windows repair?

[1rovert]

I am looking for some help. The sound on my computer has crashed, I've tried all possabilities, and when I called my Comp: help line, they said I should wipe it, and then reboot it.
I have heard that you can repair windows, without having to wipe the computer, and start again.
I know there are some clever people out there, and I hope they can help. Thanks in advance.

[Ethel]

I can't see how wiping your hard drive will solve your sound problem.

What computer is it? What have you tried so far?

[1rovert]

Thank you Ethel for your help?????
My computer Company, explained that a virus could have entered my hard drive, and contaminated the programme. I never mentioned, but it also has affected the capability of anyone seeing my webcam. Although I HAVE done ALL the checks that were needed, along with the the technical support, with no luck. Thats why I asked for help on this site. I know there are people out there who will help, without being sarcastic.

[Ethel]

Have you tried:

a system restore to the date when it was working

installing / repairing the drivers for the sound card

[Ethel]

By the way - do you here the usual start up sounds (beeps) when you turn the computer on?

[1rovert]

Hallo! to Ethel.
I did think of System Restore, and used it. but you gave me food for thought, and I tried again, going back to last Auguse, and SUCCESS, IT WORKED.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Idid say there were people on here that can help.

[Ethel]

I'm so glad you're sorted.

Wiping your hard drive is a major job and should be avoided if possible.

Hurrah!

[1rovert]

Thanks! Ethel, but I have ordered a external hard drive, and am going to transfer all info onto it any way, just in case. I've wiped it before, and found it quite easy, its just putting all the info back on thats the hard work. again Thank you for saving me all that bother. (I'm not daft just 71yrs)

[Ethel]

I'm a pensioner too.

An external hard drive is an excellent idea.

[rojash]

I would just add that if wiping your hard drive was the best advice you could get from your support people, I think it's time you considered changing them!

[stevie21]

Agree with rojash and also the system restore would solve the problem in the same way that the helpdesk's suggestion would. Drastic isn't the word for that solution though!!

1rovert - one thing to consider further down the line is to get a program like "Norton Ghost" and once you have your PC set up exactly as you like it, this'll clone the contents of your hard drive so that if anything goes wrong you can just revert to this snapshop. Like resortig to "factory settings" except that you decide what these settings are.
In my opinion it's best to take this snapshot immediately after reinstalling Windows (and SP2 and all of the updates) and then putting all of your programs back on. I wouldn't rely on this just to solve a sound problem but maybe a crash or virus.

[1rovert]

Thanks stevie,
I already have Norton Internet Security, it has worked ok for the last two years, but aparently some viruses can get through the best of these. I can be thankfull that it wasn't worse.


And Ethel, welcolm to the 'white haired' groop, best wishes.
JR/