Restarting fixes everything?

[Eisadia]

Windows has taught me (through the error that Vista managed to generate when i was using it) that the 'restart' button is a useful tool.

More as a comment on Windows 7 than a complaint, the main issue I have encountered in a meagre 4 days of use is that the computer always manages to discover that some program is still open when in the process of shutting down.

The most recent case:
Upon hitting restart, I am removed to a darkened screen telling me that a program is still running. This time, instead of it being Firefox or Open Office, it was explorer (as in explorer.exe)
Windows chose to tell me that I needed to force a shutdown as explorer.exe was busy "playing the log-off sound"

I could not cancel, however I could access that ctrl+alt+del page, but could go nowhere from there. and then it froze. lovely

Yesterday it also froze 20 updates into installation of 23-updates. Complete lack of response from the computer - issue was resolved when restart was forced and it installed the updates later with no problems.

 

[PoPPeR]

when you mention 23 updates, it sound to me you just installed the OS, but FF prior to running windows update. is this a different hard drive? it could be a bad drive if it's a new OS install.

 

[Eisadia]

The computer has been up-and-running and apparently up-to-date since Sunday - but yesterday it told me that there were '23 updates' to install (which i realised then was huge)
Nothing has changed since I purchased the computer ('new', but seemingly pre-used as their demo model (thats what I hope anyway) - its DNS was pre-set to a spec. IP)


Thats all I can give you. Im not as computer saavy as I'd like to think I am

 

[PoPPeR]

if it's a new Operating System with no other non-standard software beside firefox, then it could narrow down to hardware such as drive, memory...etc.,but those two are most common.

can you capture a screenshot of those 23 updates? it could just language packs.

I take it virus , spyware and malware have all been ran.

 

[Frostmourne]

This shouldn't happen. Is this PC factory overpriced or home built? It is most likely software. Can you post a shot of the msconfig tab?

 

[gregrocker]

Most tech enthusiasts obtain a clean copy of the OS to reinstall using the license key stickered to the computer. Otherwise there is always a level or corruption with the factory installed bloatware, even or especially when uninstalled.

Keep an eye out for a Win7 DVD to borrow and we will help you with the reinstal when the time comes. In the meantime there are some steps you can take to clean it up and make it run much smoother, which is especially important if it was a demo which may already have a years worth of wear on it in just a month or two.

1) Study the Control Panel>Programs and Features to decide what you want to throw overboard, those Programs you know for sure you don't want. Later you can toss out others when its clear you aren't using them.

2) Type msconfig in the Start Search box, click the Startup tab and uncheck all of the boxes except your AV and MS entries. If you aren't sure, google them to learn what they are. Most of them are freeloaders on your RAM which don't need to start with the computer, but should start when you start them.

3) Use the lightest weight but most effective Anti Virus: Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast. Uninstall any bloated paid AV programs

4) Now use the state of the art CCleaner and Auslogics Defragger to clean and order the computer to make it much smoother operating. I'm uploading both for you here.

5) If problems persist, study repeat Errors in Event Viewer to understand them via Google and posting here in forums. Generate a System Health Report and view the Diagnostics/Performance Logs at Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Performance Information and Tools\Advanced Tools

 

[Eisadia]

I will look into doing all of the above, thankyou gregrocker. I appreciate the information, definitely.

All relevant Antivirus etc. comes with the computer (mccafee - Never used it before now, cant say im a fan thus far) and it updates and running.
Other foreign programs had been installed by me at that point; FF, OOo and Gimp along with a Cisco VPN client.

ISSUE: at present, I cannot access the control panel. Upon opening, it presents a blank page with the note 'you can change your computers settings' (which, when presented with no access to computer processes at all, it slightly ironic).

PS .I am not sure what you mean by 'screen shot of msconfig' - i.e. what part of msconfig are you referring to.

 

[gregrocker]

Probably the msconfig Startup tab, which is where resource hogs freeload on your Startup. I'd uncheck all but MS and your AV.

McAfee is a bloatware infection which should be removed. You'll notice performance improvements right away if you replace it with MSE or Avast.

Try again to access Control Panel>Programs and Features. If it won't open then you need a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R, another reason to find a Win7 installer asap.

Any Win7 installer can be used. Some versions may be hidden by the presence of an ei.cfg file in Sources folder, so you extract the files from DVD, delete that file, recompile to burn an All Versions Win7 DVD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/32055-bootable-iso-create-installation-files.html. Then be sure to select your licensed version to Clean- or Repair Install.

 

[Eisadia]

SO I was still unable to access any features pertaining to the control panel OR my computer.
At this point I had had enough - I only purchased this computer 6 days ago. So I took it back to where I purchased and had a full reset/reload done.

I then took the computer to my father (who is highly computer saavy, but unfamiliar with W7/W-Vista OS - it was a bit of a drive but worthit) who assisted me in clearing out unused program files etc. The amount of CRAP was phenomenal...

I have already told the people I purchased it from that if it develops these issues again - I want a replacement.

Thanks again for the defrag and CC-cleaner. I plan to hold-on to both.

 

[gregrocker]

Glad you like them. I'd run the CCleaner and Auslogics Defraggers once a month unless they don't need it.

Use both the "run Cleaner" on first tab and then "Registry" tab on CCleaner to get the most out of it.

Here is the Registry Defragger from Auslogics which is just as highly regarded: