Another computer problem....

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Yeah, it had the one long beep, but I don't know where my manual and paperwork are all at, I think that stuff is all at the coast too.


But I'm pretty sure it's a virus-it'll sometimes try to open Internet Explorer on its own when I use only Mozilla, and it'll often redirect my browser from sites searched from Google to ad sites that sometimes say the domain is up for sale, so it's either a virus or a hijack.....

 

[Rosemary]

What are 'signatures'?

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

I know this sounds daft but is there a windows licence label somewhere on the PC?

Sometimes it's on the inside of the case.

OK just had a look at my PC.

If you go to control panel and double click on system

You get a tab with general.

Click on it and your licence key (UN-encrypted) is displayed half way down the window.

You may be able to use this to get further maybe with microsoft support.

Not sure what happens if you use this key in the install program but it may well work

Anyone else know it this is the case?

 

[Interference]

It's usually stuck on the outside somewhere, in my experience, TEiN. Remember the bru-ha-haa with Vista when people were using their phones to steal licenses in PC World and then pirating the software?

And Rose, I think I know what signatures are but I don't want to put you wrong so I'll shut up until the clever folk get here.

 

[Happy Joe]

I know this sounds daft but is there a windows license label somewhere on the PC?

The sticker is called a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) If your computer doesn't have one and none was provided to you then the maker/seller violated the terms of use of the license. (No biggie, the Key listed on the COA is findable with a Keyfinder. If you are not unlucky then your operating system is not a pirated version.

Always insist on getting a COA, with copy of the operating system or an image of the operating system when purchasing a computer (or you end up with hassles when you need to restore/reload it). Many manufacturers (most?) are no longer including this, even though you are entitled to it, once your warranty runs out you have few options. (IMO, this is the sort of manufacturer behavior that pushes people toward getting an eye patch, a peg leg and wanting to say "Aye, matey").

"Signatures" is used many ways; many programs (even emails) can be digitally signed to help verify their origin (this doesn't always happen even from Micro$oft).
Virii are often characterized by the files they modify and the tracks they leave; these signatures are used by the anti-virus programs to identify them (much harder with the newer root kits and unlikely to be identified by anti-virus software with the sometimes unique Trojans on downloaded pirated programs or sent in anonymous emails(spam spread virii, on the other hand are widespread and these virus signatures are normally caught and identified pretty rapidly).

Enjoy!

 

[Interference]

The sticker is called a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) If your computer doesn't have one and none was provided to you then the maker/seller violated the terms of use of the license.

Slightly in error. This is only true of Windows computers. Reputable dealers don't necessarily presume you're going to install Windows.

 

[Happy Joe]

The computer originally posted/in question/that we are talking about, runs xp, a Microsoft OS.
Other points,
Any one running Linux or the Apple/mackintosh OS (on a non apple product, I'm ignoring the Chinese Apple clones as they are a criminal endeavor) probably builds their own computers (most techies seem to) its marginally cheaper than paying someone to do it (and kind of fun).
Also I have never seen a computer for retail sale to the public (other than Apple/Mackintosh) that did not use windows. (oops... I lied, kind of, I did see an OS-2 based computer once, it was in a scrap bin, but it was probably sold at some point in its life)...

Enjoy!

 

[Interference]

I bought two PCs online, neither of which have the COA. I installed Windows on one myself and Linux on the other. Some dealers allow you to decide for yourself, although they are becoming a bit thin on the ground as the Microsoft machine trundles on.

When buying from other outlets it is significant to note that Windows is pre-installed and a proportion of the price you pay for the machine is for this software and the Microsoft license agreement, whether you intend to use it or not. Very few dealers will remove Windows and lower the price, but some will if asked, though it may require developing a relationship with the dealer.

This is not a happy state of affairs. The Microsoft monopoly is restrictive and ultimately may be harmful as they release upgrade after upgrade and backwards compatibility and legacy support dwindles.

 

[Happy Joe]

... I learned something!
Not to hijack the tread but why would anyone pay someone to assemble parts (especially over the web) that they can assemble themselves at less cost?
... just curious.

Enjoy!

 

[The Ace]

As a computer tech, I can answer that one.

Have you ever seen a computer built by someone who thinks he can ?

It took eighteen hours to get the last one working.

 

[Interference]

Also, no assembly necessary, except at the factory where the machine is made. Straightforward purchase. I wasn't buying from someone who built computers, though that option is also available. On-line shop. They sell computer. I buy computer. There's no mystery. Significant cost reduction (almost) entirely due to the absence of any Microsoft software at the point of sale.

Sensitive to the potential for hijacking this thread, I can answer any other questions you like privately, however please bear in mind I'm a writer not a techy.

 

[Happy Joe]

Have you ever seen a computer built by someone who thinks he can ?

... every morning when I go on line, most evenings when I fire up the entertainment center, etc...
Last build; 2 hours of shopping parts,
about 1 hour to order,
a weeks shipping,
maybe an hours assembly about another hour to install the OS (with W7 I don't believe it was that long but the other software with updates would make up the difference).

I really don't see how it could be messed up...
...Perhaps I am underestimating the level of incompetence out there...

I do understand that the IT professionals haven't the time to build every PC but those that I have met all order their PCs with windows preinstalled (with COA; its a MS corporate licensing thing...)

Enjoy!

 

[Interference]

I do understand that the IT professionals haven't the time to build every PC but those that I have met all order their PCs with windows preinstalled (with COA; its a MS corporate licensing thing...)

Correct. And therein lies the sinister truth. Monopoly is insidious - and so much easier to accept than circumvent.

 

[The Ace]

Sorry HJ, I wasn't casting aspersions. Most days my work consists at least partly of repairing such botches.

I'm not saying it can't be done, just that a lot of idiots try it and end up paying as much in repair costs as they do in components.

 

[Happy Joe]

( no offense taken...)

Maybe I should go into business...

Enjoy!

(edit I have not been able to understand the whole Microsoft is evil thing but then again I wouldn't care if they were...)

 

[The Ace]

You'd probably make a mint.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

One more issue:

Is it bad for when different errors arise say "Application or DLL C:\Windows/system32.0020.DLL" is not a valid Windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette"? I've had this happen with Iexplore.exe, firefox.exe, and various other programs and files.

 

[Happy Joe]

Its definitely not good and could be a result of a virus, or worm or corrupted files.

I did a quick search and found this
Major computer problems? - Yahoo! Answers

Normally, I don't recommend modifying registry keys but you are in a bit of a fix so you might consider giving it a try. Definitely make a backup and set restore points before trying it.

Enjoy!

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

I'm not sure I even should try to go through my registry. I have no idea what files are good or not, and I can't run System Restore whatsoever.

It's the result of some kind of virus that nothing I seem to be able to run in Safe Mode is able to pick up, and that includes an updated version of Avast!. I'm getting all kinds of popups and there's also "C:\Windows....ntbtlog.exe is corrupt or unreadable".

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

Got to be worth trying

chkdsk C: /f

in the run menu

Just in case.