Windows XP and Computer Problem?

**mar122999** · November 22nd, 2003, 04:04 PM

Hi. I have two questions. My first one is about Windows XP on a computer system that is operating strange. I build my PCs with new computer parts, so I do not think that it is hardware issues. Here is my system:

Celeron 2.4Ghz
Acorp Mobo
256Mb PC2100 RAM
80Gb Maxtor Hard Drive
Windows XP installed
Floppy, CD-RW drives

Here is the problem. The customer installed the original Kazaa

and didn't have an anti-virus installed. The customer downloaded some songs. I told him to install a norton anti-virus into the system and check for viruses. Sure enough, he had a couple of them. Now his computer locks up (which I didn't think that happen too much with windows XP). He just lets it sit on the desktop for about 2 mins and then it locks up (so I know it isn't any power options causing it to lock up). It has to be some applications. What do I need to look for when I go over there to service his pc??? I was thinking about running Ad Aware, checking for bad programs starting up in MsConfig, and if all else fails, do a Windows XP Repair.

Second, I tried to tell him to do a system restore. As usual, the computer says that he cannot restore to this point. I tried to get him to restore back to different points and the computer would not let him. My question is, why doesn't Windows XP let users restore back to past events sometimes??? I have encountered this problem on multiple systems.

**Derek79602+** · November 22nd, 2003, 04:15 PM

I'd wipe the drive clean and start over. Especially since you didn't do the damage and are therefore unsure of the extent. Anything less and this customer will be calling you again in a few days to put more bandaids on the booboos.

**Beemer** · November 22nd, 2003, 04:21 PM

If you don't get the go ahead to wipe it clean, try Run, sfc /scannow. This will put the system files back in if any are found to be corrupt or not original from the XP CD.

Cheers!

**mar122999** · November 22nd, 2003, 04:48 PM

Thanks. But how about the system restore feature. What causes the system restore to not work on some systems sometimes? I have encountered this multiple times.