Computer Problem

[Want-to-know]

I am having two PC problems. I use Windows XP. The first is my computer keeps crashing, from 2-6 times a day. This has been happening for over a week, but now I have a problem of it taking 20 minutes to start, when I switch on. It keeps crashing out and I then start it in "normal" mode (which I hope is correct.??)

I get a Blue error message and have a query about one of these listed. On Start+My Computer+ Properties +Tools there is an Error-checking tab. If I use this, does it mean I could lose any documents or emails. I have backed up my documents on cds, but do not know about backing up emails. I am considering "automatically fix file systems errors", but having no IT knowledge, do not want to start and find I have lost documents and emails.

There is also a "scan for and attempt recover of bad sectors" which apparently finds and repairs physical errors on the hard disc., as well. Again, I am nervous about using this. Alternatively, should I find a good computer mechanic to sort my problems out?

Any advice you could give would be most helpful. Please keep it simple as I am a "computer dummy". Thanks.

[daffy654]

You will not lose documents or files by allowing the system file check and selecting to recover bad sectors.

It does sound like your system needs either a good overhaul by a professional or maybe even replacing.
How old is the system you are using?

[Want-to-know]

Thanks for your advice. It is 8 years.

[Davethedog]

Update your anti virus nad run a complete system scan.

If you have recovery, recover from a point prior to the date your problems started your data will be secure.

Do you use Norton?

[deggers316]

down load free"cc cleaner" and then run the cleaner on it then use registry check for probs,delete what it finds
and as said in another answer run a virus scan and a malware scanner then open my computer look at "c" drive, tools, check for errors, tick both boxes in pop up,this will take around 20 mins to run on next restart,this should clean up a lot of the faults

[daffy654]

System restore could create more problems than it solves and isn't really a solution when the actual problem is unknown.
A virus and malware scan is never a bad idea as long as reputable software is used for the job.
Registry editors and repairers should be avoided except for professional use as they can be very harmful when used by the average non- professional PC owner.

As the system is 8 years old it could mean that actual components are worn out, replacing them may be more expensive than buying a new PC and having all documents and emails transferred to the new system.

[hoggyboy]

you might need to replace your memory ,as that can happen as you describe and you wont lose any docs or programmes

[Want-to-know]

Thank you all for your comments. I use McAfee and have deleted and reinstalled it and there is still a problem. When I set it to scan automatically, it crashes, but not usually when I scan it manually.

I have used the restore point but I have had problems for quite a long time and even going back a month has not helped. My computer man deleted conflicting malaware software before I deleted and reinstalled the latest McAfee. He thinks it is a hard drive or memory problem, but it may be more economical to get a new computer.

Unfortunately I understand Windows 7 will not support Outlook Express, so we cannot import our old emails to our new machines.

I also understand that with Windows 7, one needs a wireless router and at present for Windows XP we have a modem (with cables all over our home). Is there a way of using both computers, using our Tiscali/Talktalk provider?

Can I look up old emails on old computer, if needed, but send and receive on new computer. Do both PCs have to be physically linked; do I need two modems into wall sockets or what?

Any advice or help would be gratefully received. We need old system as my partner and I are unemployed and need our computer to job hunt/receive job alerts. Also I have a lot of ancestry research details on my Outlook Express emails, which I do not want to lose.

Thanks.

[society]

Do you have the recovery CD? Run the recovery CD, the computer will then return to factory settings.

[Want-to-know]

Thanks for your comments. If I use the recovery cd, does that mean I will lose all my emails?

What is the difference in using this and "scan for and attempt recover of bad sectors" and "automatically fix file systems errors",

[deggers316]

daffy654
cc cleaner highly recommended by thousands on here,. it wouldn't be available if it ballsed up your comp it not a professional registry editor, it's a simple prog for home users.used it myself every month for 8 years .no probs.

[daffy654]

I know cc cleaner is recommended by other users on here, they usually also recommend you DO NOT use the registry cleaner part of it.

[MarkRae]

As has been stated, 8 years old is ancient in computer years.

And these things really don't last forever - they're actually designed not to (Google MTBF).

I would strongly suggest that this is the time to consider getting a new machine. They're really not very expensive - three or four hundred pounds will buy you something perfectly decent...

[society]

I use the registry cleaner all the time and always delete all the errors that need a 'fix'.

[R1Geezer]

As it takes 20mins to start, I'd say your problem is caused by the amount of sh1te you have in various states of startup. This also causes memory starvation and response issues. Pound to a penny you don't need 99% of what you have running all the time. Uninstally anything yo don't need then run MSCONFIG and unclick all the stuff that starts that does not need to. Then right click on theh start - open - programs - startup and take any crud out of the start up folder there too.

[daffy654]

I hope none of you have any problems when you use the reg cleaner and delete a shared file you find you still need.