Really weird Windows 7 problem please help

[XxCGSxX]

Ok so since yesterday my laptop a Dell Inspiron 14R has been acting really weird. So first of all the laptop when I sign in it takes longer then before for it load up. Then when it shows up after a while it freezes and it changes the aero theme to windows basic theme and it starts working normally but then it changes back to aero back and forth at random times, when it changes theme there is no pop up messages or anything. So I do a defragment on the disk but it didn't work, then I start up safe mode and scan it with Microsoft Essentials and Malwarebytes but it didn't find anything.I also reinstalled the video drives but zero changes.

So I decided to do a System Restore but when I open them there is none....WTF? Recently I haven't installed or download anything and I don't know wtf to do. Suggestions? Help?

 

[XxCGSxX]

Anyone? Help?

 

[Shootist]

Back up all your files. Assemble all the CDs/DVDs/downloaded EXEs or ZIP files for all the software that is installed on your PC and drivers for all hardware. Wipe the hard drive and reload the operating system, drivers and software.
Only sure way to get a clean bug free system.

This could be hardware related. Dell includes (or use to include) a diagnostic program for the hardware in your system on the hard drive. It can be accessed by hitting the F12 function key at boot up (F12 brings up a one time boot menu that you can select the diagnostic program).
Run that and see if there is any problems with memory or the hard drive.

 

[XxCGSxX]

Yeah I will try reinstalling since I already ran diagnostics and it didn't show anything. BTW any nice guide on how to reinstall Windows 7, this is my first time reinstalling an OS so if you point me to a guide it would be great. Thanks!

 

[Shootist]

Check the tutorial section of this site. I'm a fairly new member and don't have all the links saved.

Over the years I've installed so many OS's I can basically do it in my sleep. I think I did once.
There's really nothing to it. Pop the OS CD/DVD in your CD/DVD drive and boot the computer from that disc and follow the on screen prompts.

What you are going to need is a partitioning and formatting program that you load on a CD/DVD or thumb drive. There are some free ones listed in the tutorials. Boot the PC from that CD/DVD/thumb drive, format what is now your C drive and maybe the system reserve partition, that will leave the Dell diagnostic partition alone.
Reboot the PC with the OS DVD and the install will start.

If you haven't already now is the time to make the system disks included on the hard drive and access through a Dell program in your start menu. I forget what they call it. I did one about 2 weeks ago for a friend. You will need 1 or 2 DVD-r or RW discs to make the full set of discs.

 

[Orbital Shark]

Here's what you're after

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/615-backup-user-system-files.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[Warlockz]

STOP DO NOT WIPE YOUR HD Unless you know what you are doing!

Only wipe the partition where the os is located, which is the large partition.

Dell Machines come with a recovery Partition on your Hard Drive, you can access your Dell’s recovery partition by pressing Ctrl+F11 when the machine is first turned on. this can be used to restore your machine to Factory default, so basically it will be like when you bought it.

Do NOT Delete this partition or you will have to buy a recovery DVD from DELL, unless you made one when you bought your machine?

But you still need to

Back up all your files. Assemble all the CDs/DVDs/downloaded EXEs or ZIP files for all the software that is installed on your PC and drivers for all hardware.

Before you recover or you will loose all your data.....

 

[Warlockz]

I just remembered this which helped me repair a freinds Machine...may help or future reference?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello XxCGSxX, welcome to Seven Forums!


If you should not want to use the Dell factory recovery partition to do a factory recovery, there's always this option to do a clean bloatware free installation outlined below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


After you have copied out or made back-ups of the data you need to save to external media; if you can find an exact Windows version that the PC shipped with you can do a clean install using the activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone


If you can't find an exact same version, you could use the info in this tutorial to create an "all versions" installer of any version Windows installer, to install using the same method I posted above.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create


After you have made backups of everything you care to save, the best method is to do a complete wipe (secure erase) of the entire Hard Disk Drive first, it over-writes everything, all the old Windows code including all the old drivers/programs, giving you the best possible space to install Windows to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

 

[wilywombat]

I would try a repair install first as Warlockz suggested as it retains all your users, docs and settings. If that fails you can do a full re-install.

 

[Warlockz]

Hello XxCGSxX, welcome to Seven Forums!


If you should not want to use the Dell factory recovery partition to do a factory recovery, there's always this option to do a clean bloatware free installation outlined below and be sure to post back with any further questions......................

Yea but then he will have to install DRIVERS which can be a bit confusing for the average user...

He can always use REVO Uninstaller pro 30 day trial and get rid of any bloatware, Revo cleans out all the leftovers like reg keys ect.......and not have to worry about struggling to get his machine back to the way it was.....