About my crazy computer/extension from another thread

[patrina]

Hey all, So Vinyl, if you come around and read this, where exactly should I start. I am not all that computer savvy. I took windows excel, and business computers, but that was a long time ago. Sorry, you dont need to retype everything, just how do I go about saving everything I want first? I kinda need baby steps. If you dont mind? Thanks so much!
Patrina

 

[redline4]

Hi, I came across your posts in another thread and can sympathise with you, having gone through something similar albeit some years ago. The option of re-installation is appealing at first glance, however to ensure a clean installation is achieved, ALL programs must be re-installed. If you look at the programs on your computer, you may be astonished at the number of programs you cannot do without. Each one of these will have to be installed, updated and configured individually, a task that will take many, many hours.
The documents, emails, files, folders etc etc that you plan to transfer to the new installation would all need to be squeaky clean, as any bugs or nasties in these would also be migrated, rendering the whole exercise of a clean installation futile.

May I suggest that you take it slow and one step at a time. As your files need to be clean anyway, run an up to date anti-virus scan, at least two individual anti-spyware scans and ensure your firewall is up to date and functioning. Suitable programs are mentioned elsewhere, with free versions of most available.

Uninstall any unwanted programs [through Add/Remove programs in Control Panel] or a good uninstall program. Then run a good Registry Cleaner program, followed by an Internet Cleaner and/or File Wiper program on your history and cache files.[Don't forget the Recycle Bin]. Do not use the delete function on your browser as this tends to dump the files on the hard drive. Defrag your hard drive and check for any improvement.

If no improvement, consider the possibility that some component/s in the computer are simply tired and slowing down before you take the step of re-installation. I would be interested in knowing the configuration of your computer, as this can have a bearing on performance.

Hope I haven't bored you and best of etc. See Ya!

Computers are useless, they can only give you answers. Pablo Picasso.

 

[patrina]

Uninstall any unwanted programs [through Add/Remove programs in Control Panel] or a good uninstall program. Then run a good Registry Cleaner program, followed by an Internet Cleaner and/or File Wiper program on your history and cache files.[Don't forget the Recycle Bin]. Do not use the delete function on your browser as this tends to dump the files on the hard drive. Defrag your hard drive and check for any improvement.


Hey there redline! Thanks so much for your help. Not boring at all! I cant afford a tech right now, need my spare change for spinning! lol. Anyway I really appreciate your and everyone elses help and yes, I want to do this in baby steps and make sure everythng goes smoothly. I have to tell you what I did, maybe you could offer a suggestion. First time I started having problems... I was at a friends and I noticed that they had their families names on their home screen, so they could just click and open up their own email etc. I wanted to do this. So, I went into users & groups and started trying to add my name and a new password to try and build this option. I ended up getting so frustrated, I typed everyone and then everyones names. I really didn't have a clue what I was doing So, then, after I closed down the computer and started it up again, my screen saver changed, my sign in for msn didn't come up anymore, nothing. The only thing that came up was the log in box, which was empty! So, I tried everything to open it up again. After a day or so, I tried again and typed administrator and I got through, ever since then that was what I have had to do. I am afraid to go into users and change anything again. Also when I tried to uninstall some rogue casinos (I had on for a while but never got around to deleting) my good casinos moved, some stayed on my desktop and split theirselves up into file folders with names like group and mud, and seemed like they had broken up somehow. So I uninstalled some, and then when I tried to reinstall I got things like error:bad image, or windows cant download this because it is not valid etc. Now, I have 4 or 5 on my desktop and 3 from TPG, m.gold I can open, s.palace I cant (the casino will pop up on the screen but will close after about 5 sec. and r.fortune doesn't do anything. Alot of confusion and I learned my lesson for sure, but, also when uninstalling those rogueys, they didn't completely leave either. When putting them into the recycle bin to uninstall, sometimes they wouldn't uninstall (when going into r.bin and clicking delete?) So, I have to ask, where should I start? You said go and uninstall the stuff I dont want (in my add/remove programs) right? Or should I try and straighten out the users first? I hope you dont mind all my questions. And please dont worry about getting back until you have some free time. I really appreciate this. Oh yeah, I did run windows onecare (full service) it found 217 invalid items and got to step 3 then when at the disk cleanup (step 3) it stopped and seemed to freeze at 19% completion. It didn't move for over 18 hrs so I cancelled it. Also when I first accessed the onecare web site, it said there was an error on the page.? Anyway, thanks again and I dont mind if it takes a while to straighten it all out, better safe then sorry! "Words of advice I should of considered in the first place!" Thx,
Patrina

 

[Pinababy69]

Winbig!! Vinyl!! Someone, anyone...help...damsel in extreme distress. We need a knight on a white steed.

Patrina, I couldn't begin to tell you where to start...way above my limited knowledge.

 

[fcat]

I would use system restore to bring you back to previous time, say a week when everything was running smoothly, then go to the control panel and start to uninstalll unwanted programs, then do a system defrag. I have also messed up my computer at time and this always works.

Good luck,
L.

 

[Rusty]

OK I'm no white knight but here is one simple thing to try before any of the complicated stuff.
Go to start menu/accessories/system tools/system restore
It will show a calandar and give you a choice of dates you can restore to.
Chose the first availible date before all your problems started.
If it looks like things are improving run a defrag start menu/system tools/disk defragmenter.
Hope this helps, if not then we are going to have to get serious

 

[Rusty]

I would use system restore to bring you back to previous time, say a week when everything was running smoothly, then go to the control panel and start to uninstalll unwanted programs, then do a system defrag. I have also messed up my computer at time and this always works.

Good luck,
L.

Great minds think alike

 

[redline4]

WOW!!
You must feel like that computer has turned on you and firing with both barrels
(All references to System Restore deleted)

A couple of basic rules here: Always use the uninstall feature in Add/Remove Programs to remove a program. Using the delete function does not "remove" anything from your computer, it merely places it elsewhere [more complicated than that but hell its a start]
Personally, I rarely use the delete function, as I use a file wiper program for removing anything from an individual file to unused space cluster tips on the hard drive. The downside is, of course, that anything wiped is gone forever, or is that the upside?
Do read the Help files where available. They can be more frustrating than the problem at times, but sometimes comes a ray of light.
Better stop raving on and do some chores.
See Ya!

 

[patrina]

Winbig!! Vinyl!! Someone, anyone...help...damsel in extreme distress. We need a knight on a white steed.

Patrina, I couldn't begin to tell you where to start...way above my limited knowledge.

You never cease to make me laugh PinaThanks everyone, ok here we go I am going to try and do the system restore...I didn't know about that or anything else all you guys told me so a huge thanks! I'm scared though, really really scared! I think I will go for some spins first!Yep, that's what I'm going to do. So after that I will try, I have to get up the courage anyway.
Bye for now.........hopefully I will return.......I really DO trust all of you.....You guys like me right?!! lol

 

[Rusty]

So, how did it go?
The spins and restore

 

[patrina]

So, how did it go?
The spins and restore

Hey Rusty, Didn't get there yet, I just got approved for a settlement advance and have had to use the computer so I just have to sign some papers and send some stuff back and then I will do it. I wasn't sure if the restore would delete anything in my email? Do you know? Also you guys have to see this, it has nothing to do with my computer, well kind of, it's an email that told me I won 600,000 and a new toyota! Just wanted to show you guys these emails in case you guys get one. I searched about it and after I got the first one I emailed back and asked for something legal before I sent them any personal info. After searching I found out alot of people are getting these scams, and they either end up asking you for money for shipment of your brand new prius or use you personal info for identity theft. I dont know if this issue has been raised here but just in case, here's the emails. (posts to follow)
And thanks Rusty I will be definitely be doing this (restore) later today. If this will afffect my email, I should send some things to my daughters email inbox so she can save them for me? (different computer) Oh yeah and if I restore mine, it wont affect my daughters, will it? I run from the modem from hers which is the main. Hers is brand spanking new and I dont want to have to deal with an irate 17 yr old Anyway, got to run uptown but I will be back later kk. Thanks, to all!
Patrina

 

[patrina]

Heres the first one

From : Marilynn Sisco. <info@toyota.org>
Reply-To : pagethompson11@yahoo.com.hk
Sent : June 7, 2007 10:20:58 PM
Subject : TOYOTA PRIZE AWARD NOTIFICATION

| | | Inbox


The Lottery Department
Toyota Car Promotions
25 Atlantic Avenue Erlanger
United Kingdom
CVR-nr. 34574565.

TOYOTA PRIZE AWARD NOTIFICATION

This is to inform you that have been selected for a Cash prize
of
600,000.00. (Six Hundred Thousand Great British Pounds) and a
brand new
toyota car
(Toyota Prius) in the International programs held this June 2007
in London
Uk.

You can view our website to view your car
(

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

)

Description Of New Toyota Car to be Shipped to you.

New Toyota Car :......................Year 2007 Model
COLOUR OF CAR:.......................Light Blue Colour
MODEL:...............................Toyota Prius 2.0i ES
Manual
ENGINE TYPE:.........................1973cc 4-cylinder
POWER:...............................145bhp
TRANSMISSIONS:.....................Five-speed manual
FUEL:................................29.1mpg (combined)

The selection process was carried out through random selection
in our
computerized Email Selection System(ESS) from a database of over
250,000
email addresses drawn from all the continents of the world.This
Toyota car
Lottery is approved by the British Gaming Board and
also Licensed by the The International Association of Gaming
Regulators
(IAGR).This promotional car lottery is the tenth of its kind and
we intend
to
sensitize the public.

To begin the processing of your prize you are to contact your
Claims
fficer through our accredited Prize Transfer agents as stated
below:

Sir. Page Thompson
25 Atlantic Avenue Erlanger
United Kingdom
Emailagethompson11@yahoo.com.hk
Phone :+44 7035 902804
:+44 7035 902773
When contacting him, please provide him with your secret pin
code
TY7448500 and your reference number 799BV90.You are also advised
to
provide him with the under listed information as soon as
possible:
CLAIMS REQURIEMENTS:
===============================================
Your Full Names:
Your full Contact Address:
Your Country of Residence:
Your Date and Place of Birth:
Your Occupation:
Your contact Telephone Numbers:
Your contact Fax Number:
Your secret pin code:
Your Amount Won:
Your e-mail Address:
=================================================
If you do not contact your claims agent within 7 working days of
this
notification,
your winnings would be revoked. Winners are advised to keep
their winning
details/information from the public to avoid fraudulent claim
(IMPORTANT)
pending the transfer/claim by Winner.

Accept my hearty congratulations once again!

Regards
Marilynn Sisco.
Lottery Manager.

 

[patrina]

Heres the second one (I never sent them any personal info, just signed Patrina R)

From : Mr.Page Thompson <pagethompson1@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent : June 8, 2007 7:55:22 AM
To : patrina132@hotmail.com
Subject : Regarding Your Winning

| | | Inbox


Claims Agent Mr.Page Thompson
Toyota Car Promotions
Haandvaerkervej 8,1 UK-9000 Aalborg
CVR-nr. 25554493.

Attn:Winner ,

YOUR PAYMENT AND TOYOTA CAR RELEASE HAS BEEN APPROVED, CONTACT OUR ACCREDITED COURIER SHIPPING COMPANY IMEDIATELY

We acknowledge the receipt of your documents.

You are required to make contact with the shipping company as soon as possible, and discuss with them how your toyota prius car and your cheque would be delivered to your home country and how much it will cost you for shipping.You will need to contact GREEN EXPRESS COURIER which is our accredited delivery company.You are to reach them with the information below.

NOTE: You do not have much time to get this done. I advise you act fast and get in touch with Mr James West of GREEN EXPRESS COURIER .His contact information is stated below:

GREEN EXPRESS COURIER DELIVERY COMPANY.
OFFICE ADDRESS:Units 3A & 3B, Olympic Way,
Sefton Business Park,
L30 1RD, UNITED KINGDOM
Correspondence:JOHN WOOD(Customers Attendant)
Email: (1) greenexpressdelivery@yahoo.co.uk
(2) greenexpresscourier101@yahoo.co.uk

You are to contact them with the following information within the next 24hours;
1. Full name
2. Address where you would want the parcel delivered to.
3. Telephone Number/Fax Number.

We look forward to your prompt response, should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you possibly can.

Regards,

Mr.Page Thompson
Your Claims Agent.

 

[patrina]

Heres the third one (Even used the toyota logo!!)It didn't copy for some reason

From : Mr.Page Thompson <pagethompson1@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent : June 8, 2007 9:39:34 AM
To : patrina132@hotmail.com
Subject : RE:CLAIMS REQUIREMENTS

| | | Inbox




Claims Agent Mr.Page Thompson
Toyota Car Promotions
Haandvaerkervej 8,1 UK-9000 Aalborg
CVR-nr. 25554493.


Attn:Toyota Winner,

When contacting him, please provide him with your secret pin code TY7448500 and your reference number 799BV90.You are also advised to provide him with the under listed information as soon as possible:

CLAIMS REQUIREMENTS:
1. NAME IN FULL
2. ADDRESS
3. NATIONALITY
4. AGE
5. SEX
6. OCCUPATION
7. PHONE/FAX
8. PRESENT COUNTRY

If you do not contact your claims agent within 7 working days of this notification, your winnings would be revoked. Winners are advised to
keep their winning details/information from the public to avoid fraudulent claim (IMPORTANT) pending the transfer/claim by Winner.
Accept my hearty congratulations once again!


Regards,
Mr.Page Thompson
Phone Number:+44 7017026406
:+44 7014221497
Your Claims Agent.

 

[patrina]

Is it ok to post this stuff here? I better check with cm. I might have to delete

 

[Rusty]

Don't worry a system restore will not affect your email but it may undo some changes to programs that occured after the restore date.
Don't let this put you off though as compared to a reinstall of windows it is the safe option.
Not seen those emails before, I normally win $5,000,000 from the coca cola company draw about every few months.
I reall don't know how I spend the money

 

[patrina]

Don't worry a system restore will not affect your email but it may undo some changes to programs that occured after the restore date.
Don't let this put you off though as compared to a reinstall of windows it is the safe option.
Not seen those emails before, I normally win $5,000,000 from the coca cola company draw about every few months.
I reall don't know how I spend the money

Hey Rusty,
Thanks again! When I first got those emails I said to my daughter "hey, check this out, it looks legit." she even thought so and she's always telling me to watch out for scams and stuff, me, being a little naive at times. They used the toyota logo at the top of their letter (though I know it didn't copy) unflippinbelievable, I think it's cruel and I almost called my local news station to tell them about it, but I figured they probably get calls about this stuff all the time. Your not gonna believe this, but I STILL haven't straightened out my computer, I just got back from a weekend away and am having some other setbacks but I am definitely, absolutely, for sure doing it tonight! I dont want you all to think I am "asking for your help, and then just disregarding it" I just haven't had a chance and wanted to reply to the post as well. I really appreciate everyones help!! So, I will get back in a little bit (this evening) have a great day (what's left of it) ttyl
Patrina

 

[Rusty]

tum te tum tum ta dad da da de de doobie doo.....eh?

If I was as busy as you I would shoot myself to get a rest

Do let us know how Hal is when you have messed with his brain.

good luck

 

[redline4]

Hi Patrina,
In my part of the world the past weekend was a holiday long weekend, so took the chance for a few days of R&R with "she who I love to obey".
Re your computer, as Rusty says, do not hesitate to use System Restore as the process is reversible if complications occur. If still unsure, do a backup to external media before starting.
Hope all goes well, and those emails you mention are 100% SCAMS. For clarification, type "fraud aid" into your favorite search engine.
I await good news with confidence. See Ya!

 

[patrina]

Hi Patrina,
In my part of the world the past weekend was a holiday long weekend, so took the chance for a few days of R&R with "she who I love to obey".
Re your computer, as Rusty says, do not hesitate to use System Restore as the process is reversible if complications occur. If still unsure, do a backup to external media before starting.
Hope all goes well, and those emails you mention are 100% SCAMS. For clarification, type "fraud aid" into your favorite search engine.
I await good news with confidence. See Ya!

Hey there redline, I wish I could say the same about the R&R. I have been non stop go, go, go. But here's the gist of my crazy computer. I looked for system restore in start, accessories, and found system tools etc. but couldn't find system restore. I have been trying some other cleaners and they always seem to freeze on "a close to almost complete" cleanup. Did I mention that my downloads aren't going to my desktop? And when I try to open up a certain casino it states it's a "bad image" or windows searches for the file which never happens. I can open a couple of them but when adding a shortcut it will add another and put "2" beside it but it wont open. I dont really know what else to try. I have reinstalled some of my casinos and instead of going to my desktop, they go into my A/R programs or somewhere else? Do you know anything else that could help? Thanks much for your help!!
Patrina

 

[Rusty]

System restore should definately be there! Check again.
It sounds as though your registry is messed up.
You will need to remove your old Casino installations if you want to reinstall them and have them work properly.
You can do this from the add or remove programs option in the control panel.
It may be that it will give you the option to repair and if it does try this first.
If you find you can not remove the Casino from here you can delete it manually.(not recommended but it will work if you can not be bothered getting the proper removal tools)
Once you have got rid of the unwanted programs defrag your HD (run disk defragmenter)
You may now download and reinstall the programs you want.
Note your downloads do not automatically go to your desktop (it will show the default path when you install) the program simply puts a shortcut to the program on your desktop.You can find the actual location by right clicking on the shortcut then selecting properties and then find target.The majority will reside in C:\program files\

 

[GrandMaster]

Hey there redline, I wish I could say the same about the R&R. I have been non stop go, go, go. But here's the gist of my crazy computer. I looked for system restore in start, accessories, and found system tools etc. but couldn't find system restore. I have been trying some other cleaners and they always seem to freeze on "a close to almost complete" cleanup.

Go to the Start menu, select "Run", then type %SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe , and system restore should appear.

 

[gambling]

Well, it happens. Sometimes we just make an honest mistake. Heres one that could easily happen to any of us, if you have an optional Media Card installed in your BlackBerry: When you connect your phone to your PC, when the question comes up do you want to turn on mass storage device? are you answering Yes or No? If you answer yes, then your PC is going to see your phone as an external/removable hard drive, and Desktop Manager will not recognize the phone. You have to answer No to mass storage in order for your Desktop Manager to recognize your phone.When you connect your phone to your PC, when the question comes up do you want to turn on mass storage device? are you answering Yes or No? If you answer yes, then your PC is going to see your phone as an external/removable hard drive, and Desktop Manager will not recognize the device. You have to answer No to mass storage in order for your Desktop Manager to recognize it.

 

[jas2587]

ummm......ok............

Cindy

 

[patrina]

Thanks gambling, Good to know for future reference, but do you all realize this thread is 2 yrs old? June /07 I believe, Microsoft has fixed alot of my issues so I am good now, thx
Patrina