Damn it, I think I got a virus. My computer will start up and immediately restart. I cannot do anything during the 25 seconds or so Windows is running. Some alien icon that looks like an install program or something will come up in the tray, but when you right click it it won't let you do anything. Options? I'm running WinXP and it is password protected if that helps any. I am going to be devestated if I have to give up my gigantic collections of p*rn and mp3s.
doesn't sound good. Have you tried starting the computer up in Windows Safe Mode? You can do it by pressing one of the F1- F12 buttons when the computer first starts up. Don't remember which one exactly
When did this start happening? Windows XP has a system restore option as long as you haven't turned it off. You should be able to start from the Windows XP CD and then select system restore. From there, pick a date and go back to that point.
Run a virus scan. Oftentimes a virus creates a file named SOMETHING.exe. They then create a windows registry entry to 'run' the .exe file - usually at startup. The restore should have removed any registry entries but the file(s) may still be around.
Unrelated, but I had a question; how can you switch power on a laptop from battert to AC power. The battery was full, but within an hour, the battery was drained. I connected it to AC power when it was half full, but it continued to drain from the battery. After the battery drained, it went to AC power. When the AC power was connected it said charging, but it wasn't truly charging because of the drain on it. There are different options like 'Presentation', 'Home Office', and currently 'Max Battery'. Thanks.
If you don't already have it, you NEED to install anti-virus software on your PC. You can get FREE anti-virus software here: AVG Anti-virus
