computer help please

[gizmo]

I am having major drama with my partner's computer. It is a laptop about 2 years old, running windows XP.

It was working fine till today. My partner was using the computer in the car while I was driving.

Suddenly - CAN'T open any icons on the desktop - either get no response, or a message warning not enough memory to run the program. But we CAN open any program with an icon on the taskbar down the bottom.
CAN'T open the "all programs" in the start menu - click on the icon, it just says "empty." But the files are there, just can't open them.
For example, I can't open the "my documents" icon on the desktop; I can't go into the programs menu; but I can open "Open Office" from an icon on the taskbar, then inside Open Office I can open files that are in the "my documents" folder, and still edit and print the documents.

Also, Trend Micro Internet Security keeps flashing up a message about blocking a suspicious activity from explorer.exe

Trend Micro has just done a full virus scan and found nothing.

Naturally we are in the mid of some really important, urgent work. Isn't that always when computers play up?

I am now on my own computer, not the troublesome one.

Does anyone have any clues please?

Thanks

Chris.

 

[gadgetgary]

Chris

I recently had the same problem with the icons disappearing on my laptop. Just put the mouse on the desktop and right click. There should be an option to show icons/hide icons.

Hope this helps.

 

[gadgetgary]

Actually

It is arrange icons by......show desktop

 

[gizmo]

Thanks Gary for your fast reply.

Unfortunately my problem is different - the icons are all still there, but I get no response (or an error message) when I click on them.

Another really weird thing - when I shut down the computer, I select Start > shut down > when I click on shut down, instead of the normal three buttons (red/yellow/green) in a window, for shut down, restart or cancel, I get the old fashioned window with a drop down menu, offering shut down, restart, cancel, hibernate and a couple of other options, just like an older computer running windows 98 or ME.

This change happened at the same time the other troubles began.

Chris.

 

[panthera]

Chris,

It may be a security breach, and you need to follow up on that, but this might help for the nonce:
Hit "ctrl-alt-delete" simultaneously. When the task manager pops up, go to the tab which says 'processes'. Find the entry 'explorer.exe'. Right click on it and end it.
Now, go back to the first tab and click on the button 'new task' at the bottom. Enter: explorer.exe and hit ok.
If this does not solve the problem, then you have corruption - either through a security breach or not and will have to have it tracked down. There are lots of suggestions in user forums you can track down with google, but I would steer clear of any that tell you to have Windows repair itself unless you know what you are doing.
The furthest I would go as a normal user, might be to go back to the last restore point before this showed up. Do you know how to do that? If not, just let us know.

 

[gizmo]

Thanks Pantera

I have no idea how to go back to the last restore point.

Do I have to create repair points manually, or are they created automatically? I have never created one myself.

I have found I can ctr-alt-del to get up the task manager, then select new task and enter the name of the program I wish to run, and it will run. (though loading can be slow and creaky).

I will try stopping and restarting explorer.exe as you suggest.

Thanks for your help.

Chris.

 

[gizmo]

I just stopped explorer.exe and tried to re-launch it with new task.
When I stopped explorer.exe, all icons disappeared as expected.
When I tried to relaunch explorer, I got an error message :the application failed to initialize properly with an error number oxc0000022.
I also get the trend micro security warning blocking suspicious activity from explorer.exe

I have gone into security reports, it shows 0 virus threats detected, 7 spyware threats resolved, 12489 programs blocked 1 program ignored.

trend micro updated and did a full scan less about 1 day ago.

The number os programs blocked - i can close the report screen, re-open it immediately and the number has increased greatly - it went from 12362 to 12489 in less than a minute.

In the time it took me to type this post it's up to 12526.

So it's looking like a virus or other nasty??

Thanks

Chris.

 

[panthera]

Chris,

One of the problems of long-distance diagnosis is the time-delay (it's 2.00am here and I am not at my pretty-dim-anyway best) and the other problem is the dreaded: ass - u - me factor.
So,if anything I write doesn't make sense or is not clear to you, best get some other advice.
Basically, I am steering clear of the several possible repairs which don't let you have a redo.

The system restore point is supposed to be set automatically by XP when a major update or security/bugfix is installed. Most well written software will also initiate a restore point automatically or at least ask when it is installed.
Some systems are set up to generate restore points at regular intervals, never a bad idea in an era when hard disks are finally bigger than two term papers and three porno clips.

So, ok, try the explorer.exe fix I suggested first. If it works, you're still not off the hook to find whether this was a security breach or just one of those charming things Windoze does occasionally.

You can access the restore function under Start, Programs, Accessories, System. My menu is in German, so your program will not be called 'Systemwiederherstellung', but it will be something like system restore or so. Start the program. The first user mask will ask what you want to do. Check the box that you want to return the system to an earlier point. The next window will show a calendar with slightly highlighted dates. When you click on one, it will tell you why the system restore point was set on that date. You can work backwards in the calendar until the point where XP has started to erase earlier restores...or right to the beginning, depending on your settings.
I suggest you chose a point which is as close to the present as possible, yet when you know the laptop was working. Remember, all updates, bug-fixes and security patches since that point will be lost. XP claims you won't lose your personal files but if you are naive enough to trust a computer which is already having problems...well, let's not and say we didn't. Backup everything of value to you first.
Basically, that's it - you chose the restore point and let XP do its stuff. Follow the instructions on the screen exactly.
Now, if XP snarls that a restore is not possible, go back a few dates earlier. If they don't work, either, you have a serious problem. If the restore fixes things, be sure you get your updates, er, up-to-date and start looking for the cause.

One easy thing I should have mentioned, a hardware check. If a memory chip is failing or loose or a hard-disk sector has cashed in its chips (this is a laptop after all), then your solution is clear.
Good luck and let us know how things go! I'll be back on line tomorrow, but there are simply tons of folks around here who know far more than I do coming home from work about now.

 

[panthera]

crossed message

Yes, it does rather at that.
I suggest two steps.
First, do a full backup of everything important to you onto a DVD or flash drive. Label it clearly as infected!
This error refers to an access denial issue, it can have many causes including newly installed software or a virus/intruder. This is a guess, but I suspect you do have a nasty and it has tripped this trying to gain access.
It won't solve the problem, but do you have this problem when you log in as another user? That is, if you have different user accounts.
See if your current anti-virus program can fix things. I suspect not. At this point suggest we ask folks here for advice which virus repair programs they suggest? I dislike Norton, but they have some decent seek and destroy tools. Kaspersky does, too - and Microsoft anti-malware is free, so at least worth a try.
To be honest, the odds are good you will have to rebuild the system---but there is still the question of your user files. A good anti-virus program should be able to clean them up even if your current XP is beyond help.
Suggestion: Do not let anyone talk you into Vista. Your XP license is still valid, regardless of what some idiot sales in-duh-vi-dual tries to tell you.

 

[gizmo]

Hi Keven

THANKS for your help.

I did a system restore following your instructions, and it is working fine now. I went back four days and the troubles have gone. It took three hours re-downloading updates I had discarded, but it is all working as it should now.

Greatly appreciated.

Chris.

 

[shanonabc]

And thats why I switched to Mac...

*ducks and runs*

 

[panthera]

Great!

I really hope whatever was bugging you also got fixed...but still, I'd do a thorough anti-viral course of treatment.

 

[gizmo]

Keven

I have downloaded the latest updates of Trend Micro Internet Security and then done a complete scan. All it found was three spyware cookies.

So should I accept that I am in the clear, or should I take the 'puter in to my friendly computer repairer for a thorough check-over? (He is 2 hours drive away.)

Also I used 2 or 3 USB memory sticks in the last couple of days, two were new in the packet and one was our regular backup stick. I have not inserted them back into the 'puter yet, how can I virus-check them without re-infecting the computer if they have anything on them?

I wonder if the real problem was that the explorer or firewall software got corrupted during a recent update, from using the computer in a moving car - bouncing around, maybe the hard drive got a knock? (ie - not anything malicious?)

Thanks again Keven!

Shanonabc - we are seriously thinking of going Mac. This computer is only 2 years old, the space bar often doesn't register a touch so I have to go over anything I type and insert all the missing spaces; and now the screen is playing up, it starts off all pink when cold and takes a minute to get to good colours, and the lower left of the screen usually maintains a pink hue, and flickers slightly at times. I believe the ccd backlighting is probably on the way out.

A good friend of ours is a Mac enthusiast and he is recommending we make the change.
How hard it it for a Mac user to deal with documents given to them in Windows formats? My partner is standing for election to local Council in a few weeks, we are using this computer heaps at present for the campaign and if he is elected, he will have to deal with an avalanche of documents from Council, mostly Word documents and Excel spreadsheets from windows computers at Council. We don't want to have to "convert" documents, we will need to be able to open and use them seamlessly. What are our chances?

Thanks

Chris.

 

[j2400]

Chris--
You shouldn't have any trouble with compatibility. MS Office is so much of a standard (or monopoly, depending on your view), support for MS formats is pretty standard these days. The only question is how good the support is.

The best support comes with the Mac version of Office. That should come to as close to flawless as one can hope for. (I've heard glitches can come up, but that can also happen with moving documents from one version of Windows Word to another.)

I, myself, would view MS Office the last option. It's the easy choice, but I don't like supporting Microsoft. Plus, even past that, Office is expensive--$150 US on up. The $150 version might--technically--not be usable for you. It's a "home" edition, and I think they might (technically) prohibit any sort of business use. Business versions are much, much more--$400 sticks in my mind. Older Apple OS X native versions of Office are cheaper (used), and should still work OK.

Being cheap, and not wanting to use Microsoft anything, I use Open Office. It can read and write Office documents. It's not flawless, but the Linux version works fine for my needs. And, best of all, it costs $0.

OpenOffice is available in at least two versions for the Mac. OpenOffice and NeoOffice. NeoOffice was developed to make OpenOffice "Mac native." But as of Open Office 3 (just released), there is a Mac native Open Office. NeoOffice may now be pointless, but it's more established, and (who knows?) may have slight differences that might make it appealing.

Apache OpenOffice - Official Site - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

The official home page of the Apache OpenOffice open source project, home of OpenOffice Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw and Base.

www.openoffice.org

 

[j2400]

A link for NeoOffice

NeoOffice - Office suite for Mac

www.neooffice.org

 

[panthera]

Hi Chris,

This is definitely 'middle of the night' for me, so hope this makes sense.
The only truly safe way to check the data is to use a so-called recovery CD. This is a tool, generally running a limited operating system like Linux, from which you boot your computer. The anti-virus software included on the CD then checks the hard disk and any other volumes you desire, such as your flash drives.

If this is not easily available to you (many PC magazines include such disks every so often on their covers) or you have reason to fear that the intruder was brand new (and indeed it might have been, Microsoft took the very unusual step of updating computers Thursday evening, Pacific Time because of a bit of malicious code which, among other things, also would produce your symptom), then you can take a moderate risk by inserting a flash drive and having the anti-virus program check the files on it. Nearly all anti-virus programs have a context sensitive menu when you right click on a file...tho' you might feel better not clicking anywhere near potentially infected files...in which case the same can be accomplished through the main anti-virus program window.

Given that you are going to need a functioning computer (good luck to your partner!), yes, I do think it would be a wise move to have it looked through by a skilled shop. Unfortunately, a 2 year old laptop showing those symptoms is quite possibly on its way out...and probably is not worth the expense and trouble.

Macintosh computers have many admirable features. No, they are not entirely virus proof, whatever the Apple-disciples may tell you, so you will still have to make regular backups and use care. Especially because MAC users tend to be overly confident.
I used an ancient Powerbook for many years and was quite happy with it, but must note that Apple replaced the keyboard at their expense twice, the display once (one of the very first 16:9 displays and gosh was it pretty) and the bottom of the laptop was one of the warmest things I have ever had on my lap. I mention this because, again, the Apple disciples tend to bash Windows while not mentioning the worms in their own products. Still, if you have people close to you who can work on MACs and help you with them, it is worth a serious look.

As for compatibility, this is no longer an issue. Sure, there are still some MAC folks who insist that Windows computers won't be able to read their data...in the publishing world (where I spend too much of my professional life) I am often asked before a file is transferred whether I use a MAC or am a slave to Bill Gates. I always lie that I am on a MAC, they send the file, I open it under Linux and send it back...never had a problem or a complaint. Just tell the MAC folks what they think they need to hear.
Now, that said, MAC software is dear. Very dear. Nor is it one bit better written than the software for Windows or Linux. Not anymore.
If I were in your situation, I would buy a mid-range MAC (unde no circumstances an 'air', they are rather fragile and, yes, the bouncing around in the car might well have damaged your computer) and have Windows XP set up as my alternate operating system. Your MAC dealer can do that for you. That way, you have the best of both worlds - MAC design and people close to you who understand it, XP for your current programs.

Rambling, sorry - I woke up, saw that you'd posted and wanted to get back to you on my way into the kitchen for a glass of water.

Oh, just had a thought. Your partner's work on the council might well require him to use programs which are specific to your municipality and which might be so specific, they only work on one system. Rare now-a-days, very common for databases back in the 1990's. Best find out before you invest in a laptop. Heck, maybe one even comes with the position?

 

[j2400]

A link for NeoOffice

NeoOffice - Office suite for Mac

www.neooffice.org

 

[j2400]

Apple makes iWork, which includes Pages (word processor) and Numbers (spreadsheet). Some people really love these programs, and they claim to support MS formats. Unfortunately, these programs cost money--about $80 US.

If you buy a new Mac, you might get a trial version of both MS Office and Apple's programs included.

iWork

Pages, Numbers, and Keynote let you collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from Mac, iPad, or iPhone – even on a PC.

www.apple.com

 

[j2400]

"As for compatibility, this is no longer an issue."

I've never used Windows for any sort of production work, and I've never had a problem.

The problem is the attitudes of the people one works with. I regularly have to send documents to someone who was insistent that they be written in Word.

So far, I've had no trouble avoiding Word. The final "submission" document is created using OpenOffice. Truth be told, I could send a RTF file (format dating to the 80s!) and it would work.