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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 35. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
hey, you guys,:)i awoke thursday to find that *none* of the programs on my computer were working (including internet software), and that my computer speaks german now. i spent about 5 or 6 frustrating hours trying to fix the problem unsuccessfully. so i called microsoft to help me and they said that they charge $35 for help over the phone, so i endeavor to seek help online free at the library. then i find out, and this is the beauty part, that all the libraries are closed til the following monday. then i realize that everyone at babble is either going to take me for dead or figure i just took off without notice. so here i am at the bloody public library *finally* today to let y'all know what's up (that i no longer have internet access at home at the moment) and to get some microsoft online support. hopefully i can fix this problem tonight. anyway, hope to be back soon. this has sucked royally.:( however, it hasn't been all bad, i think i've invented a few new 4-letter words. <smirk> hope you guys' christmas was tolerable, at least..:-) i've missed you guys.
be well,:)
amy
Posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 17:34:57
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
OMG, i don't suppose anyone here is a computer expert...i need help pronto. microsoft charges $35 for support, which i currently do not have. i posted on the tech support guy forums, but god knows when they'll get back to me. i don't know when i can come back to the library. my ex still hasn't fixed my car, even though i gave him the money to do so ages ago. and he won't let me take his car..i snuck it away tonight. oh sh#t.
amy
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 27, 2004, at 17:35:20
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
I have been worried about you and wondered on your XMAS last we spoke you had to open a window and that made me think some troubles ..I am glad its not what I thought but not happy on your puter...sounds like maybe someone reset your settings.....smart puter people will know how and where...xxxooo
> hey, you guys,:)
>
> i awoke thursday to find that *none* of the programs on my computer were working (including internet software), and that my computer speaks german now. i spent about 5 or 6 frustrating hours trying to fix the problem unsuccessfully. so i called microsoft to help me and they said that they charge $35 for help over the phone, so i endeavor to seek help online free at the library. then i find out, and this is the beauty part, that all the libraries are closed til the following monday. then i realize that everyone at babble is either going to take me for dead or figure i just took off without notice. so here i am at the bloody public library *finally* today to let y'all know what's up (that i no longer have internet access at home at the moment) and to get some microsoft online support. hopefully i can fix this problem tonight. anyway, hope to be back soon. this has sucked royally.:( however, it hasn't been all bad, i think i've invented a few new 4-letter words. <smirk> hope you guys' christmas was tolerable, at least..:-) i've missed you guys.
>
> be well,:)
> amy
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 18:14:04
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by Fallen4MyT on December 27, 2004, at 17:35:20
hi fallen:)
thanks, girl. no one has replied to my question yet on the tech forum, and i have to leave the library soon. i think the problem may be serious. anyway, it's good to talk to you.:) i have no idea when i'll be back. i hope soon..i'd write more posts here on social to ppl but don't have much time...what a cruel twist of fate this is...yes, i'm being dramatic but it's true!xoxox amy:)
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 27, 2004, at 18:17:30
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » Fallen4MyT, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 18:14:04
Don't lol Amy lol on drama cause last night my laptop shut down cause it overheated..I was all bummed and asked hubby in bed what will I do...he said just get it fixed ...hahaha but to me I was in a panic..I am not super smart on puter but when you find out whats up..get adaware and pass protect it from all
xxxooo
> hi fallen:)
> thanks, girl. no one has replied to my question yet on the tech forum, and i have to leave the library soon. i think the problem may be serious. anyway, it's good to talk to you.:) i have no idea when i'll be back. i hope soon..i'd write more posts here on social to ppl but don't have much time...what a cruel twist of fate this is...yes, i'm being dramatic but it's true!
>
> xoxox amy:)
Posted by anastasia56 on December 27, 2004, at 18:19:30
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 17:34:57
thanks for letting us know. i was getting worried too...it's been ages since you've posted (or ok it just seems like ages). Wish i were able to help on the computer issue. I usually end up just pounding my head into the wall in frustration but i wouldn't recommend that as a fix. Good luck and stay in touch.
anastasia
Posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 19:03:04
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by anastasia56 on December 27, 2004, at 18:19:30
> thanks for letting us know. i was getting worried too...it's been ages since you've posted (or ok it just seems like ages). Wish i were able to help on the computer issue. I usually end up just pounding my head into the wall in frustration but i wouldn't recommend that as a fix. Good luck and stay in touch.
>
> anastasiahi anastasia!
thanx for wishing me luck! this has been a rough time..i could use some pixie dust in my direction right about now. very good to hear from ya! i've been registering and posting and on a few tech sites...no word yet. you stay cool, ya hear? i hope i can make it through this trifling time without internet access. i hope things are well with you, my dear.:)take care,:)
amy
Posted by verne on December 27, 2004, at 22:42:37
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
Amy,
I googled your problem for an hour but couldn't find a remedy. I would like to know how to solve such a problem since I would be lost without internet access. I do all my banking online.
I'll try again tomorrow when I'm feeling better. Still struggling after the xmas bender.
Are you able to check your browser settings and other settings in windows set-up? I assume you have windows. I think the language can be changed in Windows Set-Up in the Add/Remove Programs section. It's in the "Control Panel" folder.
It sounds like your computer was hijacked. Do you have spyware, malware, adware protection?
What prompted me to get spybot, spyware blaster, and a firewall was one day my computer starting connecting to the internet on its own. I have dial-up. DSL is less secure since the computer is connected to the internet all the time.
Sorry I'm not much help but I'm not that handy around computers. I fly by the seat of my pants and crash alot.
When you solve the problem let us know what happened.
verne
Posted by crushedout on December 28, 2004, at 0:31:47
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by verne on December 27, 2004, at 22:42:37
but what do i know?
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 28, 2004, at 0:40:33
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 17:34:57
Hey Amy I went to my control panel and went to "reginal and language settings" and sure enough I was right you can set those to ANY language...sooo you may want to check those..someone in your home who doesn't want you on the puter may have set them knowing you would not know what to do...I am sure hackers could do that too but try that first in case its someone at home playing games. I have my puter set to where you cannot get to the first screen without a password IF someone reset yours at home you may wanna do that too
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 28, 2004, at 8:58:57
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
>
> hey, you guys,:)
>
> i awoke thursday to find that *none* of the programs on my computer were working (including internet software), and that my computer speaks german now. i spent about 5 or 6 frustrating hours trying to fix the problem unsuccessfully.I hope you're running Windows XP. You need to boot in safe mode. When you power up, just keep tapping the F8 key. You'll get a series of weird messages, but be patient. You'll get to a screen that allows you to boot under an earlier version of your operating system's registry ('start Windows under earlier restore point', or something like that). Select a date that precedes the beginning of this crappola, but not too far back in time.
If this works, go instantly online to: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
This site will do a remote virus scan on your computer (so your computer won't know it's happening.....some viruses are activated by antivirus software...), and it will fix and delete the virus as it goes. Getting a restore point to work does not get rid of the virus. It just temporarily disconnects it from the computer's active files.
If you have to delete some files to eliminate the virus (the Housecall program will prompt you to make that decision, but only if needed), make sure you write down the filenames in case you have to restore them from the original Windows disk(s).
I think Nikki mentioned in another thread where you can get free updated antivirus software. But you should also get and run Spybot Search and Destroy, and install Spywareblaster (both free, but donations accepted by the authors).
Lar
Posted by 64bowtie on December 30, 2004, at 2:18:32
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
...if you have 98 or 98SE, tap F8 several times during boot-up and a menu appears. Select 3 (boot in safe mode). When all the whizzing and buzzing ends a big dialog box appears. Tap <enter> key... Then <start> -> <restart> -> <enter>. If it dosen't work the first time, try, try again (3 times Is good)... If it is still booting into "Eastern-Madigaskar", and you have the ability via "emergency boot Disk" to get to the CDROM drive, put your Windows 98 CD in the drive. Ask around your friends for an emergency boot disk and Win 98 CD if can't find your originals.
Now, if you have NT, 2000, or XP, you have to use your recovery disk. If that doesn't work, ask around for a system-ghost disk... If you have people say you need meds because they've never heard of "Ghost", ask them if they have their distribution set of disks that were sold with their machine.
If you can't "Ghost" your hard drive (takes 20 minutes), then set aside 3 to 4 hours to reimage your hard drive with the original factory disks... After doing this work for several thousand years, you can imagine I love "Ghosting" machines, and hate "reimaging" machines...
This thread makes me SO happy that I took the plunge to go back and get my PhDEd. Don't gotta work late night with these nasty, schnarley, 'puter thingies. I just punch the keys and hope for the best, these days.
In the distant past, I would actually heat up my soldering tip and get out my needle-nosed pliers, and get ready for computer surgery, unholster my 10 inch long Snap-On #2 phillips scewdriver to begin disassembly.... So glad those days are in my dim past!!!
I reluctantly suggest that you go to the yellow pages. Comp-Usa and Fry's both do OK work; Fry's I trust, and approach Comp-USA cautiously. If you work in a big enough company to have network staff, ask a couple of them who they trust in the private sectar.
Rod
Posted by verne on December 30, 2004, at 2:55:34
In reply to For computer troubles... Like Lar said unless » alesta, posted by 64bowtie on December 30, 2004, at 2:18:32
Please don't do what this guy is saying. It's not that complicated - even if your computer is speaking german.
When people start talking about the ghost of your hard drive, give them a wide berth.
I think Lar is right on with his analysis.
You don't need to get into the ghost psychic of a piece of junk.
verne
Posted by verne on December 30, 2004, at 12:17:25
In reply to Re: For computer troubles... Like Lar said unless, posted by verne on December 30, 2004, at 2:55:34
Sorry all,
I was getting cranky again. Took way too many supplements and ended up drinking to deal with the shock to my system.
At some point all I do is look around for something to grouse about. Not a mean drunk, just a cranky one.
Amy, I hope you're making progress with the computer problem.
verne
Posted by 64bowtie on December 31, 2004, at 2:11:40
In reply to Re: For computer troubles... Like Lar said, posted by verne on December 30, 2004, at 12:17:25
Like I said, I'm so glad I no longer work in the computer industry and don't have to put up daily with newbies calling me names and denying my knowledge and experience. 25 years of all kinds of computers and data processing has taught me to remain silent around folks like that, until they leave the room so I can get back to my work! I have learned to be patient with them!
Here in "the Silicon Gulch", Sunnyvale CA, I have coffee with hardware, software, and firmware developers often. They sometimes need help with their relationships and I sometimes need updates on technology. Quid pro quo! And, just a local phone call away.
I'm also a computer anachronism. I have used a 137.5 Baud (not KBaud, Baud) KSR workstaion in 1976 (no screen - It printed both sides of the conversation). I declare that this knowledge makes me officially a "Computer Anachronism".
Also, I really, really, really didn't want to post my solution. I did it in a moment of weakness. It wasn't wrong... It was complete, sorta, but complete makes people run away screaming.
Rod
PS: We here at Babble are working our (what the CIA labels) wetware; brains are wetware. Another label bandied around computer circles is vaporware, that which triggers large investing but never sees the marketplace, because...., it "isn't". Newbies solve computer problems with their wetware on vapors; another kinda vaporware.
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 31, 2004, at 8:26:55
In reply to Hey, Verne..., posted by 64bowtie on December 31, 2004, at 2:11:40
> I'm also a computer anachronism. I have used a 137.5 Baud (not KBaud, Baud) KSR workstaion in 1976 (no screen - It printed both sides of the conversation). I declare that this knowledge makes me officially a "Computer Anachronism".
I remember sending telex messages on paper tape, and 11" floppies. I think they were 11". The memory fades.
Lar
Posted by 64bowtie on December 31, 2004, at 13:15:25
In reply to Re: Hey, Verne... » 64bowtie, posted by Larry Hoover on December 31, 2004, at 8:26:55
Lar,
I was going thru storage a couple of days ago and found a box of 8" floppies. I'll put them on [Bidville] over the weekend.
Windows in MSDOS mode, still recognises paper tape. Wooopeee! Also, "Compaticard", I have one, reads 8" floppies. Win95 even came out on 8" floppies. What was Bill Gates thinking back in August of 1995?
Sad! Very sad!
Rod
PS: The "cookie", which is the round record thingy inside the floppy disk holder, 8" cookies make great nerf-frisbes. You CAN'T poke out any eyes throwing one around the office. Why would I know that? Sad! Very sad!
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 10:10:31
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by verne on December 27, 2004, at 22:42:37
hi, verne!:)
man, it's good to be back, if only for a moment. that was so sweet of you to try and help me.:) thanks verne!! i am totally lost without my internet buddies. i'm totally isolated right now, and am getting pretty depressed and out of it. my car still hasn't been fixed, so i'm really in a bind right now. it was like pulling teeth to get my ex to drop me off so i could get online, and i only have a couple hours to do everything i need to do here. anyway, sorry for rambling..i just had to divulge that i'm not doing too well.i'm at the employment commission and just found out that their computers won't let me access the sites i posted my questions to. bloody perfect. i believe i probably got either a nasty virus or a spyware problem. i can't access the control panel. most of my programs don't work. i am probably going to have to reinstall *everything*, including scandisk, although if i get really lucky scandisk might do the trick on its own, although i doubt it.
good to hear from you, verne. i'm gonna go ahead and check out your other post on this thread, too.
amy:)
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 10:16:19
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles/check this out » alesta, posted by Fallen4MyT on December 28, 2004, at 0:40:33
> Hey Amy I went to my control panel and went to "reginal and language settings" and sure enough I was right you can set those to ANY language...sooo you may want to check those..someone in your home who doesn't want you on the puter may have set them knowing you would not know what to do...I am sure hackers could do that too but try that first in case its someone at home playing games. I have my puter set to where you cannot get to the first screen without a password IF someone reset yours at home you may wanna do that too
hey fallen:)
thanks much for the tip, but unfortunately the control panel doesn't work. lol. (also, my computer "speaks" 2 languages, rather than just one.) but thank you! i appreciate your trying to help. stay cool.:)amy:)
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 10:22:28
In reply to Re: serious computer troubles » alesta, posted by Larry Hoover on December 28, 2004, at 8:58:57
> I hope you're running Windows XP. You need to boot in safe mode. When you power up, just keep tapping the F8 key. You'll get a series of weird messages, but be patient. You'll get to a screen that allows you to boot under an earlier version of your operating system's registry ('start Windows under earlier restore point', or something like that).hi lar:)
thank you very much for your help! will the above work for windows 98 instead of xp? i guess i'll check and see when i get home. thanks for all the info dear! you rock!amy:)
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 10:33:13
In reply to For computer troubles... Like Lar said unless » alesta, posted by 64bowtie on December 30, 2004, at 2:18:32
well, thank you, rod! looks like you answered my question to larry! fantastic. ok. i'll give it a shot. *much* appreciated. thank you!!!amy:)
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 10:36:52
In reply to Re: For computer troubles... Like Lar said, posted by verne on December 30, 2004, at 12:17:25
> Sorry all,
>
> I was getting cranky again. Took way too many supplements and ended up drinking to deal with the shock to my system.
>
> At some point all I do is look around for something to grouse about. Not a mean drunk, just a cranky one.
>
> Amy, I hope you're making progress with the computer problem.
>
> vernelol. hey, your apology is accepted man, i'm sure. a little temperamentalness keeps things interesting around here:)..thanks again for the computer well wishes.
amy:)
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 10:42:26
In reply to sounds like a virus to me, posted by crushedout on December 28, 2004, at 0:31:47
>
> but what do i know?
hey crushed:)
thanks for the tip, lol.:) hope things are well with you. i really appreciated how you helped me out a couple weeks ago. you're good people. it was a really nice feeling to know that someone would vouch for me like you did. thanks again.:)amy:)
Posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 18:50:25
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
well, to anyone who's curious (verne, i know you, at least, wanted to know what the solution was), the advice i was given by a tech web site is below. as the 8-ball would say, "outlook not so good." i guess i have to buy a new computer. (unless i can get a hold of that computer technician who lives next door to me. maybe he could help.)
here are the 3 pieces of techie advice i was given:
1."Sounds to me like your drive is going (or has gone) bad. You should try to hook it up as a slave in a working computer ASAP and save as much of your data as you can."
__________________
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2."AND, you could also try going to the DOS before you get into windows at the start up and type in chdsk or. orr. orrrrrrr, mmm scandsk. I think, is that correct?"3.another techie from a different site tells me to reinstall my programs, although i don't know if my computer will let me install anything.
take care,
amy
Posted by Angel Girl on January 6, 2005, at 20:55:37
In reply to the computer advice i was given.., posted by alesta on January 6, 2005, at 18:50:25
Alesta
Sorry to hear that your computer is sick and that you probably need a new one.
AG
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