NationStates Jolt Archive

Latest update (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9956005&postcount=122)

I downloaded spybot. I had avast anti-virus, and even some special adware/spyware remover that focussed on CoolWeb crap (which replaces your homepage with about: blank). I figured I was doing pretty good...made sure all my service packs and patches were up-to-date. Then BOOM! I click on some site, and my computer freezes, working frantically to install no less than 72 assorted cookies and files on my computer. Popups everywhere! I run avast and spybot, axe a few, buy more keep coming...then I get the stupid spytrooper popups, disguising themselves as microsoft anti-virus alerts.

Now, I'm not a frigging computer genius, but even I quickly figured out that the site I kept getting sent to(the spy trooper site, which claims to be an anti-spyware site) is some sort of bullshit site to get you to download more viruses. So I did a bit of googling about spytrooper, and found some help files and some ideas of how to remove it, but then I had to restart my computer, and for some insane reason when I booted back up, I didn't go back to those help files, I googled again and found a free scanner that was supposed to axe spytrooper. It was X...something or other...and the second I let it 'scan' my computer all hell broke loose. Everything froze completely and I realised I'd just fallen for the same trick I had thought I was too smart for. I'm a fucking moron.

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

I'm pretty pissed off. These sites, masquerading as anti-virus, or spy-ware removers...how can they get away with that shit??? And what the hell can I do now? RAH!

Suggestions that won't work:
I can't take the battery out...I need a screwdriver to do that, but I don't have one, and no it does not just pop out. Nor can I shut the computer down or do ANYTHING at all via the start menu, or BIOS (because I can't get into the BIOS).

If you've backed-up your important data (or never had any to begin with), just format the bugger and re-install windows. Otherwise, not sure, but you may have to do that anyway if nothing else works.

One word: sledgehammer. :D

If you've backed-up your important data (or never had any to begin with), just format the bugger and re-install windows. Otherwise, not sure, but you may have to do that anyway if nothing else works.
I can't reformat. That's the problem. I can boot up, but because it's booting from hibernation, and not shut-down, I can't get into my BIOS. The computer is completely frozen once it boots up...it won't let the disk run to begin reformatting. What I need to figure out right now is how to manually shut my laptop down...and it's like five years old, and I no longer have the manual. Before you ask...the off button only makes it sleep...it doesn't shut it down.

I downloaded spybot. I had avast anti-virus, and even some special adware/spyware remover that focussed on CoolWeb crap (which replaces your homepage with about: blank). I figured I was doing pretty good...made sure all my service packs and patches were up-to-date. Then BOOM! I click on some site, and my computer freezes, working frantically to install no less than 72 assorted cookies and files on my computer. Popups everywhere! I run avast and spybot, axe a few, buy more keep coming...then I get the stupid spytrooper popups, disguising themselves as microsoft anti-virus alerts.

Now, I'm not a frigging computer genius, but even I quickly figured out that the site I kept getting sent to(the spy trooper site, which claims to be an anti-spyware site) is some sort of bullshit site to get you to download more viruses. So I did a bit of googling about spytrooper, and found some help files and some ideas of how to remove it, but then I had to restart my computer, and for some insane reason when I booted back up, I didn't go back to those help files, I googled again and found a free scanner that was supposed to axe spytrooper. It was X...something or other...and the second I let it 'scan' my computer all hell broke loose. Everything froze completely and I realised I'd just fallen for the same trick I had thought I was too smart for. I'm a fucking moron.

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

I'm pretty pissed off. These sites, masquerading as anti-virus, or spy-ware removers...how can they get away with that shit??? And what the hell can I do now? RAH!
Great work Sinuhue! What Windows CD's do you have?

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

1. Hold the button pressed for like five seconds. That should shut it down. If not, unplug it and remove the battery with windows still running. That should work.

2. Get Firefox or Opera.

3. Throw in a firewall, too, if you didn't have that already.

One word: sledgehammer. :D
That's how I often wish to deal with technology.

This whole spyware, adware, malware, fuckupyourcomputerware is worse than straight out viruses! How the hell do you protect yourself from them? Anti-virus programs only catch some of the crap, and often miss the adware completely. Is there anything out there that is rock-solid?

Great work Sinuhue! What Windows CD's do you have?
I've got Windows XP for the Toshiba Satellite.

I can't reformat. That's the problem. I can boot up, but because it's booting from hibernation, and not shut-down, I can't get into my BIOS. The computer is completely frozen once it boots up...it won't let the disk run to begin reformatting. What I need to figure out right now is how to manually shut my laptop down...and it's like five years old, and I no longer have the manual. Before you ask...the off button only makes it sleep...it doesn't shut it down.
You could take the battery out, it will be hard on your laptop, but will give u access to BIOS and allow you to boot from CD.

Great work Sinuhue! What Windows CD's do you have?


Can't you just unplug the sucker, or remove the battery then reboot? You should be able to get into BIOS and change the boot up method to CD drive only. Then rebuild your hard disk.

That's how I often wish to deal with technology.

This whole spyware, adware, malware, fuckupyourcomputerware is worse than straight out viruses! How the hell do you protect yourself from them? Anti-virus programs only catch some of the crap, and often miss the adware completely. Is there anything out there that is rock-solid?
Staying away from pr0n adn warez sites werked fer me! :D

1. Hold the button pressed for like five seconds. That should shut it down. If not, unplug it and remove the battery with windows still running. That should work.

2. Get Firefox or Opera.
Power button useless....and my husband left me with no tools....I need to unscrew the battery pack (I'm not even sure which panel it is...fuck I don't even know this stupid computer DIE COMPUTER DIE!) and I actually thought of this, but my butter knives won't turn the screw.

This is so bad it's funny.

Staying away from pr0n adn warez sites werked fer me! :D
Fuck that.

Well, it's actually good advice.

But it's PORN....who can resist?

I can't reformat. That's the problem. I can boot up, but because it's booting from hibernation, and not shut-down, I can't get into my BIOS. The computer is completely frozen once it boots up...it won't let the disk run to begin reformatting. What I need to figure out right now is how to manually shut my laptop down...and it's like five years old, and I no longer have the manual. Before you ask...the off button only makes it sleep...it doesn't shut it down.

I don't know what hibernation is, but you must be able to get it to boot from the start somehow, I hope (do this with windows install CD in drive). Try taking out the battery if you have no other way to reset it (actually, shouldn't there be a reset button on it that will get it to reboot?)


Oh, and like Fass said, use Firefox in future if you dont already

I downloaded spybot. I had avast anti-virus, and even some special adware/spyware remover that focussed on CoolWeb crap (which replaces your homepage with about: blank). I figured I was doing pretty good...made sure all my service packs and patches were up-to-date. Then BOOM! I click on some site, and my computer freezes, working frantically to install no less than 72 assorted cookies and files on my computer. Popups everywhere! I run avast and spybot, axe a few, buy more keep coming...then I get the stupid spytrooper popups, disguising themselves as microsoft anti-virus alerts.

Now, I'm not a frigging computer genius, but even I quickly figured out that the site I kept getting sent to(the spy trooper site, which claims to be an anti-spyware site) is some sort of bullshit site to get you to download more viruses. So I did a bit of googling about spytrooper, and found some help files and some ideas of how to remove it, but then I had to restart my computer, and for some insane reason when I booted back up, I didn't go back to those help files, I googled again and found a free scanner that was supposed to axe spytrooper. It was X...something or other...and the second I let it 'scan' my computer all hell broke loose. Everything froze completely and I realised I'd just fallen for the same trick I had thought I was too smart for. I'm a fucking moron.

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

I'm pretty pissed off. These sites, masquerading as anti-virus, or spy-ware removers...how can they get away with that shit??? And what the hell can I do now? RAH!


First I got to say amazing job working for yourself ... :fluffle: :fluffle: :fluffle: you are better then 80 percent of our users here
You used some quality apps and did the research

That having been said a format might be the best and easiest option

Otherwise you can try a windows repair

To do that you pretend like you are going to reinstall windows ... you boot to disk .. navagate to the install drive and partiion

But there SHOULD be a repair function before that (note do NOT go into repair console at this point you ... so the very first "repair" option ignore and continue like a reinstall the one you are looking for is a few screens deeper)

At that point select repair and let its do its thing

Note if it ASKS you to format a partition you have gon TOO far do NOT format the partition
(also do not delete any partition

Other then that run the repair and usualy that gets windows booting again

Can also try a "fixboot" from command console to start with but I would recomend the reinstall

(Also note a repair does not delete user data so you should not loose anything in this process but no garontee's )

That's how I often wish to deal with technology.

This whole spyware, adware, malware, fuckupyourcomputerware is worse than straight out viruses! How the hell do you protect yourself from them? Anti-virus programs only catch some of the crap, and often miss the adware completely. Is there anything out there that is rock-solid?

Nothing's rock solid. EVER. Especially on Microsoft systems.

Oh, and FYI, the sledgehammer tactic comes from your friendly neighbourhood computer tech.

Oh God, how I wish I could use a sledgehammer to take care of some of the problems I face in a day of work... :mad:

3. Throw in a firewall, too, if you didn't have that already.
Just the windows firewall. And it apparently sucks a monkey's ass.

Power button useless....and my husband left me with no tools....I need to unscrew the battery pack (I'm not even sure which panel it is...fuck I don't even know this stupid computer DIE COMPUTER DIE!) and I actually thought of this, but my butter knives won't turn the screw.

This is so bad it's funny.

Umm, the battery should have a release that you just pull for it to pop out. Anyhow, did you hold the off-button pressed for 5+ seconds like I told you? That should bypass the hibernation setting and simply cut the power, shutting it down.

Just the windows firewall. And it apparently sucks a monkey's ass.

http://zonelabs.com

Just the windows firewall. And it apparently sucks a monkey's ass.

Very. There are free firewalls out there - I hear good things about Zonealarm.

But it's PORN....who can resist?
Nobody can. It's human nature.

*zombie look*

Pooooooorrrrrrrrn!!!!

Power button useless....and my husband left me with no tools....I need to unscrew the battery pack (I'm not even sure which panel it is...fuck I don't even know this stupid computer DIE COMPUTER DIE!) and I actually thought of this, but my butter knives won't turn the screw.

This is so bad it's funny.


Leave it on until the battery dies completely.....

That's how I often wish to deal with technology.

This whole spyware, adware, malware, fuckupyourcomputerware is worse than straight out viruses! How the hell do you protect yourself from them? Anti-virus programs only catch some of the crap, and often miss the adware completely. Is there anything out there that is rock-solid?
Nothing is rock solid, but I have been running Windows XP with Firefox for browsing and Limewire & Bittorrent for downloads and run no Anti-virus. Someone who is not able to install a program with Windows uses the PC and I have no problems at all.

Just the windows firewall. And it apparently sucks a monkey's ass.

Bad mental image here >_<

Just the windows firewall. And it apparently sucks a monkey's ass.
Its alright ... its powerfull as far as it goes ... just can not coustomize it as well to fit your usage

Think of it as a guy having a loose condom ... it can be fine but you do better if you have something that you can make fit you right

I don't know what hibernation is, but you must be able to get it to boot from the start somehow, I hope (do this with windows install CD in drive). Try taking out the battery if you have no other way to reset it (actually, shouldn't there be a reset button on it that will get it to reboot?) Laptops are a bit touchy...I know there is some manual way to shut it down, but I can't for the life of me figure it out. I even let my toddler bang on it...she always manages to shut it down when I DON'T want her to...I think the battery might be the only way to shut it down completely right now...I can't access the START menu, or do anything else to the computer, and hibernate mode means your computer is still partially running, and you don't get the chance to get into BIOS.


Oh, and like Fass said, use Firefox in future if you dont alreadyAlright...Firefox...I'll keep that in mind if I ever get this damn thing working.

Very. There are free firewalls out there - I hear good things about Zonealarm.
It's what I use on my home comp. If it's good enough for this tech, it's good enough for anyone! :D

Very. There are free firewalls out there - I hear good things about Zonealarm.
Zone alarm is alright ... very userfriendly

I go more for sygate or kerio myself

That or if I am on my BSD box I use IPFW

It's what I use on my home comp. If it's good enough for this tech, it's good enough for anyone! :D

Some of us just use hardware firewalls. :P

Power button useless....and my husband left me with no tools....I need to unscrew the battery pack (I'm not even sure which panel it is...fuck I don't even know this stupid computer DIE COMPUTER DIE!) and I actually thought of this, but my butter knives won't turn the screw.

This is so bad it's funny.
To make the battery die faster:

1. Plug in all the devices you have that do not have their own power plugs. Turn them on.
2. Run a bunch of programs that lag alot. Virus-scans, games, and large videos are good.
3. Turn off your screensaver and hibernate functions.

Umm, the battery should have a release that you just pull for it to pop out.
Yeah, that's what I'm used to...my work computer has it set up like that, but for some reason my home laptop doesn't...there are five panels on the bottom, all that need to be unscrewed to open, and I've got a good guess, but am not entirely certain which is the battery...and the last thing I need to do is start poking my big stupid fingers into some circuitry by accident.


Anyhow, did you hold the off-button pressed for 5+ seconds like I told you? That should bypass the hibernation setting and simply cut the power, shutting it down.It doesn't. Bypass hibernation I mean. For whatever reason it just doesn't. There has to be another manual way, but it's a friggin enigma to me right now *considers the sledgehammer option more seriously*

Some of us just use hardware firewalls. :P
I use them too ... but nothing is as good as a good old ipless filtering gateway

:)

Leave it on until the battery dies completely.....
I'm doing that right now...do you think it would serve the same purpose as removing the battery? Dobb I hope so.

System FUCKING Restore. Before you start reformatting and then hunting for the Windows CD you long since lsot or used as a coaster and now lo longer loads, ALWAYS try using System Restore. Hell, if you're anything like me your security key is currently stuck to the bottem a blank CD Case, which is housing a burnt Barbra Streishand CD and sitting in long forgotten corner of your office...

Moral of the story? System Restore, for christ's sake!

It doesn't. Bypass hibernation I mean. For whatever reason it just doesn't. There has to be another manual way, but it's a friggin enigma to me right now *considers the sledgehammer option more seriously*

If you can still access the Control Panel, go to Energy Options* and go into the Advanced tab. There's an option there for what the computer should do when you push the on/off button. Choose: "Turn off computer." Push the button. Does it work?

*These are all direct translations from the Swedish version. The wording is probably different in English.

For whatever reason it just doesn't. There has to be another manual way, but it's a friggin enigma to me right now *considers the sledgehammer option more seriously*

Running Doom 3 on it in a slow oven might coax the cpu thermal protection to kick in before it melts. :)

To make the battery die faster:

1. Plug in all the devices you have that do not have their own power plugs. Turn them on.
2. Run a bunch of programs that lag alot. Virus-scans, games, and large videos are good.
3. Turn off your screensaver and hibernate functions.
Can't do #2 or #3.

Also, before it returns from hibernate, it should go through the BIOS thing in the beginning just like when you normally boot, so you should be able to get into BIOS settings... just a thought... I just tried it on my comp and it worked:

BIOS thing first, and then it did the whole "Restoring windows" thing with the progress bar.

System FUCKING Restore. Before you start reformatting and then hunting for the Windows CD you long since lsot or used as a coaster and now lo longer loads, ALWAYS try using System Restore. Hell, if you're anything like me your security key is currently stuck to the bottem a blank CD Case, which is housing a burnt Barbra Streishand CD and sitting in long forgotten corner of your office...

Moral of the story? System Restore, for christ's sake!
:headbang: I. Can't. Do. A. Damn. Thing. Can't get into the Start Menu. Can't get into BIOS. Reformatting at this point is the only damn option and it isn't much of one because I can't run the disk. I know it's weird...I've had to reformat plenty of times through BIOS and had no problems before, but whatever is on my computer right now won't let me do anything, won't accept a single keystroke or let me enter any commands, and I can't shut the damn thing right down.

Dual boot with Ubuntu linux, so if something horrible happens you can still get on the web to see what you did wrong. Like someone said above, remove the battery and unplug it, it should shutdown (if it doesn't..... you have a demon laptop.)

Also, when it returns from hibernate, it should go through the BIOS thing in the beginning just like when you normally boot, so you should be able to get into BIOS settings... just a thought...
Yeah, you'd think so...but it skips BIOS...I've been hitting delete, then I tried f1, but a friend told me that I wasn't able to get in because coming out of hibernation, it's not actually rebooting, so that's why I can't access BIOS.

Dual boot with Ubuntu linux, so if something horrible happens you can still get on the web to see what you did wrong. Like someone said above, remove the battery and unplug it, it should shutdown (if it doesn't..... you have a demon laptop.)
I've always wanted a demon laptop...well, I've got it running on battery...only four more hours until the damn battery dies....(no tools to remove the battery, and making tools out of cutlery is going to do more damage than the virus:))

Yeah, you'd think so...but it skips BIOS...I've been hitting delete, then I tried f1, but a friend told me that I wasn't able to get in because coming out of hibernation, it's not actually rebooting, so that's why I can't access BIOS.
mmm... for once a serious answer.

Uhh maybe try uninstalling hibernation support. :confused:

Yeah, you'd think so...but it skips BIOS...I've been hitting delete, then I tried f1, but a friend told me that I wasn't able to get in because coming out of hibernation, it's not actually rebooting, so that's why I can't access BIOS.

Sometimes it's F2. But really, is this the quick "suspend to ram" thing or does it really act like it shuts down the computer and writes everything to disk? Because if it is the true latter hibernate, it has to go through the BIOS thing because it does shut down the computer and when you turn it back on, it has to "boot" the image of everything in ram that it saved when it went into hibernation.

I did it, and that's what it does: Before the progress bar thing, the bios screen shows up. Really, the holding of the off-button for like 10 seconds didn't work? Because that has never, ever failed me...

mmm... for once a serious answer.

Uhh maybe try uninstalling hibernation support. :confused:
If I could get into my computer enough to uninstall something, I'd probably skip that, shut the fucker down, and wipe the drive.

That's IT! I'm BREAKING OUT THE CHEESE TO GO WITH MY WHINE!

I've always wanted a demon laptop...well, I've got it running on battery...only four more hours until the damn battery dies....(no tools to remove the battery, and making tools out of cutlery is going to do more damage than the virus:))

the battery can't be removed? there is no button or release switch?

If I could get into my computer enough to uninstall something, I'd probably skip that, shut the fucker down, and wipe the drive.

That's IT! I'm BREAKING OUT THE CHEESE TO GO WITH MY WHINE!

Stick the POS in the oven. :D

:headbang: I. Can't. Do. A. Damn. Thing. Can't get into the Start Menu. Can't get into BIOS. Reformatting at this point is the only damn option and it isn't much of one because I can't run the disk. I know it's weird...I've had to reformat plenty of times through BIOS and had no problems before, but whatever is on my computer right now won't let me do anything, won't accept a single keystroke or let me enter any commands, and I can't shut the damn thing right down.
Then you're screwed. Quietly pack you computer into a box, wrap a chain around the box, place the chain and box into your car, drive to the nearest bridge, strap chain to neck, hurle box over side, jump.

Sometimes it's F2. But really, is this the quick "suspend to ram" thing or does it really act like it shuts down the computer and writes everything to disk? Because if it is the true latter hibernate, it has to go through the BIOS thing because it does shut down the computer and when you turn it back on, it has to "boot" the image of everything in ram that it saved when it went into hibernation.

I did it, and that's what it does: Before the progress bar thing, the bios screen shows up. Really, the holding of the off-button for like 10 seconds didn't work? Because that has never, ever failed me...
Alright. Only because I have grown very fond of you will I do this yet again. I will try F2. Holding the button for five seconds...okay, it's "off". Hitting the on button, letting it boot back up...there is the progress bar, but nothing before it...not a thing...it jumps straight from a black screen to the progress bar.

I can move the cursor around, but it shows 'busy' when I pass over anything and won't let me select anything. I can't seem to bring up the start menu with the keyboard.

Oh, and the icon of the program that killed my computer is now visible...it's called XoftSpy, and the fucking site even came with all these 'happy customer' testimonials....

the battery can't be removed? there is no button or release switch?
No. It's an old laptop, maybe they didn't mean for you to take the battery out five years ago...it's screwed in, and like I said, I'm not sure which one it is, and I have no way of opening it. Which is really the problem...because if this was just a regular PC I could shut it down manually, and I wouldn't be here complaining to you guys:)

I downloaded spybot. I had avast anti-virus, and even some special adware/spyware remover that focussed on CoolWeb crap (which replaces your homepage with about: blank). I figured I was doing pretty good...made sure all my service packs and patches were up-to-date. Then BOOM! I click on some site, and my computer freezes, working frantically to install no less than 72 assorted cookies and files on my computer. Popups everywhere! I run avast and spybot, axe a few, buy more keep coming...then I get the stupid spytrooper popups, disguising themselves as microsoft anti-virus alerts.

Now, I'm not a frigging computer genius, but even I quickly figured out that the site I kept getting sent to(the spy trooper site, which claims to be an anti-spyware site) is some sort of bullshit site to get you to download more viruses. So I did a bit of googling about spytrooper, and found some help files and some ideas of how to remove it, but then I had to restart my computer, and for some insane reason when I booted back up, I didn't go back to those help files, I googled again and found a free scanner that was supposed to axe spytrooper. It was X...something or other...and the second I let it 'scan' my computer all hell broke loose. Everything froze completely and I realised I'd just fallen for the same trick I had thought I was too smart for. I'm a fucking moron.

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

I'm pretty pissed off. These sites, masquerading as anti-virus, or spy-ware removers...how can they get away with that shit??? And what the hell can I do now? RAH!
Just yank out the battery of your laptop. Then slap it back in. Screw the potential data loss. As for the OS, insert your Windows CD and go through like you're going to reinstall, except don't choose to repair the installation, choose to write over the installation. That should get rid of the infected OS, but keep your files intact.

Then you're screwed. Quietly pack you computer into a box, wrap a chain around the box, place the chain and box into your car, drive to the nearest bridge, strap chain to neck, hurle box over side, jump.
Not that I'm not tempted...I think I'll just wait for the battery to die:) Hopefully that will be the key to this whole mess.

Alright. Only because I have grown very fond of you will I do this yet again. I will try F2. Holding the button for five seconds...okay, it's "off". Hitting the on button, letting it boot back up...there is the progress bar, but nothing before it...not a thing...it jumps straight from a black screen to the progress bar.

Under the progress bar, does it say "Press F8 for start options"? If it does, hold F8 as you bring it back from hibernation. That gave me a menu where I could chose to get rid of the hibernation data and boot normally.

What also worked with me was holding the "Enter bios" F(Insert number here) as I pressed the on butting to turn the comp on. It got me straight into the bios settings.

Under the progress bar, does it say "Press F8 for start options"? If it does, hold F8 as you bring it back from hibernation. That gave me a meny where I could chose to get rid of the hibernation data and boot normally. If it did give me an option, any option, I'd have taken it.

What also worked with me was holding the "Enter bios" F(Insert number here) as I pressed the on butting to turn the comp on. It got me straight into the bios settings.I will try this.

Didn't work. *hangs head* Man, I really screwed it up this time. And I have to wonder...was it worth it? Was that beautiful asian porn worth it!!!???

If it did give me an option, any option, I'd have taken it.

If it doesn't give you the "Press F8" under the progress bar, then it's not in "suspend to disk" hibernation, which would explain why my tips haven't worked. Booh!

Didn't work. *hangs head* Man, I really screwed it up this time. And I have to wonder...was it worth it? Was that beautiful asian porn worth it!!!???

Shut your mouth! Porn is always worth it!

If it doesn't give you the "Press F8" under the progress bar, then it's not in "suspend to disk" hibernation, which would explain why my tips haven't worked. Booh!
I don't know WHAT the hell mode it's in...

Shut your mouth! Porn is always worth it!
Thank you. I was starting to lose perspective! *weeps in relief*

I don't get it...I'm looking into this XoftSpy stuff...all these sites claiming it's legit...but I'm sure it's what crashed my computer in the first place...and the SpyTrooper shit...also looks legit...WTF??

Ah...finally I found a site that confirms my suspicions: Fake Spy-ware removers (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm)

Ah...finally I found a site that confirms my suspicions: Fake Spy-ware removers (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm)
Oh wait...it says that XoftSpy has straightened up it's act...shite...

Battery still going strong?

Dual boot with Ubuntu linux, so if something horrible happens you can still get on the web to see what you did wrong. Like someone said above, remove the battery and unplug it, it should shutdown (if it doesn't..... you have a demon laptop.)
Now did you truly mean dualboot or boot off of a live cd?

Now did you truly mean dualboot or boot off of a live cd?

Still won't help her if she can't get into bios to set it to boot off a cd...

:headbang: I. Can't. Do. A. Damn. Thing. Can't get into the Start Menu. Can't get into BIOS. Reformatting at this point is the only damn option and it isn't much of one because I can't run the disk. I know it's weird...I've had to reformat plenty of times through BIOS and had no problems before, but whatever is on my computer right now won't let me do anything, won't accept a single keystroke or let me enter any commands, and I can't shut the damn thing right down.

Go to Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/) and run the scan. This may find what has caused your PC to take a shit on you.

Go to Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/) and run the scan. This may find what has caused your PC to take a shit on you.

"I. Can't. Do. A. Damn. Thing."

"I. Can't. Do. A. Damn. Thing."

Well shit. I say sledge it. You have a shotgun?

My mom tells me that Hibernation mode actually HELPS spyware/malware/etc. yikes.

I downloaded spybot. I had avast anti-virus, and even some special adware/spyware remover that focussed on CoolWeb crap (which replaces your homepage with about: blank). I figured I was doing pretty good...made sure all my service packs and patches were up-to-date. Then BOOM! I click on some site, and my computer freezes, working frantically to install no less than 72 assorted cookies and files on my computer. Popups everywhere! I run avast and spybot, axe a few, buy more keep coming...then I get the stupid spytrooper popups, disguising themselves as microsoft anti-virus alerts.

Now, I'm not a frigging computer genius, but even I quickly figured out that the site I kept getting sent to(the spy trooper site, which claims to be an anti-spyware site) is some sort of bullshit site to get you to download more viruses. So I did a bit of googling about spytrooper, and found some help files and some ideas of how to remove it, but then I had to restart my computer, and for some insane reason when I booted back up, I didn't go back to those help files, I googled again and found a free scanner that was supposed to axe spytrooper. It was X...something or other...and the second I let it 'scan' my computer all hell broke loose. Everything froze completely and I realised I'd just fallen for the same trick I had thought I was too smart for. I'm a fucking moron.

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

I'm pretty pissed off. These sites, masquerading as anti-virus, or spy-ware removers...how can they get away with that shit??? And what the hell can I do now? RAH!

Suggestions that won't work:
I can't take the battery out...I need a screwdriver to do that, but I don't have one, and no it does not just pop out. Nor can I shut the computer down or do ANYTHING at all via the start menu, or BIOS (because I can't get into the BIOS).


A) Unplug your computer and wait 30 - 45 seconds then reboot and reformat.
B) Take it to your nearest computer repair store and have them clean remove all that nasty stuff (they have all kinds of special software for this type of thing. I have done this twice before. They'll onlt charge you around $20. Well worth it, since it will free up your resources and bring them up to around 99% free.

Sinahue, I'm not going to claim to be an expert here, but I know that when the shit hits the fan, perhaps you should just toss the damn computer into a tub. You'll even see the viruses lash out in the form of electric shocks as they flounder and die in the vastly superior body of water!

I got spysheriff twice.

The first time, I ran a special program (which had to be run in safe mode) designed to kill it then this "ewido" program that took 4 hours to scan my HD, and it was gone.

The second time, the special program wouldnt delete it, but it would shut down windows explorer completely, which i then managed to reset and use system restore to fix.

Still won't help her if she can't get into bios to set it to boot off a cd...
I leave my BIOS set to boot from CD then removable devices (ie USB). I don't do it in case I am unable to load to BIOS, I am just too lazy to switch it.:p

Fuck that.

Well, it's actually good advice.

But it's PORN....who can resist?

I look at porn all the time and have no virii or adware.

1. Hold the button pressed for like five seconds. That should shut it down. If not, unplug it and remove the battery with windows still running. That should work.

2. Get Firefox or Opera.

3. Throw in a firewall, too, if you didn't have that already.

Good advice. I use Kerio Firewall, the free version. Not sure if it has been the Kerio or the Firefox.. but I haven't had any problems since. I use to keep viruses on Internet Explorer.

Sinuhue: I hope you get this figured out(I'm certain you will :)). It has been so long since I fixed mine, that I can't remember how I got it to go into the section to format.

P.S. Just saw where you don't have a screwdriver -LOL- Buy a couple of screwdrivers, label them herpower ..for identification purposes incase your hubby finds them and takes them and stashes them in his toolbox thingy!

Buy a couple of screwdrivers

I have to say, this sounds to me like a better suggestion than inciting your battery to commit suicide... But then I'm no computer expert...

For future reference, get a copy of Norton Ghost, and do a backup every few days. You'll never need to worry again.

I believe strongly in free software.

I use the following:

AVG antivirus.
Spybot.
Ad-aware

Hijackthis.

All free.

Hijackthis is what you were looking for.
Its not as fool-proof to use as spybot or adaware, and you MUST make a back up file, if you dont know exactly what you are attempting to delete, but it will eliminate those nasty hijackers that take you to a different site, instead of your selected homepage.

Since I built this system, I have never gotten a virus, or spyware, mal-ware or anything that couldnt be removed with the click of a button.

Having these programs, and keeping them updated, means usually never having to fret.

Staying away from questionable sites is your first priority.

I can't reformat. That's the problem. I can boot up, but because it's booting from hibernation, and not shut-down, I can't get into my BIOS. The computer is completely frozen once it boots up...it won't let the disk run to begin reformatting. What I need to figure out right now is how to manually shut my laptop down...and it's like five years old, and I no longer have the manual. Before you ask...the off button only makes it sleep...it doesn't shut it down.
if not already suggested, you can press F8 (i think it is) during hibernation boot to give you some more options. select cancel hibernate and go for full boot (or whatever the actual words are) and you should be able to get to command prompt/safe mode etc etc


edit: i use avast and ad-aware (paid for the on-access protection thingy too) and i never seem to get any problems

With Toshiba laptops, they usually have a "NUKE THE HDD" recovery CD. I basically puts a Toshiba install on the PC.

*prays for Sinuhue's computer to be exorcised*

Did you try hitting it with a stick or bat?

I would personally clear the CMOS, and re-install the OS.
Clearing the CMOS, usually takes the BIOS to its factory install.
This is assuming you cant even boot the machine in safe mode.


Then you have to re-install the OS, and download the programs I mentioned earlier.

Im a (nearly) certified tech, so I know a thing or two.


I should also mention that by telling you to clear the CMOS, and resetting your BIOS, Im assuming you know what those are.
If you do not, dont monkey around in the inside of your machine.
Take it to someone who kows what they are doing.

Basically, it sounds as though you picked up some nasty viruses and trojans.
Sadly, it seems your HDD will need to be wiped.

Another little hint for you, and others who use XP, my A+ Teacher always said to turn off the system restore.
It seems occasionally, you can get a virus, and the SR can actually save the virus, only to re-install it when you restore your system.
I personally have never encountered this, but to me, it sounds logical.
I have mine turned off, and have never had to wipe and re-install.

I use ZoneLabs Internet Security Suite 6 (or ZISS6), Adaware SE (free) and Spybot 1.4 (free). I only run Windows XP SP1 and don't the Windows firewall as ZISS6 has the best Windows firewall about.

You should take it to a computer store.

Or a friend who is good with computers.

But then that's just what I'd do.

I use ZoneLabs Internet Security Suite 6 (or ZISS6), Adaware SE (free) and Spybot 1.4 (free). I only run Windows XP SP1 and don't the Windows firewall as ZISS6 has the best Windows firewall about.


Perfect.

You should also be running an anti-virus as well.
I suggest AVG 7.0 ..works great, and its free.
It does however, update nearly every day, but very quickly, so its not tedious.

Perfect.

You should also be running an anti-virus as well.
I suggest AVG 7.0 ..works great, and its free.
It does however, update nearly every day, but very quickly, so its not tedious.

VET is part of ZISS6 but the anti-spam module is ... err.. the kind to reboot the PC.

Laptops are a bit touchy...I know there is some manual way to shut it down, but I can't for the life of me figure it out. I even let my toddler bang on it...she always manages to shut it down when I DON'T want her to...I think the battery might be the only way to shut it down completely right now...I can't access the START menu, or do anything else to the computer, and hibernate mode means your computer is still partially running, and you don't get the chance to get into BIOS.


Alright...Firefox...I'll keep that in mind if I ever get this damn thing working.

The majority of lap tops should have a reset button on them some where (NOT the power button). This is usually in a recessed hole (similar to the holes the screws are in) which you need a paper clip or pin to reach with. This is put on laptops (and PCs) for situations like what you are in. If you had the manual this would have helped as it would have told you where to look.

sorry, foregot to add that this restarts the computer and so allows you to access your BIOS and so reformat your computer (if that is what you wish to do)

If you can't shut it down or reset it:


-Unplug it.

-Wait 4 hours until the battery runs out.


But anyway, there should be a small resessed hole (usually near the power socket) with the reset switch concealed in there. Poke a cocktail stick in there and it'll reset.

And yeah, don't use Internet Explorer, it's rubbish. Get Firefox.


I've no idea why you'd want to get to the BIOS in order to format your hard drive, that just sounds silly to me. The BIOS is used for other stuff which you shouldn't need to be dealing with.

Anyway, don't format it, just download ewido security suite's 30 day trial and let it loose on your hd, it's better than ad-aware, AVG & spybot in my experience, but you have to pay if you want to use it after 30 days :rolleyes:

I believe strongly in free software.

I use the following:

AVG antivirus.
Spybot.
Ad-aware

Hijackthis.

All free.

Hijackthis is what you were looking for.
Its not as fool-proof to use as spybot or adaware, and you MUST make a back up file, if you dont know exactly what you are attempting to delete, but it will eliminate those nasty hijackers that take you to a different site, instead of your selected homepage.

Since I built this system, I have never gotten a virus, or spyware, mal-ware or anything that couldnt be removed with the click of a button.

Having these programs, and keeping them updated, means usually never having to fret.

Staying away from questionable sites is your first priority.

Also Microsoft Anti-Spyware and Spyware Blaster.

That's how I often wish to deal with technology.

This whole spyware, adware, malware, fuckupyourcomputerware is worse than straight out viruses! How the hell do you protect yourself from them? Anti-virus programs only catch some of the crap, and often miss the adware completely. Is there anything out there that is rock-solid?


as "rock solid" as their latest update.

I know nothing of technology. I understand your frustration.

When I take control, people and places that create and distribute viruses will be hunted like vermin and destroyed.

But anyway, there should be a small resessed hole (usually near the power socket) with the reset switch concealed in there. Poke a cocktail stick in there and it'll reset.




She doesnt have access to a screwdriver. Somehow, I imagine she DOES have a cocktail stirrer available.

Is there anything out there that is rock-solid?


*cough*

I'm not sure an answer to that would be on topic... ;)

(What? I was thinking of... snow. Yeah. That's it. Snow. Completely off topic.)


If you can't shut it down or reset it:


-Unplug it.

-Wait 4 hours until the battery runs out.



I still think a better idea would be to buy a screwdriver to remove your hard disk. Though letting the battery run out is a better solution than killing it.

(What? I was thinking of... snow. Yeah. That's it. Snow. Completely off topic.)



you dirty bastard :D

I also have a laptop but it's really a mobile desktop with no battery.
Managed to get rid of a few spyware attackings using Spybot, Adaware and err ... registry hacking. Not for faint hearted.

Right to bypass Hibernation, just press F8 before the hibernation screen comes up (so press it madly while it is going through the BIOS) or when the hibernation screen comes up, press F8 and then select Delete Hibernation data and start normally or something.

As for the rest of the crap on your computer...if you literally cannot do anything, as in it freezes straight after start up, press CTRL+ALT+DEL and a window will appear, then click processes, and close every process that have you as the User, i.e. a name and not something like SYSTEM, you can press the Memory Usage tab (last one on the right) twice and close down the programs which are using the highest CPU/Memory usage which will be at the top and this should then free up some resources and make everything go faster.

Once your computer has some resources to deal with (after closing down processes) go Start-->Run-->'msconfig' and a window will pop up. Go to the end tab Startup and select 'Disable All' and restart.

This is called a clean boot and basically nothing will load on your next boot of windows. If this has solved your problem you need to go back into msconfig and enable a startup process one by one and restart each time till the problem comes back and then you know which process is the infected file. Simply do not tick this process and then move onto the rest and repeat, you have to do all of them because more than one file or process might be infected.

A little shortcut is to skip over all files with the directory they are located in being windows\system32 or anything other than windows\*internet related folder* as it is unlikely spyware or viruses (unless they are really good) will move around to different folders, they will probs be in the program files folder or the temp internet files folder.

If this does not work, or you are not confident doing the above you should take it to a guy that knows what he is doing, i.e. a computer store.

Graham Harvey

S -

Given that you are now on a compuer, google the make and model of the laptop and see if there is a manual on line. If not, and you can find something to use for a screwdriver, open the biggest panel. The battery is bigger than the drives or the memory. Interrupt the battery and restart it. Disconnect the network connection. Keep tapping F8 until you get to the boot options menu. See if it will boot in safe mode. Spybot will run in safe mode. There is a startup tool in spybot that will let you disable anything that msconfig thinks it should start at boot time, and spybot is pretty good at identifying what is there. Then see the BHO tool in spybot and disable those. Then run a bot scan, still in safe mode, and hopefully clean out the bots. If you can get to add/remove programs, get rid of anything suspicious. Then maybe you can reboot.

what model toshiba is it?

For future reference, get a copy of Norton Ghost, and do a backup every few days. You'll never need to worry again.
OK, I'll try again.

For future reference, get a copy of Norton Ghost, and do a backup every few days. You'll never need to worry again.

I'm really not joking. This is the best computer advice anybody will ever give you.

OK, I'll try again.

For future reference, get a copy of Norton Ghost, and do a backup every few days. You'll never need to worry again.

I'm really not joking. This is the best computer advice anybody will ever give you.

it looks less obnoxious when it's not in big letters like that.

*raises cricket bat ready to strike any tosspot who says "buy a mac instead lololol"*

Oh, also for future ref. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

It's legit, you have my word on it. :)

99.9% of the laptops i've seen do not require a screw to be removed to swap out the batteries. I've looked at a couple of models in the Toshiba Satellite range and they both had release latches, not a screw for removal. I'm sure this point is a little moot atm, but if you turn the laptop over, w/ the front facing you, there should be a little release latch that has a battery icon next to it. The battery is probably also near this latch. If you push it to whichever side it's not, and then (while holding the release latch) turn the laptop right side up again, the battery will probably fall out. If you give me the model # of the satellite, i can probably get you clearer instructions.

Thanks

it looks less obnoxious when it's not in big letters like that.
Yea, but I already tried and it got ignored.

It really is the best advice you will get.

It backs up everything on your hard drive to an image. If your computer frigs itself, you stick in the disk (which contains its own operating system) and you can restore to any back up you made. Even when it seems to be beyond repair. It brings it right back to where it was when you made that backup. You can go back to any time you made a backup too. It's like XP system restore, but it backs up everything (programs, documents, everything, it just makes an exact copy of your drive) and you can fix it even when XP is way beyond system restore broken.

BTW - best free adware cleaner = Ad-Aware SE Personal

Yea, but I already tried and it got ignored.

It really is the best advice you will get.

It backs up everything on your hard drive to an image. If your computer frigs itself, you stick in the disk (which contains its own operating system) and you can restore to any back up you made. Even when it seems to be beyond repair. It brings it right back to where it was when you made that backup. You can go back to any time you made a backup too. It's like XP system restore, but it backs up everything (programs, documents, everything, it just makes an exact copy of your drive) and you can fix it even when XP is way beyond system restore broken.

i'm aware of what norton ghost can do. ;) use it at work all the time. Plus, there's a slim chance she won't be able to use it as she may not have a cd burner (unless she purchased an external one)

BTW - best free adware cleaner = Ad-Aware SE Personal
which you can get at www.download.com, or cnet i think... but it doesn't stop them from happening, it just cleans them. (it would stop them if you purchased it).

Also, the newer versions of anti-virus software (norton/mcafee) have built in adware blockers.

BTW - best free adware cleaner = Ad-Aware SE Personal
Not exactly. It is the best at tossing out tracking cookies. Microsoft Anti-Spyware is more powerful (or has less ignore rules put into it). Spybot S&D also gets stuff Ad-Aware won't pick up (mostly programs, dialers, and such). There is no "best" you have to run a combo of them to get everything.

I would also suggest occasionally scanning with Trend-Micro's Housecall which detects viruses, trojans, and spyware, and Panda Activescan which also detects all of those (though the free version won't remove anything but viruses, worms and trojans).

Microsoft Anti-Spyware blocks stuff and watches installs of certain items, Spybot's Tea-timer does that more annoyingly and has a blocker for certain webpages or something and Spyware Blaster prevents you from downloading or installing or something stuff from certain sites.

I downloaded spybot. I had avast anti-virus, and even some special adware/spyware remover that focussed on CoolWeb crap (which replaces your homepage with about: blank). I figured I was doing pretty good...made sure all my service packs and patches were up-to-date. Then BOOM! I click on some site, and my computer freezes, working frantically to install no less than 72 assorted cookies and files on my computer. Popups everywhere! I run avast and spybot, axe a few, buy more keep coming...then I get the stupid spytrooper popups, disguising themselves as microsoft anti-virus alerts.

Now, I'm not a frigging computer genius, but even I quickly figured out that the site I kept getting sent to(the spy trooper site, which claims to be an anti-spyware site) is some sort of bullshit site to get you to download more viruses. So I did a bit of googling about spytrooper, and found some help files and some ideas of how to remove it, but then I had to restart my computer, and for some insane reason when I booted back up, I didn't go back to those help files, I googled again and found a free scanner that was supposed to axe spytrooper. It was X...something or other...and the second I let it 'scan' my computer all hell broke loose. Everything froze completely and I realised I'd just fallen for the same trick I had thought I was too smart for. I'm a fucking moron.

Now, I can't even shut my laptop down (the off button only puts it into hibernation mode) and get into my BIOS to reformat my computer and reinstall the OS.

I'm pretty pissed off. These sites, masquerading as anti-virus, or spy-ware removers...how can they get away with that shit??? And what the hell can I do now? RAH!

Suggestions that won't work:
I can't take the battery out...I need a screwdriver to do that, but I don't have one, and no it does not just pop out. Nor can I shut the computer down or do ANYTHING at all via the start menu, or BIOS (because I can't get into the BIOS).


If you are running windows XP do a system restore

I'm afraid I can't give you any advice that hasn't already been offered - but I can tell you what works for me.
(including surfing some sites people might regard "unsafe" :fluffle: )

So I'm still running Win98SE but all these work fine (and better) with WinXP:

AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic

Ad-Aware

Spywareblaster

Spybot Search&Destroy

Sygate Personal Firewall

All free, all effective - what else can you wish for?

BTW, good to have you back, Sinuhue.

P.S.: "Broken" is spelled kaputt in proper German ;)

Are you just trying to shutdown the computer?

Point being, if you just want to shut your computer down so you can reformat, just open up DOS and type shutdown -s. Not sure why that wouldn't work. Then again I stopped reading at the third page, so I'm sure that's been suggested.

Does your laptop have a floppy drive? You could make a windows boot disc and then run that from boot. (assuming floppy is the first boot device)

P.S.: "Broken" is spelled kaputt in proper German ;)
But she's speaking English!!!!

I'm afraid I can't give you any advice that hasn't already been offered - but I can tell you what works for me.
(including surfing some sites people might regard "unsafe" :fluffle: )

So I'm still running Win98SE but all these work fine (and better) with WinXP:

AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic

Ad-Aware

Spywareblaster

Spybot Search&Destroy

Sygate Personal Firewall

All free, all effective - what else can you wish for?

BTW, good to have you back, Sinuhue.

P.S.: "Broken" is spelled kaputt in proper German ;)

Finally, someone else than uses AntiVir. AntiVir is one of the best antivirus apps. I also like AntiVir's real time monitor, catches almost everything.

But she's speaking English!!!!
And that's why it's a post scriptum just giving information to Sinuhue and not "OMG, you don't know how to spell correctly". :D

Finally, someone else than uses AntiVir. AntiVir is one of the best antivirus apps. I also like AntiVir's real time monitor, catches almost everything.
I used to have Norton AV installed and all it ever did was slow down my system tremendously. AntiVir is just great.

Sinuhue, there is a TG for you. I'm sorry to hear of your computer woes - my SO and I are currently having to time share my computer due to a particularly massive breakdown on our second machine a few days ago.

But not all is so terribly bad - I kinda slept-walked my way into a full-time salaried gig starting Monday morning. Details Monday.

Point being, if you just want to shut your computer down so you can reformat, just open up DOS and type shutdown -s. Not sure why that wouldn't work. Then again I stopped reading at the third page, so I'm sure that's been suggested.
From what I know she can't open up DOS, here start menu won't load and keyboard shortcuts aren't working.

Has anyone suggested ctrl-alt-del and shutting down any system processes that look odd and / or using the shutdown button there?

Has anyone suggested ctrl-alt-del and shutting down any system processes that look odd and / or using the shutdown button there?
Thats a good idea. IIRC, there is a problem with her keyboard, so it may not work. The task manager can be opened by Ctrl-Shift-del or rightclicking the taskbar.

I would suggest going to to the website of the company that made her hard drive and looking for a diagnostic program that can perform low level formats.

Run all the diagnostics in the program, especially the low level format. Wipes a hard drive super clean. Much better than a normal format c:

Everyone who has tried to help me out with this...THANK YOU. At the least, I know have a better idea of what to install when I finally get that damn thing up and running. And update:

I let the battery run out. It took literally forever...once the main power drained, it shut itself down and that last little bit of power took 12 hours to drain on 'life support'. I was finally able to boot it back up, get it into BIOS and run my system disk. I formatted, reinstalled, spent time downloading all the updates again, got spybot, adware, and zone alarm. Then I found F-Zone anti-virus, which I remember using a couple of years ago...but it didn't fully install, the computer froze again and the whole fucking thing crashed again. I jumped about in rage, frothed at the mouth, pounded my fist on the damn keyboard, swore in four languages, then I went to work and calmed down. I let the battery run down again, and started over. This time I'll forget the F-Zone, and stick with spybot, the ad-adware SE and zone alarm...and Nadkor, I will take your advice on the Norton Ghost.

I've never had my computer crash quite this bad, and I suspect I've managed to pick up something that has not been totally erased by the reformat. A colleague at work has some sort of disk the RCMP use to totally wipe their hard drives...I think I'll try that.

And maybe avoid SOME porn sites. :( That makes me very sad. Very sad indeed.

And maybe avoid SOME porn sites. :( That makes me very sad. Very sad indeed.

Porn sites are why we have the internet. They are its raison d’être.

Step 1: http://www.getfirefox.com
Step 2: Get Spybot: Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/)
Step 3: Don't download anything that seems even the least bit unscrupulous

You needn't stop looking at pr0n. I haven't had any problems with it at all.

Step 1: http://www.getfirefox.com
Step 2: Get Spybot: Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/)
Step 3: Don't download anything that seems even the least bit unscrupulous

You needn't stop looking at pr0n. I haven't had any problems with it at all.
I recommend Steps 1 & 3, be a bit carefully with Step 2. I have had problems with Spybot: S&D erasing the registry entries and whatnot of some programs that I wanted to keep. It would also be smart to install a good free firewall and some antivirus.

FYI-The only security measures I have taken on my computer is installing Firefox. However, my computer is so crumy that anti-virus programs slow my computer more than the viruses..

Get antivir!!!

Porn sites are why we have the internet. They are its raison d’être.
That, and NS to talk about it :D

i'm aware of what norton ghost can do. ;) use it at work all the time. Plus, there's a slim chance she won't be able to use it as she may not have a cd burner (unless she purchased an external one)
You don't need a CD burner...

Everyone who has tried to help me out with this...THANK YOU. At the least, I know have a better idea of what to install when I finally get that damn thing up and running. And update:

Thanks for the recap. Norton does sell a utility that really reformats the disk, instead of just erasing the file allocation table. The other thing to consider is the purchase of a new hard drive. Depending on your computer and your location, there may be some used drives for sale that would give you better performance (higher access speed and higher capacity) than you have now.

Good Luck.

just don't click yes on those goddamn activeX contols. :)

<snip>
i still want to know what model Toshiba Satellite you're using :P i would almost be willing to bet there's a release latch for the battery and not a screw.

Yea, but I already tried and it got ignored.

It really is the best advice you will get.

It backs up everything on your hard drive to an image. If your computer frigs itself, you stick in the disk (which contains its own operating system) and you can restore to any back up you made. Even when it seems to be beyond repair. It brings it right back to where it was when you made that backup. You can go back to any time you made a backup too. It's like XP system restore, but it backs up everything (programs, documents, everything, it just makes an exact copy of your drive) and you can fix it even when XP is way beyond system restore broken.

Yeah... but can it do all that WHILE it's fatally locked up, when you can't reset?

If not - then lovely though it may be, it's really no help in THIS situation.

Yeah... but can it do all that WHILE it's fatally locked up, when you can't reset?

If not - then lovely though it may be, it's really no help in THIS situation.
Yes. No matter how bad it gets, you restart, load the Norton Operating System disk, load your image, and it restores everything.

Yes. No matter how bad it gets, you restart, load the Norton Operating System disk, load your image, and it restores everything.

But - if you've been reading the posts... she CAN'T restart. It won't shut down, it just hibernates. And, when it's 'running', it is frozen.

But - if you've been reading the posts... she CAN'T restart. It won't shut down, it just hibernates. And, when it's 'running', it is frozen.
See the power switch? It gets used.

See the power switch? It gets used.

I tell you what... try going back through the thread, and actually READ the posts before you reply.

Norton Ghost is a GREAT idea. But totally IRRELEVENT when your computer won't shut down or restart.

Go read - she SAID it doesn't power-off properly, it just hibernates.

I tell you what... try going back through the thread, and actually READ the posts before you reply.

Norton Ghost is a GREAT idea. But totally IRRELEVENT when your computer won't shut down or restart.

Go read - she SAID it doesn't power-off properly, it just hibernates.

No, you could try reading my post. You turn the power switch off. At the plug. It has no power, so it turns off. Doesn't just hibernate. Because it can't.

Sure, it might corrupt your drive or something, so? Dosn't matter. You're reloading everything anyway.

Then you restart, load from the Norton Ghost disk, and viola.

No, you could try reading my post. You turn the power switch off. At the plug. It has no power, so it turns off. Doesn't just hibernate. Because it can't.

Sure, it might corrupt your drive or something, so? Dosn't matter. You're reloading everything anyway.

Then you restart, load from the Norton Ghost disk, and viola.
Psst laptop not desktop and she said she cant remove the battery

Psst laptop not desktop and she said she cant remove the battery
Let the battery run down.

I was assuming she had just plugged it into the mains and was running through that.

It's really not that difficult to work around.

Anyhow, it's too late for this time round. The computer's already screwed. I was just giving advice for whenever it's fixed, in case it happens again.

Let the battery run down.

I was assuming she had just plugged it into the mains and was running through that.

It's really not that difficult to work around.
We know was sugested PAGES ago lol

No, you could try reading my post. You turn the power switch off. At the plug. It has no power, so it turns off. Doesn't just hibernate. Because it can't.

Sure, it might corrupt your drive or something, so? Dosn't matter. You're reloading everything anyway.

Then you restart, load from the Norton Ghost disk, and viola.

I read your post, my friend... but you could save us both keystrokes by keeping up with the thread. She can't remove the battery, and it had something like 4 hours of charge left in it... The computer power-off just hibernates.

Thus - she can't shut down, and she can't restart.

I'm done. Read the thread, by all means. I'm not going to waste any more time debating what has already been said a number of times.

We know was sugested PAGES ago lol
Yea, I know, but Grave_n_idle seems to be intent on being as obtuse as possible.

i still want to know what model Toshiba Satellite you're using :P i would almost be willing to bet there's a release latch for the battery and not a screw.

i still want to know :P (just in case she missed the question)

I read your post, my friend... but you could save us both keystrokes by keeping up with the thread. She can't remove the battery, and it had something like 4 hours of charge left in it... The computer power-off just hibernates.

Thus - she can't shut down, and she can't restart.
Yes, she can. Leave it on for four hours until the battery dies. It then shuts down.

Yea, I know, but Grave_n_idle seems to be intent on being as obtuse as possible.
Not really ... while the runtime of a laptop is lets say 4 hourse

The stupid thing can sit in hibernate for what seems like forever

Which has been covered in the thread

In the end she will just have to go buy a cheep screwdriver pop that bat out and then bring her back up

Yes, she can. Leave it on for four hours until the battery dies. It then shuts down.
No it then goes into hibernate as well staying in that state for a lot longer then 4 hours (as the data is saved to HDD it can stay that way with very low power consumption for a LONG time)

Not really ... while the runtime of a laptop is lets say 4 hourse

The stupid thing can sit in hibernate for what seems like forever
So you don't let it go into hibernate.


Which has been covered in the thread

In the end she will just have to go buy a cheep screwdriver pop that bat out and then bring her back up
Another option for getting it to turn off ;)


Grave_n_idle was saying that Ghost would be useless because she can't shutdown. Obviously, there are ways.

No it then goes into hibernate as well staying in that state for a lot longer then 4 hours (as the data is saved to HDD it can stay that way with very low power consumption for a LONG time)
Right, so you don't let it go into hibernate.

I really don't see what the big problem is :confused:

So you don't let it go into hibernate.



Another option for getting it to turn off ;)


Grave_n_idle was saying that Ghost would be useless because she can't shutdown. Obviously, there are ways.
Not easily ...
and at this point making an image of what could be a faulty install is hardly recomended

At this point windows repair or reinstall are much more viable options

If the repair does not work use a live cd to grab the data and format

THEN when you are reinstalled and running fresh with everything installed you make an image (like you recomended) and make regular images so you can restore piece of cake

Right, so you don't let it go into hibernate.

I really don't see what the big problem is :confused:
Most laptops you CANT keep it from hibernating ... when the bat gets low you have NO OPTION

Now if she could change the power save settings she may have a choice ... BUT some laptops come with hardware based hibernation options

Not easily ...
and at this point making an image of what could be a faulty install is hardly recomended

...

THEN when you are reinstalled and running fresh with everything installed you make an image (like you recomended) and make regular images so you can restore piece of cake
I've already said that:

"Anyhow, it's too late for this time round. The computer's already screwed. I was just giving advice for whenever it's fixed, in case it happens again"

I was talking about if it happened again, and she couldn't restart.

Most laptops you CANT keep it from hibernating ... when the bat gets low you have NO OPTION

Now if she could change the power save settings she may have a choice ... BUT some laptops come with hardware based hibernation options

Meh, on my laptop it just bleeps and warns you every now and then when it's getting low, and then shutsdown when it's dead. No hibernating unless you tell it to.

I've already said that:

"Anyhow, it's too late for this time round. The computer's already screwed. I was just giving advice for whenever it's fixed, in case it happens again"

I was talking about if it happened again, and she couldn't restart.
Ahh most deffinatly ... though I preffer other methods it could be usefull

Meh, on my laptop it just bleeps and warns you every now and then when it's getting low, and then shutsdown when it's dead. No hibernating unless you tell it to.
Ahhh what brand of laptop? (just curious cause most I work on you get shunted to hibernate at a certian bat level)

Ahhh what brand of laptop? (just curious cause most I work on you get shunted to hibernate at a certian bat level)
You probably won't know it, it's a UK company...Tiny. They've gone bankrupt now, though.

so do any of you know the model type of her pc?

Get a mac. I've been using them all my life, no viruses, no adware, spyware, nothing that I know of.

Get a mac. I've been using them all my life, no viruses, no adware, spyware, nothing that I know of.

No compatible programs either :)



I don't know if this has been mentioned, but you should use AVG anti-virus. Great program that is constantly updating. Keep windows updated too.

*bump*

have we figured out the model # of her Toshiba Satellite yet?

Anybody seen Sinuhue around today?

No compatible programs either :)
Maybe a few years ago, but since OS X many programs have been made for both PC and Mac.

Maybe a few years ago, but since OS X many programs have been made for both PC and Mac.
Why screw with a sellout

Skip all the jiving around and go right to the source FreeBSD ignore that stupid darwin core

Why screw with a sellout

Skip all the jiving around and go right to the source FreeBSD ignore that stupid darwin core
Meh. I prefer Ubuntu to FreeBSD. Better driver support. You should note that better is relative to my hardware.

Anybody seen Sinuhue around today?

nope, and i'd really like an answer :P i found some toshiba user guides online and i wanna see if the battery requires a screw to remove it.

so do any of you know the model type of her pc?
It's a Toshiba Satellite 1400. But I've fixed it. And I'm not a complete idiot...just an idiot. Trust me. The battery needs a screwdriver to get it out. Sheesh. Next you'll be asking if I know where the on button is!

It's a Toshiba Satellite 1400. But I've fixed it. And I'm not a complete idiot...just an idiot. Trust me. The battery needs a screwdriver to get it out. Sheesh. Next you'll be asking if I know where the on button is!

i'm not saying that you're an idiot, just that 99.9% of the laptops i've worked on, NONE required a screw to remove the battery. And i believe the 1400 is one of the 99.9% as well:
1400-s151
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_docTOC.jsp?moid=196385&ct=UG&soid=237927&BV_SessionID=@@@@1176884437.1132677234@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddgfhjlleecgfkceghdgngdgmn.0

1400-s152
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_docTOC.jsp?moid=196388&ct=UG&soid=237927&BV_SessionID=@@@@1176884437.1132677234@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddgfhjlleecgfkceghdgngdgmn.0 is for

Go under Chapter 4: Mobile Computing... you'll see a subheading of "changing the main battery" and neither instruction says to remove a screw to remove the battery. Of course... these model's could be wrong :P (btw, where _is_ the on button :P j/k)

You could've just let the laptop on, and the battery would've eventually ran out. Once that happens, the PC would obviously shut down whether it likes it or not (unless it's running on a nuclear minireactor :p ), and then you'd be able to recharge it, turn it on and enter BIOS just fine.

Go under Chapter 4: Mobile Computing... you'll see a subheading of "changing the main battery" and neither instruction says to remove a screw to remove the battery. Of course... these model's could be wrong :P (btw, where _is_ the on button :P j/k)
I really don't care what the instructions say...I have eyes in my head, and they function to an acceptable level when I have glasses on:). The only panels in the bottom of my laptop are secured with screws. Telling me that this isn't possible, doesn't change the fact that it is indeed the way it is:)

This kind of reminds me of when I went to the Dentist to get a tooth-bleaching kit. It hurt so damn bad I had to stop, but he kept insisting that he'd never had a patient react that way, and there was no reason it should hurt, therefore it didn't hurt. I must have been imagining it then. Boy, I must really hate myself, to imagine that kind of agony!

You could've just let the laptop on, and the battery would've eventually ran out. Once that happens, the PC would obviously shut down whether it likes it or not (unless it's running on a nuclear minireactor :p ), and then you'd be able to recharge it, turn it on and enter BIOS just fine.
And this is exactly what I did. This thread can die now.