need some computer help!

quigglymaster · Posted: Jan 18, 2003 9:25 pm Post subject: need some computer help!

i just got a virus, so i got it removed at some computer shop. the virus screwed up the device manager and stuff like that. now my computer can't find my printer and my speakers even though i reinstalled the printer driver and the audio driver. so what should i do?

jedsterr · Soul Rider Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 291 City: Star Idaho

Take it to church & requests an excorsism.

I hate/love computers.

-J

jedsterr · Soul Rider Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 291 City: Star Idaho

Sorry I can't provide any better help than that smart remark. I only know how to use computers that work.

Chukee_R · Posted: Jan 20, 2003 7:34 am Post subject:

Go to the store get the most recent Antivirus software, install it and let it rip.

quigglymaster · Posted: Jan 20, 2003 10:01 am Post subject:

i already got the virus removed, but the damage has already been done. and i don't know how to fix it

JHrod · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3144

u could try uninstall ur whole drive ----windows and all ....then just use the disc that came wit the comp. and reinstall

Chukee_R · Posted: Jan 20, 2003 8:37 pm Post subject:

You probably have to reformat your computer....in order to do this make sure that you have EVERYTHING backed up that you want/need. Then restart the computer load windows, since im guessing you're using a PC. Then go to restart in MSDOS. Once you are there type "format c:\" I believe without the quotes and just follow the on screen instructions. It will ask you if you are sure multiple times. If you are using Windows XP just put the cd in reboot the computer, go to the option "reinstall windows xp" go through the on screen instructions, make sure that you format the drive, and don't partition it, otherwise it gets to be a pain. Good luck! If you need any other help and you have another computer in the house e-mail me @ cmrogers@viterbo.edu otherwise you can e-mail me before you do it if you have anymore questions....

The joys of being a computer information systems major Wink

quigglymaster · Posted: Jan 20, 2003 8:55 pm Post subject:

do u knwo waht's weird? my comp won't start back into dos. it just shuts down and restarts. i'm using ME so that might explain something

Chukee_R · Posted: Jan 21, 2003 5:35 am Post subject:

Do you have a system boot disk? If you have that just stick it in while the computer is booting up and it will take you to the dos prompt. then change the directory "CD C:" or whatever drive is your harddrive and then go from there.

quigglymaster · Posted: Jan 21, 2003 1:57 pm Post subject:

no i dont' have a boot disk, but how can i make one?

Jim M · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 2933

Your best bet is to rebuild your system from scratch, I do it about every 6 months and it keeps things running very clean.

Is it a fairly new system? If so, here is what I recommend...

Burn all of your important data to CDr discs for backup. This includes everything from word/excel docs, bookmark file for Internet Explorer/Netscape, cookies folder, nudie pics, mp3s, mpegs, everything you want to keep. Don't copy program folders over, software has to be reinstalled.

Next- insert a Windows XP CD and reboot your computer. If you don't have XP, borrow or burn the CD from a friend that has it (don't tell the Microsoft police and you will be fine).

It will start up to the 'Welcome to Windows XP' screen. You want to wipe out the existing partition on your computer and format a new partition with Fat32. Its not complicated, just let it do its thing. The best thing about Windows XP is it is VERY smart, it will find and install all of your hardware so you don't have to manually search for drivers. Windows ME is an inferior OS w/ tons of holes. XP is solid. So it will create a parition, install XP, install all your hardware, and thats pretty much it. Pop in your backup discs and just copy your stuff back down, and install whatever additional sofware you need like Office and Norton using the install discs. Email me if you need specific help.