pc crashing

[stevec000]

my neighbours pc was running slow and kept crashing
is it 5 yrs old and he didn't clean it up very often serves him right
anyway i suggested reformatting as i have done this before and have the disks
but he found on his pc a reboot program built in so he done it and everything went back to factory setttings like he just brought it home from the shop
he started to reinstall his programs (printer camera etc)
when it all started over again ... freezing crashing
with a warning that his regestry is corrupt.
any ideas pls as i thuoght reformatting would have sorted this
thanks

[Ethel]

Tell him to make sure all the drivers for the hardware are up to date.

If that doesn't work, uninstall the recent additions and see if he can identify what is causing the problem.

This is excellent - but if you decide you need to follow the instructions, print them off before you start

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

[wildwood]

Unfortunately, the backup Windows stored on a 'locked' partition is also liable to come under attack from a virus/trojan so if that is what caused the problem in the first place, he may be re-installing the problem.

If anti-virus programs can check the locked partition it won't be difficult for the virus scourge brigade to bypass it too.

[ACtheTROLL]

Don't update any drivers (sorry ethel!) but if it worked out of the box it should work now.

don't connect to the internet

it's unlikely to be a virus - but if you can check it - just in case. (you'll have to get the install ready on a cd before you continue

reload the OS - install AVG free or whatever virus checker he uses .... run a scan - see what happens

then when OK install 1 or 2 devices or prog at a time .... let it run a while

now is the time to update drivers ..... so
recon internet - update hardware and then windows completely

if it starts stopping straight after the reload ...
can you hear the HDD thrashing - or vibrating intermittently?
if so it sounds like the HDD is possibly on it's way out

see how you get on ... come back if you need