Huge problem. help please ::)

Hello everyone.

First off I'd like to say that english is not my first language so I might make some grammar or vocabular mistakes.

Okay. I have an Hp pavilion 7. Amd dual core processor 2.4 ghz. It's not the best computer ever but it worked well until this morning. I turned it on, it went on the page where I have to type my password. When I moved my house, the screen went darker for some unknown reason. I typed my password, window turned on. But it seems like window 7 disappeared ! instead of the nice windows, It was all grey and ugly, like an old version of window. I cannot change the brightness. I cannot connect to the internet.

I went to the system settings, then to the place where you can choose wether you want a good looking computer or a fast one. Usually there is like at least 25 box you can check or uncheck but now I've only got 12 of them.


What's wrong? How do I fix this mess?



THanks.

I'm really not good with those things... What is a reeboot? And I can't take screenshots, even if I could I could not send it because I have no internet connection.
Do you guys know if there is a way to erase everything from the computer? like a start over?

martin664 said:

I'm really not good with those things... What is a reeboot? And I can't take screenshots, even if I could I could not send it because I have no internet connection.
Do you guys know if there is a way to erase everything from the computer? like a start over?

Hello martin664 and welcome to Seven Forums.

A reboot is turning your computer off and then turning it back on. Yes, you can erase everything but that's usually the last thing to try. If you really want to do that you'll need to make sure you have a way to reinstall everything, especially your Operating System. For that you need either a full install DVD, an upgrade DVD, a manufacturer recovery DVD that came with the computer, or one that you made, or a system image. Then you'll need to reinstall all your other programs.

Since you apparently have access to another computer can you download an up to date anti-malware product to a flash drive or CD and scan the HP Pavillion 7 for viruses or other bad stuff? I've used Vipre, Kaspersky and Trend Micro (5, 6, and 7 on this list) with good results:

Portable Antivirus – Ultimate List of Best USB Anti Virus | PC Security

I already have Norton and I tried to scan the computer but it told me that its impossible on that system. I even tried to restore my computer, but again it told me it was impossible to do on this system. It seems like I have a virus, And there is nothing I can do

martin664 said:

I already have Norton and I tried to scan the computer but it told me that its impossible on that system. I even tried to restore my computer, but again it told me it was impossible to do on this system. It seems like I have a virus, And there is nothing I can do

Many times a virus will prevent your antivirus program from running and that's probably why you get that message. A virus can also prevent you from using any restore points. If you are unable to get a portable antivirus (like the ones I mentioned above) installed onto a flash drive so you can scan your machine, you might have no other choice but to erase your hard drive and reinstall everything. Here are a couple of tutorials explaining how that's done. Go through them and see if this is something you want to do. We'll be here to help.

Clean Install Windows 7

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Ok thanks. But now I have two questions: How do I erase my hard drive? And does that mean that I have to buy window 7? Cause it was already installed on my computer when I bought it...

martin664 said:

Ok thanks. But now I have two questions: How do I erase my hard drive? And does that mean that I have to buy window 7? Cause it was already installed on my computer when I bought it...

It's possible the manufacturer of your computer put a hidden recovery partition on the hard drive. If so, this partition can be accessed (usually) through the start menu and it can return your machine to factory specs just as it was the day you brought it home. That would be the easiest way to go. If you can tell us the make and specific model of your computer we might be able to find out if it came with that hidden recovery partition. If you have to use an installation DVD it's pretty straight forward. Insert the DVD and follow the prompts. It does most of the work automatically to erase your hard drive.

If it doesn't have a recovery partition you could borrow someone elses installation DVD as long as it's exactly the same as what's on your machine. For example, if your machine has Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, you'd have to find that exact same DVD. When it comes time to once again activate your machine with Microsoft you'd be able to use the 25 digit Product Key that should be on a sticker someplace on your machine.

There are some other ways to get a working copy of your operating system but let's see if you have that recovery partition first.