Computer startup errors

[JGentiluomo]

I'm running Windows 7 on a Dell XPS. Every time I turn off the laptop and start it back up, I get an error saying that Windows did not shut down properly and it prompts me to start it up normally or in safe mode. I have only tried starting it up normally.

Then, I get an error telling me that Windows is checking for repairs because it cannot start up properly. A few minutes after that, it prompts me to restart my computer, and then it finally gets to the sign-in screen. I log on and find that my computer has done a system restart from Dec. 20th, 2011. Games and programs I've downloaded since then are gone, but personal files like my music and pictures are still intact.

When I try to run a scan with Symantec, it tells me I need to update it - which I do - and then scan it. Every time, it finds one piece of trackware on a cookie and deletes it.

I don't have the time or patience to keep going through this every time I start up my laptop. I'm only 19 and in college and I'm not very tech savvy so I'm not very good with specifics and whatnot. I really need some support or help before I have to start writing essays and other college stuff.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Maguscreed]

Do you have a windows disc with that system (or can you get your hands on one?)
I think the easiest thing to do here to start with would be a secure file check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

On another note I don't believe your programs are gone, only the desktop shortcuts to them. If you look for them in program files I think you may still find many if not all of them there.

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Can you describe exactly how you are turning your laptop off?

It would seem that something has happened between December 20th 2011 and now.

You may have a virus that Norton hasn't picked up.

Many of us use Malwarebytes to scan our systems and can recommend it.

You can download it here: Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

 

[JGentiluomo]

Most of the time I turn off my laptop, I put it in Hibernate.

And Maguscreed, the programs are gone. I have tried to search for them.

 

[seavixen32]

I'd be inclined to use Shut Down or Sleep rather than Hibernate.

In fact, I'd also be inclined to disable it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/819-hibernate-enable-disable.html

How to disable and re-enable hibernation on a computer that is running Windows

 

[JGentiluomo]

Why is that? Does that really have anything to do with my problem?

 

[seavixen32]

It may do.

A problematic driver or an outdated BIOS can cause problems with restarting after Hibernation.

Crash on startup after hibernate

You're obviously having problems so it won't hurt to at least try shutting down instead of using hibernation. If the problem disappears we've at least pinned it down.

It won't hurt to check Dell Support either for updated drivers or BIOS.

Also, have you tried Maguscreed's suggestion?

 

[JGentiluomo]

Thank you for your help.

I ran the SCANNOW check and the results were that there were no integrity problems, Symantec scans did not pick up any viruses, and hibernate has been disabled.

Should I shut down my computer normally and start it back up in a few minutes to see if the problem occurs again? Or should I take any other necessary precautions?

 

[Maguscreed]

I'll have to get on board with seavixen at this point. Corrupted files not being the case it's more than likely a driver power management issue.
It never hurts to check for updates on the manufacturers site as well.

I have never been a huge fan of hibernation either it has just never been the most stable method.
The only real way to really increase startup speed is with a ssd upgrade.
Sadly the price tag on those still hasn't gotten reasonable.

 

[seavixen32]

Thank you for your help.

I ran the SCANNOW check and the results were that there were no integrity problems, Symantec scans did not pick up any viruses, and hibernate has been disabled.

Should I shut down my computer normally and start it back up in a few minutes to see if the problem occurs again? Or should I take any other necessary precautions?

Just try shutting down. If your computer then restarts without difficulty I think we can assume that it's hibernation that's causing the problem.

I realise that a restart from a shut down takes a bit longer, but if it alleviates your problem, it's a small price to pay.

Do check with Dell though for any updates that are available.

http://support.dell.com/

 

[JGentiluomo]

Just finished installing Malwarebytes and ran a quick scan. It found 3 threats, but must restart the computer to remove them.

 

[JGentiluomo]

I restarted the computer like Malwarebytes reccommended, and the problem persists. Now it is taking even longer to start up. I'm currently on my roommate's computer. Attached is what my computer screen has looked like for the last 5 minutes.

 

[seavixen32]

OK, don't worry too much, but a startup repair can take a long time depending on which files need to be repaired.

Check this tutorial, which describes how to run the startup repair.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html

Be aware that you need to run it three times with a reboot between each one.

Take note it can take some time and you might decide that a factory restore is a quicker option.

 

[JGentiluomo]

It seems to have started up fine now. After logging in to my account (which took much longer than usual), the only apparent problem other than the lag is that the clock is two hours behind. There was no system restore, though it did ask me to perform one (I declined). Every program I try to open is entirely unresponsive - including Firefox, iTunes, and Symantec. The only program that works is Sticky Notes. I'm afraid to turn off my computer again

 

[seavixen32]

Did you run the Startup Repair three times with a reboot between each one?

You may also want to run a Dell diagnostic check.

Dell PC Diagnostics | Dell

Just click the Run Diagnostics button in the link.

 

[JGentiluomo]

I was doing the Startup Repair, but canceled it because I'm a extraordinarily impatient...

My programs finally opened successfully, and the clock is even right; however, I once again needed to update my Symantec even after doing it 4 times today. As of right now, my computer appears to be working fine. After running the diagnostics check, I plan on turning it off and then back on - if it starts up without a problem, I think I'll be okay. However, if it begins the Startup Repair again, I'm going to suck it up and let the SR run to its fullest.

 

[seavixen32]

It has been known for a Startup Repair to run for days rather than hours.

I realise it's frustrating, but if you run it as per the tutorial, I'm sure you'll see the benefit.

It is important to run it three times with a reboot between each occurrence.

Patience is a virtue!

You might even want to consider giving up Norton and using Microsoft Security Essentials instead.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials

It's free and many of us run it in conjunction with Malwarebytes.

Anyway, however you approach things, please do keep us posted as to how you get on - it seems we're making progress.

 

[JGentiluomo]

Well right now I'm running the diagnostic scan (which played a completely unnecessary full-screen animation of a little guy running around computer hardware) and so far, so good. When it's done, assuming everything passes, what should I do? I'm completely dumbfounded

 

[seavixen32]

If everything passes you'll know you haven't got a hardware problem.

I'll still feel happier knowing you've run the startup repair in the manner I asked you to.

 

[JGentiluomo]

Probably should do that. I'll turn off my computer and boot it back up. If it doesnt prompt me to do Startup Repair, should I do it with the disk?