Desktop Icons Not Working, RESTART Works, Then Stop Working Again.

Bullfighter said:

... My Dell computer was purchased in 2011 and apparently I can no longer get a disc that word restore my computer to its original programming, minus the problems, of course. ...

What happens when you try to get media thru this website?
Need Backup Media? | Dell US

You can still try what I suggested in post #8.

I went back to Norton and got more technical help. The tech removed Norton Security and told me to return if my problem continued. I asked if I should use Microsoft Security and he said I should before going on the internet. I've been on the computer for 4 hours now and the problem seems to have disappeared. Should I reinstall Norton Security?

UsernameIssues said:

Bullfighter said:

... My Dell computer was purchased in 2011 and apparently I can no longer get a disc that word restore my computer to its original programming, minus the problems, of course. ...

What happens when you try to get media thru this website?
Need Backup Media? | Dell US

You can still try what I suggested in post #8.

That website will give a factory restore disc if the computer is still under warranty.

Sure - go ahead and install Norton Security again. Just be sure to uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) first.

It is possible that there was a problem with the last install of Norton Security. Uninstalling Norton Security (like you have already done) and re-installing Norton Security might cure whatever was ailing it.

If the "desktop problem" happens again after re-installing Norton Security...
...then it might be time for a refund
...let Norton's support staff remove Norton Security a second time
...you can pick any antivirus app that you like.

You can re-install MSE or you might like Panda's free antivirus better.

UsernameIssues Ok ...Thanks for your help.

One more question.

What if I could not have found a solution to the "bug" in my computer.

Would getting a blank hard drive, installing Windows 7 Pro, and all other software and files to it be the only way to restore the computer?

Re-installing the Windows 7 operating system should fix things. But it would be nice to know that the lock ups are gone first. I have a Dell computer that locks much like you describe because it has a bad motherboard. A new hard drive and freshly installed OS did not help that computer. Once you are convinced that this installation of W7 does not lock up, then you can decide if you want to try a new drive and fresh OS install.

Can you read the key on the sticker on the computer?

UsernameIssues said:

Re-installing the Windows 7 operating system should fix things. But it would be nice to know that the lock ups are gone first. I have a Dell computer that locks much like you describe because it has a bad motherboard. A new hard drive and freshly installed OS did not help that computer. Once you are convinced that this installation of W7 does not lock up, then you can decide if you want to try a new drive and fresh OS install.

Can you read the key on the sticker on the computer?

Yes. I didn't even know it was there because I always kept my flat bed scanners on the tops of my computers. I've been searching for a Windows 7 disc that should have come with the Inspiron 620 but I don't think they supplied one. I recall seeing a Windows 8.1 disc somewhere that Dell pushes on the buyers of Windows 7 units. I know the upgrade is hiding in my computer, but I don't want it. My other computer is Windows 7 too. I bought it in July 2015 from Dell, the last month they were making Windows 7 available to the public. Why would I go to all the trouble of buying a Windows 7 when they were selling the units with Windows 8.1 cheaper?

One disc I do have for the 620 is a Dell Drivers and Utilities Disc marked "to reinstall software only". I assume it doesn't have the Windows 7 with it.

I have an old Dell Dimension 8200 Pentium 4 1.8ghz with Windows XP. It ran slower than a dead mule in its final days. I decided to start a new hard drive and put in a minimum amount of programs. I manage to get the SP2 upgrade off a Microsoft website that was for "developers only". It worked. But it was like beating that dead mule. The programs were ridiculously slow. I remember someone telling me that the Pentium 4 ran hot and their life expectancies were not very long. I looked up the price of a new one and it was cheap. Less than $50 if I remember. I finally just put it aside and bought a new Dell as the new rule of thump seems to be to "plan on buying a new computer every 5 years" in order to keep up with advancing technologies. But I just hate to throw it out. I still own a reel to reel tape deck.

If I can read the Window 7 label on the Inspiron 620, how can I use it to re-install Windows 7 if I plan on making a new installation of the computer hard drive. I have 2 drives, by the way.

You can download the W7 pro 64bit ISO from here: X17-59186.iso
(The download speed might be slow.)
(You need to know how to turn an ISO file into a DVD.)

Before making the DVD, you might also be interested in these steps:
Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create
(I would only do the stage 1 step to make use of “ei.cfg Removal Utility”)

Well what do you know. I was just looking at my first AT&T U verse bill and I'm entitled to FREE McAfee Security Suite. Which one should I use???

Please avoid McAfee products. McAfee does not have a good reputation among forum members here.

MSE or Panda will serve you well - for free.