My dell computer with windows xp and roadrunner internet won't do ANYTHING! I can't click on ANY icon, including the internet, and get it to pull up anything. I have had several people tell me that it must have a virus and to go purchase something to clean it out, but what??? I can't get online to purchase or download any virus cleaner because it won't let me get in. I am not a computer guru, so will someone PLEASE tell me what to do, or what to go and buy to make it run again. Will cleaning the harddrive out help? If so, how is it done? Thanks for ANY advice you may offer...
2007-01-29 09:01:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
It's actually not a lot of info to go on but I'd start by booting the computer in safe mode. (use F8 key when first starting the computer)
then I would go through and start removing any potential malicious programs. You're gonna wanna run through add/remove programs and then delete any lingering folders as well as the associated registry keys.
you won't have internet access while in safe mode so you're just trying to get things to a reasonabe point. After you get as much out as you can see if you can reboot normaly and try to get an anti-virus installed. You might also want a spyware removal tool as well. plenty of freeware apps for that available on download.com
if all else fails....you do have a system restore disc that came with the dell. You can use it to wipe the system clean and start fresh but you'll lose any programs or files you have on there.
....just noticed the other answers...please tell me you don't have your mouse unplugged or something silly like that
2007-01-29 09:11:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think some virus process is present in the startup
Do the following first:
1. windows key+R, it will open Run window
2. Type: msconfig
3. Enter key
4. Now the msconfig program is started. Now click on startup tab
5. Now unmark the suspecious processes running in the startup
U can unmark all the processes. This will remove the processes from startup so that the virus program that is running in teh startup will not be started during the next startup. Now resart the system
So i think u can now click on the icons after the restart.
Now u can download avast av program which is the best free av prog.
Try this out
Goodluck
2007-01-29 09:20:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answers you got from the others pretty well covers it except for checking out the mouse. As was said, check the connection. If you are using a wireless mouse, check the connection from the computer to the transponder. Replace the batteries in the mouse and reconnect to the transponder by pushing the button on the transponder. I'm just suggesting this in order to eliminate a possible cause before you go too far with other solutions.
2007-01-29 11:50:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
got to avg.com and download the free virus software and it will clean you computer on a daily bases. I you cant get to that let me know and ill try to tell you how to complete it. You have a dell there support is alway available no matter how old you puter is. Just let me know what you need
2007-01-29 09:23:49 · answer #4 · answered by mary 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've run into this problem before, and a System Restore after booting into Safe Mode has solved it multiple times.
To boot into safe mode, hit F8 at that precise moment MS DOS wants you to press the button during bootup so it runs on minimum executables.
2007-01-29 09:11:08 · answer #5 · answered by SkewsMe.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a friend who is a "techie", have him or her boot your pc into Safe Mode, and then run an anti-virus scan and an anti-spyware scan on the system. Using the "System Restore" feature in Windows will also be a possibility. Good luck.
2007-01-29 09:09:30 · answer #6 · answered by Jolly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in case you may, boot into secure Mode and get a exterior USB troublesome force to backup any archives you like. Booting into safemode academic. only save tapping F8 untill you hear loud beeps, while thoughs beeps come, provide up taping. choose secure mode and circulate from there. in case you may, positioned the residing house windows cd into the force while initiating. residing house windows will boot from the cd. if any of thoughs dont artwork, you're able to be screwed. get a sparkling troublesome force, installation residing house windows onto it, get a troublesome force enclouser, and spot if the previous troublesome force is accsessable
2016-09-28 04:02:17 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now e-mail me if this does not work.
your mouse may not be working. shut down the computer and see if it is unplugged.
2007-01-29 09:10:02 · answer #8 · answered by Grape Shield 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋