...and as I was saying to screen317...

[UnclePete]

I am deeply indebted to screen317 for advice related to my post, "after eight months of happy rebooting..." I was about to execute his next instructions when my hard drive failed, and I received the dread "NTLDR is missing" error message. So I was offline for a while searching for a solution on my own. I am now booting from a CD, and back online, and I found my topic is now locked...and thus I am here!

So let me begin by saying, when I reread the old thread, I can see that certainly I am better off than when we started. Boot times are not as bad as I reported at the beginning.

Next: I was unable to unistall combofix. When I attempted the "run" operation as directed, I received a message that the computer could not find combofix. So I ran the "search" function, and found one, small combofix file on my c drive, but there was nothing inside it labelled "unistall" and in fact my guess is the file is just some remnant. I looked back over the instructions I've followed on this forum, and I think that I may have already uninstalled combofix after my last adventure, after getting rid of the whitesmoke virus.

Okay, so... now I've followed all of the remaining of screen 317's instructions. Here is the DDS attach file:

.

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED, DO NOT POST THIS LOG.

IF REQUESTED, ZIP IT UP & ATTACH IT

.

DDS (Ver_2011-08-26.01)

.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume2

Install Date: 2/24/2006 12:25:57 AM

System Uptime: 10/29/2011 3:01:04 PM (1 hours ago)

.

Motherboard: Intel Corporation | | D915GRO

Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 3.20GHz | J2E1 | 3200/200mhz

.

==== Disk Partitions =========================

.

A: is Removable

C: is FIXED (NTFS) - 226 GiB total, 169.806 GiB free.

D: is Removable

E: is Removable

F: is Removable

G: is Removable

H: is CDROM (CDFS)

.

==== Disabled Device Manager Items =============

.

Class GUID: {4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

Description: 1394 Net Adapter

Device ID: V1394\NIC1394\87807E132000

Manufacturer: Microsoft

Name: 1394 Net Adapter

PNP Device ID: V1394\NIC1394\87807E132000

Service: NIC1394

.

Class GUID:

Description:

Device ID: ROOT\LEGACY_SASKUTIL\0000

Manufacturer:

Name:

PNP Device ID: ROOT\LEGACY_SASKUTIL\0000

Service:

.

==== System Restore Points ===================

.

RP1: 9/18/2011 10:14:16 PM - System Checkpoint

RP2: 9/20/2011 10:12:19 PM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP3: 9/21/2011 10:59:07 PM - Removed ContentManager

RP4: 9/24/2011 12:24:52 PM - System Checkpoint

RP5: 9/25/2011 8:45:30 PM - System Checkpoint

RP6: 9/26/2011 11:32:32 PM - System Checkpoint

RP7: 9/28/2011 12:09:05 AM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP8: 9/28/2011 10:58:57 PM - Installed Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.4148

RP9: 9/28/2011 11:00:26 PM - Installed Java 6 Update 22

RP10: 9/28/2011 11:04:37 PM - Installed OpenOffice.org 3.3

RP11: 9/29/2011 11:08:55 PM - System Checkpoint

RP12: 10/1/2011 1:23:06 PM - System Checkpoint

RP13: 10/5/2011 11:19:49 PM - System Checkpoint

RP14: 10/6/2011 11:46:40 PM - System Checkpoint

RP15: 10/11/2011 9:24:53 PM - System Checkpoint

RP16: 10/13/2011 1:04:53 AM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP17: 10/14/2011 7:36:01 PM - System Checkpoint

RP18: 10/15/2011 11:04:51 AM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP19: 10/15/2011 11:18:32 AM - Software Distribution Service 3.0

RP20: 10/19/2011 7:46:24 PM - Restore Operation

RP21: 10/19/2011 8:25:01 PM - Restore Operation

RP22: 10/23/2011 1:22:24 AM - System Checkpoint

RP23: 10/26/2011 9:34:07 PM - System Checkpoint

RP24: 10/28/2011 12:18:59 AM - System Checkpoint

RP25: 10/29/2011 2:51:57 PM - Removed Adobe Reader 7.0.9

RP26: 10/29/2011 3:08:59 PM - Installed Java 6 Update 29

RP27: 10/29/2011 3:17:48 PM - Installed Adobe Reader X (10.1.1).

.

==== Installed Programs ======================

.

123 Copy DVD Uninstall

123 CopyDVD 2009

123 CopyDVD Gold

Acrophobia

Adobe Acrobat 4.0

Adobe AIR

Adobe Flash Player 11 ActiveX

Adobe Reader X (10.1.1)

Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6

Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem

AnswerWorks 4.0 Runtime - English

Apple Application Support

Apple Mobile Device Support

Apple Software Update

ATI - Software Uninstall Utility

ATI Control Panel

ATI Display Driver

AviSynth 2.5

Bonjour

Britannica CD 99 Multimedia Edition

CCleaner

Chessmaster 10th Edition

Chessmaster 7000

Chris Moneymakers World Poker Championship (remove only)

Click to DVD 2.0.03 Menu Data

Click to DVD 2.4.10

Code Head Calculated Risk

Code Head X-Treme Culture

CompuServe

DD Tournament Poker 1.2

Defraggler

Discover Armenian

Dorling Kindersley Application Database v1.4

DVgate Plus

Edmark Mighty Math Number Heroes (remove)

Ego

eMusic - 50 Free MP3 offer

EPSON Printer Software

EPSON Scan

EuroTalk Talk Now Multi-Language

Eusing Free Registry Cleaner

Eusing Free Registry Defrag

FinePix Studio

FinePixViewer Resource

FinePixViewer Ver.5.5

Free Realms Installer

Fritz 5.32

Fritz9

Full Spectrum Warrior

GearDrivers

Gold Medal Math

Google Chrome

Google Desktop

Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer

Google Update Helper

Grand Prix Legends

High Definition Audio Driver Package - KB835221

Hotfix for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB953595)

Hotfix for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB958484)

Hotfix for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB947864)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB2570791)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB952287)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB954550-v5)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB961118)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB970653-v3)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB976098-v2)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB979306)

Hotfix for Windows XP (KB981793)

I Love Science!

Image Converter 2

ImageMixer VCD/DVD2 for OLYMPUS

Info Center 1.0.0.6

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver

Intel® PRO Network Adapters and Drivers

InterVideo WinDVD for VAIO

ISScript

iTunes

J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0

Java Auto Updater

Java 6 Update 22

Java 6 Update 29

Learn To Speak French Essentials 10

LEGO Creator

LEGO Island

LEGO Island 2

LEGO Racers

LEGO® Batman™

LEGO® Indiana Jones™

Lotus SmartSuite 97

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware version 1.51.2.1300

Math Blaster

Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess

Memory Stick Formatter

MFMA2 - Adding and Subtracting

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 Hotfix (KB2572066)

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB2572067)

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB979906)

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1

Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3.1

Microsoft Data Access Components KB870669

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002

Microsoft Internationalized Domain Names Mitigation APIs

Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs

Microsoft Office PowerPoint Viewer 2003

Microsoft Silverlight

Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (VAIO_VEDB)

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.4148

MoodLogic

Move Media Player

Movielink eHome version 1.1

MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)

MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)

MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688)

MSXML 4.0 SP2 Parser and SDK

MSXML 6 Service Pack 2 (KB973686)

Music Ace

Music Ace 2

Music Ace 2 Demo

Musicnotes Software Suite 1.5.5

Mystery Club Gadget Games

New Yorker Viewer

Norton Internet Security

OLYMPUS Master

OLYMPUS Master 2

OpenMG Limited Patch 4.1-05-13-31-01

OpenMG Metadata Extractor for Windows Media Player

OpenMG Secure Module 4.1.00

OpenOffice.org 3.3

OverDrive Media Console

PictureGear Studio 2.0

Quicken 2005

QuickTime

QuickTime for Windows (32-bit)

RealPlayer

Realtek High Definition Audio Driver

RealUpgrade 1.0

RegCure 1.5.0.1

Revo Uninstaller Pro 2.5.1

Safari

Scooby-Doo, Case File #2 The Scary Stone Dragon

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB2416473)

Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB2564958)

Security Update for Step By Step Interactive Training (KB898458)

Security Update for Step By Step Interactive Training (KB923723)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB928090)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB929969)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB931768)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB933566)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB937143)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB938127)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB939653)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB942615)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB944533)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB950759)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB953838)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB956390)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB958215)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB960714)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB961260)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB963027)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB969897)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB972260)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB974455)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB976325)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB978207)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB982381)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB2510531)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB2544521)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB2559049)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB2586448)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB971961)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB981332)

Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB982381)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB2378111)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB952069)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB954155)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB968816)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB973540)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB975558)

Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB978695)

Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 (KB911565)

Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 (KB917734)

Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 (KB936782)

Security Update for Windows Media Player 6.4 (KB925398)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2079403)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2115168)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2229593)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2296011)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2347290)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2360937)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2387149)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2393802)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2412687)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2419632)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2423089)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2440591)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2443105)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2476490)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478960)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478971)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2481109)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2483185)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2485663)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2503665)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2506212)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507618)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507938)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2508272)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2508429)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2509553)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2535512)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2536276-v2)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2544893)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2555917)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2562937)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2566454)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2567053)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2567680)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2570222)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2570947)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2592799)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB923561)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB923689)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB938464)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB941569)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB950760)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB951066)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376-v2)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB952004)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB953839)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB954211)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB954600)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB955069)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956391)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956572)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956744)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956802)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956803)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956841)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB956844)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB957095)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB957097)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB958644)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB958687)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB958690)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB958869)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB959426)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB960225)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB960715)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB960803)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB960859)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB961371)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB961373)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB961501)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB968537)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB969059)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB969898)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB969947)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB970238)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB970430)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971468)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971486)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971557)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971633)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971657)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971961)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB972270)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973346)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973354)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973507)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973525)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973869)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973904)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB974112)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB974318)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB974392)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB974571)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975025)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975467)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975560)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975561)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975562)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975713)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB977165)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB977816)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB977914)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978037)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978251)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978262)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978338)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978542)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978601)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978706)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979309)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979482)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979559)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979683)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979687)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980195)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980218)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980232)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980436)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981322)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981349)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981997)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982132)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982665)

Sierra Utilities

Soccer Math

Sonic Encoders

Sonic RecordNow!

SonicStage 3.0

SonicStage Mastering Studio Audio Filter Custom Preset

Sony Certificate PCH

Sony MP4 Shared Library

Sony TV Tuner Library 1.0

Sony Video Shared Library

SpongeBob SquarePants Typing

Street Maps USA

Study Helpers Math Booster

Study Helpers Spelling Bee

swMSM

Travelogue 360 - Paris (remove only)

TurboTax Deluxe 2005

TurboTax Deluxe 2007

TurboTax Deluxe Deduction Maximizer 2006

TurboTax ItsDeductible 2005

TurboTax ItsDeductible 2006

Unity Web Player

Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB963707)

Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB976749)

Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB980182)

Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB976662)

Update for Windows XP (KB2345886)

Update for Windows XP (KB2541763)

Update for Windows XP (KB2616676-v2)

Update for Windows XP (KB2616676)

Update for Windows XP (KB951072-v2)

Update for Windows XP (KB951978)

Update for Windows XP (KB955759)

Update for Windows XP (KB955839)

Update for Windows XP (KB967715)

Update for Windows XP (KB968389)

Update for Windows XP (KB971029)

Update for Windows XP (KB971737)

Update for Windows XP (KB973687)

Update for Windows XP (KB973815)

Update Rollup 1 for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with HDTV Support (KB873369)

USB MP3 Player Music Manage System

VAIO Control Center

VAIO Entertainment Platform

VAIO Media 4.0

VAIO Media AC3 Decoder 1.0

VAIO Media Integrated Server 4.1

VAIO Media Redistribution 4.0

VAIO Media Registration Tool 4.0

VAIO Original Screen Saver

VAIO Original Screen Saver VAIO Motion SD Wide Contents

VAIO Registration

VAIO Structure Wallpaper

VAIO Survey Standalone

VAIO TV Tuner Library 1.4

VAIO Update 2

Viewpoint Media Player (Remove Only)

ViewSonic Monitor Drivers

Virtual Key

WebFldrs XP

WexTech AnswerWorks

Winamp (remove only)

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (KB905474)

Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)

Windows Imaging Component

Windows Internet Explorer 7

Windows Internet Explorer 8

Windows Media Player 10 Hotfix [see KB886612 for more information]

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 KB890629

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 KB895198

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 KB973768

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Wizard101

WordPerfect Office 12

WOT for Internet Explorer

Yahoo! Install Manager

Yahoo! Software Update

Yahoo! Toolbar

.

==== End Of File ===========================

And let me close by saying how truly indebted I am. A neighbor who is, let us say, a highly-placed computer executive told me he'd had a problem similar to one I've described earlier on his computer, and his solution was to trash the computer and buy another one. So I really am indebted that you have enabled me to keep this machine going!

[screen317]

Hello again!

In detail, describe the issues you are currently experiencing, and we'll see what we can do for you.

[UnclePete]

Thanks so much for your reply. I am not worthy! As I say, it's seeming less and less likely that my problem is a virus, so the fact that you reply shows that your charity knows no bounds. So I will certainly understand if you wish to exit this particular sinking ship.

But in case I still have your ear: my most recent and dramatic problem was a general failure accompanied by a "NTLDR is missing" error message. I was able to fix this thanks to advice I found posted online...except that the fix used a boot disk. I put the files from my boot disk on my C: drive, and for a couple of boots everything worked fine, without the disk...then I'd get the error message again, and found the files had (seemingly) disappeared from the C: drive. Not a huge problem, because all it means is I have to leave the boot drive in the computer...but maybe it's a clue to my problems more generally...or maybe you can figure what I'm doing wrong?

Anyway, the problems that persist are: long boot times. Sooner or later, it feels like something's taken over my computer, and the hard drive runs and runs. Everything should be calm, nothing should be happening, and yet the hard drive runs incessantly. So everything slows to a crawl. Also, I get messages from Norton saying that internet explorer is sucking up huge amounts of memory, or svchost.exe is sucking up huge amounts of memory. I switched to Google Chrome and things got better, much better for awhile, but eventually I got the memory message for Google chrome.

So...that's it. Many thanks and I will be amazed if you can unpuzzle this one. If it's any consolation, every time you answer one of my posts, (1) I learn something; and (2) I tell my friends at work. You and LD Tate are one step shy of comic book heroes in my estimation.

[screen317]

Thank you for the kind words.

You and LD Tate are one step shy of comic book heroes in my estimation.

Well I certainly don't wear a superhero costume while working; can't say for certain about LDTate though...

I am convinced that the hard drive is beginning to physically fail/break down. That would explain why the damage appears to always return even after a temporary fix. Thankfully hard drives are pretty inexpensive nowadays and I believe putting in a new one and installing Windows on it would fix your issue. Naturally, backing up your files (now) would be a great idea, especially that hard drive failure tends to be progressive and after a certain point even irrecoverable.

Click Start --> Run, enter cmd.exe, and press Enter

In the black box that appears, enter this command exactly as shown:

chkdsk>"%userprofile%\desktop\chkdsk.txt"

Press Enter.

When it finishes, open chkdsk.txt on your Desktop and post its contents here.

Next, please run the PCPitstop Full Tests here (NOT the PCMatic scan or any other scan; simply register with the box on the left and you will be taken to the Full Tests/Overdrive Test). When the tests are complete, a results page will pop up. Copy and paste the URL of the Results screen and post it here for me.

-screen317

[UnclePete]

I ran chkdsk, and even though the result is Greek to me, something tells me it ain't good news:

The type of the file system is NTFS.

WARNING! F parameter not specified.

Running CHKDSK in read-only mode.

CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 3)...

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File verification completed.

CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 3)...

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Deleting index entry Local State in index $I30 of file 122810.

Deleting index entry LOCALS~1 in index $I30 of file 122810.

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Index verification completed.

Errors found. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode.

And here's the URL of my PC Pitstop results page: http://www.pcpitstop.com/betapit/sec.asp?conid=24560206

You predict that I will have to replace my hard drive...since my computer came with Windows pre-installed and no disk, does this mean I have to buy a new copy of Windows? Or do you suggest trying to clone the disk? And are you interested in participating in the over/under pool for the exact day my system fails?

[screen317]

The chkdsk report helped confirm my suspicions. Let's see if Windows can fix it itself.

The following need to be done in the order presented for the best shot of working:

Run TFC by OldTimer to clear temporary files:

• Please download TFC from here and save it to your desktop.
  
• Close any open programs and Internet browsers.
  
• Double click TFC.exe to run it and once it opens click on the Start button on the lower left of the program to allow it to begin cleaning.
  
• Please be patient as clearing out temp files may take a while.
  
• Once it completes you may be prompted to restart your computer, please do so.
  
• Once it's finished you may delete TFC.exe from your Desktop or save it for later use for the cleaning of temporary files.
  

Run TFC by OldTimer to clear temporary files:

• Please download TFC from here and save it to your desktop.
  
• Close any open programs and Internet browsers.
  
• Double click TFC.exe to run it and once it opens click on the Start button on the lower left of the program to allow it to begin cleaning.
  
• Please be patient as clearing out temp files may take a while.
  
• Once it completes you may be prompted to restart your computer, please do so.
  
• Once it's finished you may delete TFC.exe from your Desktop or save it for later use for the cleaning of temporary files.
  

Right click My Computer and click Properties. Select the System Restore tab, and move the slider to 3%. You're pretty much wasting disk space otherwise.

Reboot.

Download and install Defraggler (it's free), and run it. Do a full defragmentation of your hard drive.

Reboot.

Click Start --> Run, and enter this command exactly as shown:

chkdsk /r>"%userprofile%\desktop\chkdsk2.txt"

Give it some time (~30 minutes or so), then open chkdsk2.txt on your Desktop. Post its contents here.

If it prompts you to press Y and Enter so it can run it on the next bootup. Do so then restart your computer.

[UnclePete]

My saga may be frustrating, but it will not be without surprises...

I ran TFC, rebooted, reset system restore (although for some reason the pointer made me choose between 2% and 4%), and rebooted, then I ran defraggler (which, for what it's worth, complimented me on the health of my hard drive), and rebooted, and then I copied the chkdsk line, inserted in the slot in "run," clicked "ok," and...

...essentially, nothing happened. Some message flicked on the screen for a millisecond, impossible to read. It didn't seem like anything was happening. After a while, I checked Task Manager, and couldn't find chkdsk in the list of operations (although perhaps it wouldn't show up even if it was working?), and, after letting the computer run for an infinite amount of time, I find nothing on my desktop labelled chkdsk2.txt.

Every so often, I run the most sensitive system test ever: I let my eleven year old play a game on the computer. He told me after I did the fixes you suggested it worked "perfectly," and in fact at the moment it is purring...

One more odd thing to report, Mr. Holmes. Now when I try to reboot, I get a missing hal.dll file message. I hit any key, and life is back to normal. I continue to reboot from a cd.

I realize that you may feel that giving me advice is merely delaying the inevitable, but it is as in war: sometimes holding off the enemy is in itself victory. Every day, the price of a replacement computer drops half a percent. Did we think we would live to see the day when name-brand laptops went below $300? All thanks to you.

[screen317]

Hi,

Open up chkdsk2.txt and post its contents here. Either it wasn't run correctly or something, but I'd like to see the log.

[UnclePete]

Yes, I think I understand...the problem is that I can't find any document titled chkdsk2.txt. I looked with my eyes, I used the Windows search function, and I tried Google desktop. Nothing. Makes me think chkdsk just didn't run. As I say, a box opens up (looks like a MS-DOS type box) for a fraction of a second, then disappears, then...nothing.

By the way, another anomaly: Even when I am not using internet explorer, it shows up as one of my biggest memory hogs. That is, on task manager IE looks like it's active even when it's not.

[screen317]

Whoops. Misread your post. Click Start --> Run, type in cmd.exe, and press Enter. Try the chkdsk /r command again.

[UnclePete]

Sorry I can't do better than this:

I ran cmd.exe, then tried the chkdsk command. I got a chkdsk2.txt file on my desktop. The contents are below. The "Y," of course, is my addition. I re-booted and nothing happened. I tried this several times then gave up. So, for what it's worth, here are the glorious contents of my chkdsk2.txt file:

The type of the file system is NTFS.

Cannot lock current drive.

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another

process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be

checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N) Y

P.S. If it's any consolation, my system really is working better. It's not my imagination. So thanks!

[screen317]

Hmmm... Maybe the disk was able to repair itself. Either way, let me know if any issues manifest themselves.

[screen317]

Are you still with us? This topic will be closed in a few days if we do not hear back from you.

[screen317]

Glad we could help.

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