Lisatexmom
enthusiast
Posts: 854
Reg: 01-19-05
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03-29-12 10:55 AM - Post#147234
I am trying to figure if it is time for a new computer or not. I purchased this nice computer from Dell outlet - we may have had it for 3 to 4 years.
In the last couple of years we have had at least 3 virus - could have been more, a computer friend from church has fixed it for us each time. I am hardly on the computer at home, it is more for my son and his school work which he could not complete last night because of the below:
Please keep in mind I know very little about computers
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\windows\system32\config\ system
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Window Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
I don't know where the original CD is, so I am thinking of taking the computer to Best Buy and have the Geek Squad look at it. If I did have the CD I wouldn't really know what to do.
I just would like to have someone's thought before I spend of $200.00 to have them look at my computer and find I need a new computer.
Thanks
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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zaphoid
enthusiast
Posts: 529
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-30-08
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03-29-12 12:02 PM - Post#147243
In response to Lisatexmom
Regardless of the age of your computer you are going to get Viruses if its not properly protected. As far taking it to Best Buy to have it fixed, I would tell you to avoid it at all costs. I would use Rodi's or another of the local independant places. However depending on your budget you can also just pick up a new PC from Sams Club or Costco for less than $500.00
Also your friend from church may be able to get your PC going again as well. It really sounds like some Windows file got corrupted and it needs to be reinstalled.
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mspam3
enthusiast
Posts: 2382
Loc: Allen TX
Reg: 03-10-07
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03-29-12 02:47 PM - Post#147257
In response to Lisatexmom
I highly recommend Rodi's who advertises here. Very prompt service, they really know their stuff and won't fleece you. Plus you don't have to stand in that time-wasting line at the Geek Squad. We've been to Rodi's several times. He even replaced my daughter's screen on her laptop as we waited. Great guy and great staff! I think he would do right my you and help you determine what you need. They fix viruses also. Good luck!
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Joe Armstrong
member
Posts: 78
Reg: 01-06-12
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03-30-12 07:50 AM - Post#147281
In response to mspam3
Try starting the pc in safe-mode by pressing F8 while it is booting. A start up screen will appear and then choose safemode. If you can get this far use the system restore http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/S ...
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Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 464
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
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03-30-12 09:25 AM - Post#147291
In response to Joe Armstrong
If your computer is 4 years old I just recommend getting a new one. I purchased one for $299 on sale at Office Depot a few months back. It didn't have a monitor but if yours works fine you don't need a new one. Unless your family plays games or something that requires a lot of memory or processor power you can get one pretty cheap. I do recommend getting an external hard drive if you save pictures on your machine. Those are easier to recover. However, if you choose to try to repair your machine I have a link at the bottom similiar to that of Joe Armstrong, just for XP. Good luck and watch the sale flyers on Sunday.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545
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Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 464
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
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03-30-12 09:35 AM - Post#147292
In response to Jeremy
Also... you didn't mention if you had Antivirus on your machine. Yes... no AV is perfect and none will protect you 100% but having one is better than not. Microsoft has a new FREE AV that had great reviews from CNET and other organizations that rate software. I personally use it on all three of my computers and it works great. Aside from AV, keep the patches and service packs current on your machine and upgrade to the latest Internet Explorer. That will help. You can just turn on Microsoft Updates on your machine to do it for you but it will not install Service Packs... you need to do that manually when they say they are available.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/product ...
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EnjoyingLife
enthusiast
Posts: 545
Reg: 08-09-10
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03-30-12 11:27 AM - Post#147303
In response to Jeremy
If you're only using the PC for internet access, then buying a new PC is overkill.
With Windows, viruses are a way of life. As Jeremy stated, there's no AV software that can protect your machine 100% of the time.
If you take it to Rodi's, I'm sure they'll recommend a reformat. They'll take a backup of your harddrive, reformat it then restore your data. That's the most cost effective way and the best way to keep your machine running for another few years.
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Anonymous
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03-30-12 01:17 PM - Post#147308
In response to EnjoyingLife
I just received this offer today for the Atrix lapdock. If you have the Motorola Droid phone, for $79 you can make it a nice laptop.
http://1saleaday.com
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Lisatexmom
enthusiast
Posts: 854
Reg: 01-19-05
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03-30-12 02:19 PM - Post#147313
In response to MissingChico
Thanks everyone - for your information and suggestions, I am going to take it to Rodi's tomorrow.
I will keep you posted
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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Anonymous
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03-30-12 02:51 PM - Post#147318
In response to Lisatexmom
You'll be very happy with Rodi's. I purchase parts from them now and then and they're always straight shooters.
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Lisatexmom
enthusiast
Posts: 854
Reg: 01-19-05
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04-02-12 03:58 PM - Post#147503
In response to MissingChico
Went to Rodi's on Saturday - they fixed my PC and my son also got a laptop - They are very nice and I would recommend them to anyone.
We took the PC in that morning and got it back before they closed.
They are Awesome - Thanks everyone for your recommendations and letting me know about them.
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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