and let you know where I am at. And will certainly be looking for your input on how to get updates, and preventative maintenance. I appreciate your insight on the security software.
Thanks again and have a great night! :smiles:
Or maybe not! I've seen decade-old computers that are simply pristine with nary a dusting. Who knows until you look?
Ok.. wait...I thought we were talking heat? So it could be dust too? You lost me... break this down for me as it very well could be dust. I have two dogs, and a dusty house since I live in the desert.
How do I do this? Is there just screws that we take off the back? Do I need to air dust in there? I don't want to screw things up more by doing something I shouldn't.
Sorry, please excuse my ignorance here.
Your computer's chassis, the case, is the result of plastic and metal pieces bonded together with screws and rivets. As you probably know, screws and rivets don't make a complete seal; this type of bonding leaves paper-thin cracks and slots all over the place.
The interior of that case is cooled by a series of fans which are designed to draw air into and through the interior. While the suction of the fans would probably be undetectable if you put your hands near the the various slits, slots and cracks in the case, it's a lot of suction power for the dirt and dust that kicks around a home. As a result, that dirt is drawn like a magnet to the suction of the case that's just trying to move fresh (and dusty!) air through itself so it can keep the internal temperature as close to room temperature as possible.
Dust, dirt, pet dander and hair can have three effects on the environment inside a case:
So, all of this is to say that dust and dirt hampers the computer's ability to radiate the heat it generates. Maybe the fans aren't working quite as well as they used to, maybe the heatsink is covered in dust, or maybe there's just a general malaise of dust in the case. All of these raise the case's internal temperature and, more importantly, cause the processor to run warmer than it likes to run.
A hot-running processor is an unhappy processor! Excess heat hampers with the processor's ability to process the billions of mathematical computations per second that make a computer tick. Just like you or I would be pretty grumpy about doing mathematics in a sweltering sauna, the computer feels the same way. More technically, the heat causes the processor to make errors in its computations which can result in the errors that you're seeing.
Typically there is a sliding panel that covers the left side of the case if you're staring at the front where the power button is. There are a series of 2-3 screws at the rear of the case that hold this panel in place. If you undo those three screws and slide the panel to your left when staring at the previously-mentioned left side of the case, you should be able to reveal the internal components. Don't worry about hurting anything when you're doing this, as computers are far more durable than most imagine.
If you could take pictures of the front, side and rear of the case, I can give you more specific instructions on how to dismantle the chassis. From there, it's just a matter of buying some compressed air from a place like Office Max or Best Buy and blowing out the interior until no more dust comes out.
But if it's not dirty, it's reload time.
Thank you so much for being so detailed and helpful. I will update tomorrow sometime on my progress.
I love this site. You guys are my new BFF! :bigggrin: