All programs say "not responding" then my computer crashes-please help

[nicknkane]

Okay. I ran Malqayrebytes, twice now. Once it finds the problems, what do I do?

What is running a bootable AV scan, and how do I do it?

Is there a possible reason that there are no restore points? IS there anything I can do about this?

If I run SFC /scannow and it finds problems, what do I do?

Thanks, and please try to explain is simple terms. I am not experienced with computers or terminology.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you clean up the problem Malwarebytes finds? It should offer to do this and then request a reboot.

The bootable A/V scans are provided in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start. Are you following the steps in the tutorial?

If there are no System Restore points it must mean System Restore was not turned on. The fallback in this case is a backup image stored externally, or to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - which steps are same for retail.

Run the SFC until there are no files left to repair, then continue with the other steps in tutorial.

 

[dale5351]

I have been having a similar problem on my other computer running XP Pro. Here are a few thoughts for you:
1. Often, even after the computer seems locked up, I can right click on the task bar at the bottom and have it start the task manager application. That can show you what is running. In my case, the freeze is always due to iexplore.exe being open and running at 50% cpu -- even when there is no Internet Explorer window open. Your case might be different.
2. There is a program call process explorer that can also help to see what is going on. Look for it via a search in this forum.

The problem could be any one of a number of things. Overheating was mentioned, dirty disk was mentioned -- and a software lockup problem is another possibility. Good luck in getting a focus on what the cause is. I'm still fighting my iexplore.exe problem in my XP Machine.

 

[nicknkane]

I've run SFC multiple times, and every single time it has said that it found no integrity violations.

After running Malwarebytes, I deleted the bad files it found, which appear to be part of a Trojan Horse virus. Now when I open my computer in normal mode, it is nothing but a gray screen and a mouse that can't do anything.

Is clean reinstall basically just removing Windows, then putting it back on?

 

[gregrocker]

It explains in the Clean Reinstall link both what it's for and how to get a perfect one. If you stick with the tools and methods given then for as long as you do you will have a perfect install.

1. Often, even after the computer seems locked up, I can right click on the task bar at the bottom and have it start the task manager application. That can show you what is running. In my case, the freeze is always due to iexplore.exe being open and running at 50% cpu -- even when there is no Internet Explorer window open.

Check all browser Add-ons that only Flash, Shockwave, Silverlight, .pdf helper, WMP or QT plug-in are enabled or let in unless the browser says it's required to display a page. This is how spyware sneaks in, often on downloads which are installed without limiting crap they add using checkboxes or even in the License Agreement.

Look for any programs in your Control Panel that you don't use or didn't install yourself. Use only the Search of your choice in the stable browser search box. Toolbars and search services are all Spyware otherwise.

Run SUPERAntiSpyware.com - Downloads, Secunia Free Online Software Inspector and Opt Out of Network Advertising

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I've run SFC multiple times, and every single time it has said that it found no integrity violations.

After running Malwarebytes, I deleted the bad files it found, which appear to be part of a Trojan Horse virus. Now when I open my computer in normal mode, it is nothing but a gray screen and a mouse that can't do anything.

Is clean reinstall basically just removing Windows, then putting it back on?

Yes mate the clean install should wipe the first install off but first did you run the SuperAntiSpyware scan? I think I posted that early on - I could be wrong though the straight download is
http://www.superantispyware.com/

there are heavier duty on call scans but it will do for starters.

 

[dale5351]

Check all browser Add-ons that only Flash, Shockwave, Silverlight, .pdf helper, WMP or QT plug-in are enabled or let in unless the browser says it's required to display a page.

Yep -- done that.

Look for any programs in your Control Panel that you don't use or didn't install yourself.

I've been doing a lot of house cleaning. There are a number of programs I used, but now that it is my wife's computer she will not be using. I've uninstalled those that would. A few things existed that were not in the add/remove list on the control panel. I've deleted those folders and done regedits to purge them. One thing is refusing to get removed -- it is related to a TV Tuner card that I used to have. The registry entries will not let me remove them.

Use only the Search of your choice in the stable browser search box. Toolbars and search services are all Spyware otherwise.

Agree -- and we are both trying to avoid them, but occasionally one sneaks by on her.

Run SUPERAntiSpyware.com - Downloads, Secunia Free Online Software Inspector and Opt Out of Network Advertising

Got the first one, will look for the other two.

The only consistent symptom of the iexplore.exe freezes is that there will be two iexplore.exe shown in task manager -- one clocking 50% cpu -- but no MSIE window is open. When I look at the processes with process explorer, one will say MCI Command Handling Window and the other will say SYSFADER. When that happens, the only thing that I can do is to power off the computer using the power button.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Might be worth running ADWCleaner too AdwCleaner Download

 

[mlg3000]

Are you running any cloud backup program? I completely stopped this behavior by uninstalling CrashPlan. Essentially, Crashplan took over VSS when it was backing up open files - the files I was working on. This brought everything to a halt and I often got "not responding" - particularly in Outlook. I believe, although I'm not sure, that any backup program which can backup open programs could create this problem if it were backing up at the same time you are using the program. I spent almost 6 months tracking this down and it stopped immediately when I finally found this.

Madeline

 

[gregrocker]

I recommend keeping your files, backup and sync'ing together and simple with Skydrive which offers 7gb free for each Windows Live/Hotmail ID and sells more for cheap, and which can be as easy as dragging anything you want backed up into its folder.

What has worked out well for me is copying User folders into Skydrive then deleting their content on C. Right click each of these Skydrive User folders to add it to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums so that when you click on Documents you'll see both the Skydrive Documents, the empty C folder so if anything writes there you can drag it over to Skydrive.

You can do the same on all your PC's and have one master set of files hosted and kept Sync'd this way by Skydrive, or access them from any device anywhere via the internet, share them publicly, by invitation, or link.