Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 01:42:48 pm
Also, I've seen to have a foreign virus on my computer. Four icons are tenacious on my desktop, and every time I dump them in the recycling bin and restart the computer, it just turns up again. One of the icons is a super mario guy. But my anti-virus/greyware/malware software couldn't detect anything. The IT guy said it's probably a icon derived from a Chinese website and he could only detect it using a Chinese anti-virus program. But the problem is, I can't install any Chinese software onto my laptop (it's English-based) without it causing more problems.
Any help/suggestion/ideas would be most appreciated. The technician suggested me to by a new laptop. Any other alternatives??
Post by: monokekie on January 11, 2010, 02:03:03 pm
as you said, it might be the viruses causing the turmoil, the comp's software might have been stuffed up, but not the hardware. try to fix it first before you purchase a new one
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 02:14:01 pm
Post by: GerrySly on January 11, 2010, 02:44:01 pm
The IT guy said it's probably a icon derived from a Chinese website and he could only detect it using a Chinese anti-virus program.Virus' don't changed based on what country you live in. In fact Russians are typically the guys with the large botnets (doesn't mean you need a Russian anti-virus program). Sounds like the IT guy is trying to get your cash.
Anyway, if you try to reformat the computer and it is still shutting down then it is a hardware problem (i.e. get a new laptop / check the hardware [not sure how to do this on a laptop]) because once you format the computer you are no longer running on an OS (you're running from the disc)
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 02:52:20 pm
Lol, I initially tried to get rid of the virus myself using the programs on my laptop, but they detected nothing. I was 90% sure it was a virus because it would automatically change the home page of all my internet browsers and because of its prevalent nature (it's just doesn't go away!).
I once brought it to AWA in the city and they said that it was a virus causing all those problems and I paid ~$100 for him to get rid of the virus. He didn't get rid of it, firstly, and secondly, he ended up screwing some of the system settings as well.
Yeah, I've been thinking it's probably a hardware problem, or even worse a system board problem. But I don't know how to fix it in fear of screwing up something and causing new problems.
Also, are you saying that once a reformat the computer, it would be working alright again?
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 03:06:24 pm
i hope that made some sense
edit: system restore i think its called
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 04:02:13 pm
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 04:05:12 pm
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 04:06:58 pm
if its the virus then that will fix it, if its hardware then you have to get it repaired... take it to the company's factory thingo
Hmm, would you suggest buying a new laptop, or buy new hardware? I mean, buying new hardware could cost hundreds of dollars, and why not spend the money on getting a new laptop?
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 04:07:54 pm
oh and when it shuts down like that, it could be because its over heating? thats what happens to my desktop sometimes
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 04:19:37 pm
do you have a warranty? whats teh laptops brand
oh and when it shuts down like that, it could be because its over heating? thats what happens to my desktop sometimes
Nah outta warranty already.
Yeah, my comp tends to heat up quite a bit. But that wouldn't explain shutting down after 2 secs does it? :p
Post by: QuantumJG on January 11, 2010, 04:52:07 pm
What does your battery say when you start the computer?
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 04:54:01 pm
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 04:57:11 pm
Overheating could definately be the cause.
What does your battery say when you start the computer?
Oh yeah, the battery never charges. When it's charging normally, the orange light should be on all the time, and when it's done charging, the light would turn green. But now, the orange light would stay on for, say, 3 seconds and then switch off, and the turn on again, etc. etc. The charging icon on the menu always stays at 0% and at max around 40%.
The computer lasts longer when the charger is plugged in. When its not, the computer would shut down within moments of me pressing the start up button.
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 05:07:35 pm
maybe a new battery?Overheating could definately be the cause.
What does your battery say when you start the computer?
Oh yeah, the battery never charges. When it's charging normally, the orange light should be on all the time, and when it's done charging, the light would turn green. But now, the orange light would stay on for, say, 3 seconds and then switch off, and the turn on again, etc. etc. The charging icon on the menu always stays at 0% and at max around 40%.
The computer lasts longer when the charger is plugged in. When its not, the computer would shut down within moments of me pressing the start up button.
getting a new one could be easier but more expensive
Post by: RainerWolfram on January 11, 2010, 05:13:08 pm
I tried this for my cousin's laptop and it stopped malfunctioning again
Post by: TrueLight on January 11, 2010, 05:20:56 pm
post a hijackthis log (http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/) and if u can scan your computer with malwarebytesantimalware (http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Malwarebytes-AntiMalware/1186760019/1) to spywareinfoforum and they can help u out
maybe try entering safe mode
http://www.spywareinfoforum.com/index.php?&CODE=00
read through this
http://www.spywareinfoforum.com/index.php?showtopic=60955
Post by: GerrySly on January 11, 2010, 06:36:34 pm
when you start up your comp, you know when DOS or watever its called starts up? try going into settings and find where it says that you can go back to a date when your comp was working fine... i cant remember how i did this but i did do this once and everything went back to normal because it erases everything that occurred on the comp after that date...The thing when you start up is called BIOS and system restore isn't on BIOS (BIOS
i hope that made some sense
edit: system restore i think its called
Yeah sounds like a battery problem, like your battery or charger is fucked. Maybe take it into a computer store and ask them if you can try a spare battery in front of them. That'll save you from spending some cash
Post by: stonecold on January 11, 2010, 06:44:38 pm
Overheating could definately be the cause.
What does your battery say when you start the computer?
+1
It is either overheating, or some of the hardware needs replacing.
What brand it the laptop. I will ROFL if you say Toshiba.
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 06:47:22 pm
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 06:48:36 pm
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 06:51:09 pm
Post by: stonecold on January 11, 2010, 06:53:14 pm
If it is screwed and overheating, boost it up to get some air flow and try and run the recovery so you can get windows to run. Putting it near an aircon may also help.
If you can get it to work, then install a program called coretemp, and that will monitor your CPU temp so we can gauge if that is the problem.
Post by: samuch on January 11, 2010, 06:57:12 pm
95182500
clayton, corner of west all and centre road
im sure you can ask their exact address over the phone
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 07:03:17 pm
Can you run Windows on it, or is it completely screwed?
If it is screwed and overheating, boost it up to get some air flow and try and run the recovery so you can get windows to run. Putting it near an aircon may also help.
If you can get it to work, then install a program called coretemp, and that will monitor your CPU temp so we can gauge if that is the problem.
Yep, I can run Windows on it. The only problem (excluding the viral infections that may have permeated the system already) is the constant shutting down.
stonecold, what do you mean by boosting it up?
Yep, I'll try the software. It's only been happening these few months, which are prob some of the hottest months in Victoria, so it might be playing up cos of that.
Thanks for you help!
Post by: brightsky on January 11, 2010, 07:03:47 pm
contact hours 9-5 weekdays
95182500
clayton, corner of west all and centre road
im sure you can ask their exact address over the phone
Ah thanks, shall call them tomorrow! :)
Post by: stonecold on January 11, 2010, 07:07:43 pm
Can you run Windows on it, or is it completely screwed?
If it is screwed and overheating, boost it up to get some air flow and try and run the recovery so you can get windows to run. Putting it near an aircon may also help.
If you can get it to work, then install a program called coretemp, and that will monitor your CPU temp so we can gauge if that is the problem.
Yep, I can run Windows on it. The only problem (excluding the viral infections that may have permeated the system already) is the constant shutting down.
stonecold, what do you mean by boosting it up?
Yep, I'll try the software. It's only been happening these few months, which are prob some of the hottest months in Victoria, so it might be playing up cos of that.
Thanks for you help!
I mean like place some erasers or something underneath each of the corners to raise the machine up from your desk, creating airflow and reducing system temperature.
If you can get it to run for a couple of hours without turning off, then backup your files and attempt a system recovery to get rid of the viruses.
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 07:32:52 pm
1. MAC1 MacBook 13"
2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 4GB DDR memory
250 GB Hard drive
8 x DVD/CD burner NVIDIA GeForce 9400M Graphics
Built in 7 hour battery
2.7 cm thin
2.13 kg
3 year warranty
Extra magsafe power adaptor
STM Armour bag
3 year insurance
8GB USB Memory Stick
Price: $2199.00
2. TRIDENT Acer TravelMate 4730-872G16Mn
Processor Model: Intel Core 2 Duo P8700
Screen Size: 14.1" WXGA Widescreen
System RAM installed: 4GB DDR2-667 Memory
Hard Disk: 160 GB Hard Drive
Media Device: DVD Super Multi Drive (Dual Layer)
Card Reader: 5-in-1
Wireless LAN: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100 - 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth
Battery: 6-cell 2.2
Video Graphics: Shared Memory (UMA)
FingerPrint Reader: None
Camera: Acer CrystalEye webcam
Modem/ Network: 56K/Gigabit
USB Ports: Three
eSATA/HDMI/FIR: No/Yes/No
Warranty: 3 Year ONSITE NBD within 50 kms - C87
Weight: 2.35 kg with 6-cell battery pack/2.51 kg with 9-cell battery pack
Dimensions: 336(W) x 247 (D) x 31/41 (H) mm
Bundle includes:
3 Years Insurance
2 x AC Adapters
8GB USB Key
Education Carry Bag
Price: $2230
Its only gonna be for school use, but I don't know anything about IT, and don't know which one suits me better. Any advice/suggestions would be great!
Post by: the.watchman on January 12, 2010, 07:39:51 pm
No stuff-ups or anything. Also, no viruses (Macs don't get as many viruses).
So I suggest the Mac. Good luck buying!
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 07:43:48 pm
Post by: the.watchman on January 12, 2010, 07:45:58 pm
My only concern for Mac is that it's really hard to use, with its scrolling and stuff.
No no, none of these are issues, even with the touchpad, although using a mouse is always better.
But the interface is great, so I highly recommend Macs.
Post by: kendraaaaa on January 12, 2010, 07:50:56 pm
Post by: the.watchman on January 12, 2010, 07:52:17 pm
Definately go with the Mac it doesn't break, and if it does Apple has (in my experience) great customer support.I would also recommend getting the AppleCare protection plan with it as well, if you have enough money :)
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 07:53:28 pm
Do any of you guys out there have any experience with Acer?
Post by: RainerWolfram on January 12, 2010, 08:44:53 pm
Ok, thanks. Yeah, the right clicking thing is a bit annoying. I was doing group work with a friend and had to restrain myself from smashing his laptop after using the touchpad (lol, that's why I'm hesitant on which one to buy).
haha yeah, when I first got my imac, it pissed me off real bad. But you can actually change the settings of the mouse to a standard mouse with left and right click. lol i found this out after two months i bought the mac
From what I've heard about acer, it's not that great quality in terms of hardware. I would recommend you getting a Toshiba Satellite or an ASUS if u want a gaming laptop or a HP pavilion if you want shit battery life.
Post by: Edmund on January 12, 2010, 08:50:10 pm
Yeah HP has a short battery life (less than 2 hours). But I rarely take it to uni so it's fine :POk, thanks. Yeah, the right clicking thing is a bit annoying. I was doing group work with a friend and had to restrain myself from smashing his laptop after using the touchpad (lol, that's why I'm hesitant on which one to buy).
haha yeah, when I first got my imac, it pissed me off real bad. But you can actually change the settings of the mouse to a standard mouse with left and right click. lol i found this out after two months i bought the mac
From what I've heard about acer, it's not that great quality in terms of hardware. I would recommend you getting a Toshiba Satellite or an ASUS if u want a gaming laptop or a HP pavilion if you want shit battery life.
Though I have to say HP has got great customer service. I once needed my LCD to be replaced. It got picked up on Monday afternoon, fixed within 3 days and was returned on Friday morning :D
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 08:52:13 pm
Post by: RainerWolfram on January 12, 2010, 09:03:32 pm
Nah, those two are the only choices the school provides. Do you know if Acer has a good battery life? I can't comprehend "Battery: 6-cell 2.2" it has written on the form.
Do you know the specific model of the ACER laptop you want? It really depends on the model/version not the brand itself. I know for the fact that the majority of the pavilion laptops have insufficient battery life.
If you want to do some proper research, it's best if you search through the whirlpool forum (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/130). They have really good information that you will need.
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 09:06:20 pm
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 09:08:14 pm
Post by: RainerWolfram on January 12, 2010, 09:19:21 pm
Umm.. I've posted all the info about the two laptop choices. The Acer model is "TRIDENT Acer TravelMate 4730-872G16Mn"
Sorry, I didn't see your other post.
Is it mandatory to get either the two laptops you stated before or it's just your personal choice?
What's your budget?
Post by: brightsky on January 12, 2010, 09:21:42 pm
Post by: minilunchbox on January 12, 2010, 09:40:36 pm
Mac Mac Mac!!! I've been a Mac user almost all my life, and they have never let me down.
No stuff-ups or anything. Also, no viruses (Macs don't get as many viruses).
So I suggest the Mac. Good luck buying!
Get a Mac. They're really, really easy to use and it doesn't take long to get used to them, really. I've been using Macs since Primary School so I'm at the point where I think everything on Windows is backwards and not the other way around. They've never broken down on me and they're much more aesthetically pleasing and straight-forward.
Post by: TrueLight on January 12, 2010, 09:43:31 pm
id say macbook
never really read that many good things about acer
Post by: the.watchman on January 12, 2010, 09:45:05 pm
never really read that many good things about acerOur school teachers all used to get Acer laptops from the school, but they switched to Fujitsu because of all the problems etc.
Mac all the way! :D