computer problems...yet again!

B

bmilla35

Joined
Aug 29, 2007
Messages
1,601
Let me start off by saying this computer has been nothing but problems.

The issues at hand have to do with the computer getting "stuck" at the Intel screen when starting up for anywhere from hours to days and typing taking FOREVER. As of the end of that sentence, it took approximately 3 minutes. It's extremely laggy. Erasing letters using the backspace button is equally as slow, as is scrolling using the directional arrows.

Any idea what is going on? It's not even a year old (btw, it's a cyberpower), so it's under warranty. I really don't want to send it back now, though, because I need it for school.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!
 
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I forgot to mention, the date and time are wrong despite having the correct time zone. Not sure if that helps, but who knows!
 
You should try booting into safe mode and see what happens. If you have a bootable disk like a linux disk, or a bootable antivirus cd, or even a memory tester you might see if your computer perks up. Running TaskManager in windows should tell you what's eating up CPU time. You've probably got a virus or trojan though.
 
I feel for you man, I've had my share of issues with my PCs. Doesn't the manufacturer have a tech support/help desk you can call into? If it's less than a year old you should be able to get free tech support.

I'm not sure what to tell you. In my case I just tried various things like trying to run anti malware, anti virus, etc. I usually just got frustrated and reinstalled Windows though. If you go that route I'd try to get all the required drivers before-hand via another PC. Download them to a USB stick so once you get your pc running, do your OS updates, install your antivirus, anti malware, etc, you can install the drivers before having to log onto the internet.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the replies. What should I be looking at in the task manager? My CPU usage is only 1% if that means anything. I don't have a linux disk or anything else you mentioned, unfortunately.

I did run a complete scan, using Comodo, Spybot, and Glary utilities. They do have a customer service department but they're awul! It's impossible to get ahold of them! I got one that told me to just send it in, but like i mentioned, I need it for school.
 
I forgot to ask if you got a recovery cd with your system.

The other thing I would suggest, as I mentioned in another similar thread recently is that if you get the pc running smoothly without doing a complete reinstallation of the OS, is to create a 2nd partition on your Hard Drive. I'd designate close to 100 Gb for the C Drive where your OS and installed programs will be kept, and keep the rest as a separate virtual drive (you can assign whatever letter you want) for all your data (music, videos, photos, etc). That way in the future if you are infected with a virus or something it shouldn't affect your data.
 
Restart and go into 'safe mode with networking' (tap F8 at the intel screen until you get the boot options, use the cursor keys to select, then <enter>), and see if those problems are still there. Might want to run any malware scans in safe mode too.
 
@ NaturalMystic-I don't believe I received a recovery disk with the system, but i'll double check when the semester ends. I like the idea though, i'll do that!

@Gooeytek-Well I ran it in safe mode and the lagging issue went away, but the date and time thing is still messed up! :confused:

Another issue I thought of...I keep having problems with certificates on web sites. Even websites like google and yahoo are blocked by browsers like Firefox and IE. It asks for permission to "show content" or to continue to the website even though it isn't recommended.
 
This could be many things or a combination of things. No way it can be diagnosed on the internet. I would recommend seeing a professional but since you are in school you could find a classmate with computer skills and get them to look at it. Good luck.
 
You should be able to set the date & time in the control panel or by clicking on the clock if it's in the start bar.

In Windows Task Manager you should look at processes and see if anything's using a lot of CPU Time. Click on View (in the Menu) and Select Columns if you don't see a CPU Time column under Processes.

There's also a freeware program called filemon.exe that should show you what's running on your computer.

Many anti virus program websites have an .iso file to burn a bootable CD. I got one from AVG. Have a friend download it and burn to a CD and use it to scan your computer.

Many schools have computer staff that help with student computer problems. You should check and see if your school has any computer help facilities.
 
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When you go to the task manager click on the tab that says performance and look at your memory usage. If you are having load and response lags it may be that you are running to many applications in the background at once. It wouldn't eat up your CPU % but it would make a noticeable difference in how your system reacts.

If that is the case, the fix should be just preventing the non-needed software from running all the time.
Like Shunsui said tho, alot of schools have computer staff that can help out or at least point you in the right direction.

At least you have eliminated that its a hardware issue if everything is fine in safe mode.
 
Look to see what processes are running in the task manager window. If there is something that looks as though it is out of place, then that could be malware. Virus authors like to code viruses into other running programs, so don't take the end process thing as an end all be all. Use hijack this and malware bites. Hijack this will scan and give a log in which you will be able to see any malicious code. You could also have corrupt files. Take your windows disc and do a repair computer run after you boot from disc. Also, it may be hardware related. I was having difficulty with lag, start up, and programs responding and it was due to a faulty hard drive. If nothing else, back up everything important to an external hard drive, and reformat. The only reason that wouldn't fix your potential virus issue is if someone has installed a virus to your bios which is very hard to do considering the person would need the make and model of your motherboard. Also, google is your friend. I have used google for nearly every computer and car repair for the past two years or more, and everytime I get accurate info for diagnosis and repair. Also, download memtest and run it for about 45 minutes. That should tell you if your ram is going out.
 
The date/time thing might be related to a bad CMOS battery. This is generally a small user-replaceable coin-type battery that keeps the date and time right when the computer isn't plugged in or turned on.

If your computer didn't come with a recovery disk, it might have a recovery partition. Having never used one myself, I can't give you any particulars.

The other issues? Could be a virus or malware, could be an excess of start-up programs. Could be a lot of other things that haven't been mentioned.

Get a can of PC duster (canned air) and blow the dust out of it, especially if it's a laptop. I've seen thermal issues cause all sorts of wonky unexpected problems.
 
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