The Digital Surgery (computer questions/problems here)

[richard]

KD Thanks

The machine is actually very good (touch wood) but surely a battery should last longer than 18 months!!!!!

HP and I used to work for them and average 1 new laptop every 2 months

PET Yes HP is a swear word and used by many world wide so I don't think my parole has been breeched

[Nereus]

I seem to recall you asking about a new laptop battery a couple of months ago?

Batteries need to be used to keep them in working order, even laptop batteries. It is good practice to run the battery down regularly, at least once a month. If it is 18 months old and will not take a charge, it is probably ferked.

[BaaBaa.]

If your physical data (docs, pics, music etc) is already backed up I wouldn't bother, a clean install is always best - it'll just take a couple of hours to configure all of your settings and re-install your software.

In fact I'd recommend a clean format and re-install every 6 months or so for all heavy users, consider it the same as a service for your bike or car, it'll run like new afterwards!

Well I did the full restore Buksi and did the back up from the restore menu on to a memory stick because there was still a few pics I hadn't backed up.

I tried to do the restoring backup files and to the MINWINPC point, which run but didn't actually restore the files.

The stick didn't have any visible files on it, just the MINWINPC, so I was about to give up and lose my pics.

BUT.............I asked Picasa to do a check for pics while the stick was plugged in and it only bloody found them, so, I got everything I needed and the Laptop is running much quicker.

[BaaBaa.]

indicator says 0% available (plugged in not charging)

Try changing your power options to a custom plan, it's a very common software issue, Google it.

[buksida]

BUT.............I asked Picasa to do a check for pics while the stick was plugged in and it only bloody found them, so, I got everything I needed and the Laptop is running much quicker.

Good stuff, did you re-install Vista or switch to 7? My Acer is getting a little sluggish so it maybe time to give Vista the boot and do a fresh install with Windows 7 ... I want my RAM back!

[BaaBaa.]

Vista, the back up was all on the hard drive.

I would've liked 7 though.

[richard]

I know I've posted this on the wrong thread this week so I now stand corrected.

My problem is I am not get advisory emails saying a response has been made to a post.

I have not changed any settings in Firefox so at a loss.

This has only occurred since my return to the forum as a probationer

Some pointers please

[PET]

Perhaps when your PROBATION is over you will be allowed more information ?

How many years did you get ?

[buksida]

Probably spam filters as already suggested, unless you have disabled it in your profile. As far as I know the 'probation' is simply a change of image for the rank, nothing else has changed.

[migrant]

I could use some help!

My lap top came up with a virus, anti malware doctor, a fake antivirus.

I went on line and found various directions to fix, but it was touch and go.
|The virus would not let me open any of my antivirus software, and wouldn't let me connect to the internet.

After spending a friggin day (I sure would like to meet that viruses creator some day ) I seem to have it mostly sorted. I can run most my programs and no popups appear.

But if I turn the laptop on after 5-10 minutes all my shortcuts disappear from display on my desktop and the only thing left is the picture.

At that point I have to reboot.

Any help appreciated!!

[Big Boy]

While waiting for an expert to come online, you could try starting in safe mode - restart the computer, tapping quickly on your F5 while it's starting. You will be given the option to start in Safe Mode. Choose Safe Mode, and although your screen will probably look a bit strange, you should be able to open and run your security programs. Hopefully they will find and destroy the virus.

[migrant]

Thanks Big Boy!! That's how I managed to get as far as I did.

I can run the antivirus and it did get rid of most of the problem, but the disappearing shortcuts are bothersome.

Thanks!

[Big Boy]

OK, without being able to see the beast, that's me out of here. I'm sure that somebody clever like buksi will be along to offer some proper help soon.

[buksida]

Looks like the virus has toasted your desktop and explorer.exe, very difficult to diagnose without seeing the machine, when your AV software cleaned it out did you note the name of the virus or malware?

There are a ton of results on Google for different versions of Windows and different problems:
http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=e ... 1806fef4aa

Did you run a full scan with malwarebytes.org?

[migrant]

Thanks Buksida!!!

Been tied up with work so late response (and thanks!!)

I don't have AVG on the laptop. Malwarebytes came up with a virus, but supposedly cleaned it.

I'll try to download AVG on a memory stick and see if I can run it on the laptop then.