Solved Windows update has made my computer laggy

[Joan Archer]

:roflmao:It's OK Andrew I've known Noel for years, it's nice to see he's joined us here in the forum he has a lot of Windows knowledge.

 

[KarenB88]

So, I created a system recovery disk and managed to run it. It didn't help.

It detects my system and gets me to the options alright, but then...

Startup Repair - sounds ideal, but after running it, I'm either told that it didn't find any problems, or it can't solve it and asks me if I want to send the results to Microsoft. I tried to view the log with the resusults and get a lot of error = 0x0, which I assume means it didn't find anything.

System Restore - It gets through initializing and to "recovering files" - and then I'm left with that blue bar. My computer is quiet, it doesn't appear anything is happening, and leaving it on last evening/night didn't give any change. I have four System Restore points, same result with each.

Memory test - Runs the test to 99% then, much like System Restore, it just stops.

System Image - I don't have one.

Cmd - No idea how it could help.


My computer is effectively a vegetable.

 

[seavixen32]

The only thing you can do with an unwanted vegetable is dig it up and reuse the fresh earth.

Although it's not what you want to hear, but I'd be inclined to bite the bullet and reinstall Windows.

When you've done that, turn off automatic updating and tell Windows to notify you when updates are ready to be installed so that you can either create a restore point or make a note of them before you install them.

Also, it is better to install updates in small batches rather than a huge batch all at once.

 

[KarenB88]

...I'm afraid to ask, but is there any way to reinstall windows without a windows disk?

 

[NoelDP]

Assuming Windwos was pre-installed, Your laptop should have come with either a Recovery partition, or a set of Recovery disks (or both). Check your manual for instructions.
Note that using this system will wipe all data from the drive, so back up to external media first!

 

[KarenB88]

Hmm, recovery partition does sound familiar...I know it didn't come with any disks. As for backing up, I can't get into the OS at all, so I'm not sure how to get around backing up. As it is right now, I can't (or cannot seem to) access my files.

EDIT: I did a search for Recovery Partition on the Acer, which explains that it's possible to wipe the slate clean and start a recovery process.
http://www.pctechbytes.com/acer/acer-aspire-system-recovery-partition/

By now, getting the pc back to working condition is all I care about, even if my data is lost. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and will keep you updated on whether or not it worked.

 

[NoelDP]

If you can't access Windows at all, then you may need to try using something like Knoppix or UBCD to copy your files to external storage
Knoppix Linux Boot CD, Download Disk and Documents, Discuss, Get Help
Ultimate Boot CD - Overview
Personally, I prefer UBCD4Win - but it's probably not an option for you, as creating the disk requires a copy of Windows XP.
UBCD for Windows

The other thing you can do, if you can find someone with a Retail disk for Win7 with SP1 integrated, is a repair install, which will leave your files in place. (at least, in theory, anyhow!)

 

[seavixen32]

As your link explains: restart the system and hit ALT+F10. This will begin restoring from the Aspire system recovery partition. You will be prompted to type six zeros as a security step. Type 000000 to proceed.

 

[KarenB88]

I succeeded in starting the system recovery present on the Acer recovery partition - it gave me the option of keeping my files or revert the computer to the state I first got it in, deleting all the data. I decided on the latter option. My data will take some time to replace, but it's a small price to pay if the computer works as it did when I first got it - with a working OS.

The computer is still in the process of recovery. I'll be back in front of it in a few hours and hopefully it will be working by then. I really hope it works this time.

 

[seavixen32]

OK, Karen. We look forward to reading the outcome - positive, I hope.

If you do recover your system successfully, please take some time out to create a set of recovery discs so that you've got a way of getting back to the factory state if ever your recovery partition gets corrupted.

 

[NoelDP]

The computer is still in the process of recovery. I'll be back in front of it in a few hours and hopefully it will be working by then. I really hope it works this time.

OK - so where's the Smiley for 'Keeping fingers and toes crossed'??

 

[KarenB88]

Writing this from my own - and working - computer.

The System Recovery Partition did the trick. My computer is now the same as it was when I got it 8 months ago, which is fantastic!
This has been quite a rollercoaster ride and I really thought my computer was done for. Thank you so much everyone for your helpful replies!

Maybe other people who have the same kind of problems with their computers can find this thread helpful. In any case, I'm gonna go install that virus protection and create the backups right away.

Thanks again!

 

[NoelDP]

Way to go!

Now - be aware that the install probably already has an anti-virus installed.
you MUST uninstall that, before installing the new one, and preferably run the manufacturer's removal tool for it (whose it it?)

First thing to do is go to Windows Updates, and install all the updates - in batches of 5-10, rather than all at once (don't worry if one or two don't install first time round - it simply means that they depend on one of the other patches)

then worry about getting the system set up the way you like t (after making a backup, if possible)

 

[seavixen32]

Well done, Karen, for sticking with the problem and helping us to help you.

Thanks for updating us, it's a delight to know your computer is up and running again.

 

[JMH]

I second what Andy said above....

 

[OldMX]

Weird nobody asked for a task manager screenshot, if the computer became laggy after windows update it was caused for the .net updates, which are known to cause that, it may take some time for windows to release all available resources.

 

[NoelDP]

Weird nobody asked for a task manager screenshot

Not really - they are about as useful as a chocolate teacup in such circumstances

 

[seavixen32]