1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

i got a virus or something in my laptop and now i can't do anything on it. it brings up an Error message "SVChost.exe" application unable to open needs to close... i tried to do a system restore but it won't let me restore it, and i called Dell their wonderful tech support isn't free. so you pay 1000 dollars for a computer and can't get free help.. anyways the guy told me i probably need to reinstall windows. is anyone on here able to work their way around a computer?

in the orlando area as well.

ScrapSilicon

iTrader: (3)

dell laptop..I'd pull the harddrive and using an adapter (like http://www.cooldrives.com/saandidehadr.html ) run antivirus/antispyware scans remotely via usb thru another non-infected comp to start with and add the antivirus(latest version if possible ..I like avast free version) and antispyware ( I like superantispyware free edition ) .exes onto the harddrive in a folder as most likely the *bugs* won't let a download of such to occur. goodluck

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

appreciate it. i will need help doing anything with it though. i don't know as much about comps as i used to. in terms of a virus program i have a site i can get anything from for free so when ever it gets fixed i will find out what the best program out there is and install it.

01pewter2001z28

iTrader: (2)

Are you running any virus software?

Download Malware Bytes install it and let it remove the files re-boot and see if you get the error message after you run the program boot from your XP or Vista CD go into the install screen to re-install you will be given an option at this point to try and fix the OS run that and see what happens.

We had a computer in our office had the same issue we ran the malware bytes then the install XP cd and had it repair the OS and all was good.

Sean

hyperzone

Do you have all your original program CDs? Windows, Office, games, whatever? Otherwise, if you reload, your likely to not have them second time around. Can you afford to lose most or all of your data on the computer? I'm not a computer genius but, I reload my system 1-2 times a year from scratch. I have all my personal files on alternate drives so when I finish everything seems to run better and yet all my files are still where they were. I'm not exactly in your area or I'd swing by. Doesn't take but, a couple hours to reload windows and all your programs and drivers.

Edit: Definitely exhaust all your options prior to reinstalling since it would be much easier not losing all your saved stuff and bookmarks yada, yada, yada...

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

i have no problem losing eveything. most stuff can be found online or be downloaded again. i'm not a business executive or anything so nothing crazy on it, will be sad to lose my porno collection though haha. i tried doing the complete restore but it won't allow me to, which the guy said is linked to needed windows reinstalled.

Kalgorn

iTrader: (6)

If you don't have a problem driving to Gainesville I could help you out. I've got an adapter to hook up a 2.5" laptop drive to a PC to pull data off so if it comes down to it, I can grab whatever you need off of the drive and do a full format on it.

Do you still have all of the CDs and **** that came with the laptop? If you do, you should be set once you have someone pull the data for you.

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

i don't know where any of my stuff is that came with it. when i moved out of my moms place few years ago she cleaned shop with out telling me and pretty much everything i owned was thrown away haha.

Kalgorn

iTrader: (6)

Well I can do a full reinstall of Windows XP Pro w/ SP2 but it's not exactly "legit". You can run it forever though; no activation required. If it comes down to it, it can be done.

However, I am getting ahead of myself. It may not be necessary.

If you do want my help, let me know and I'll do a little bit of research at work today on repairing a XP install with a Windows CD.

Is it even Windows XP? I probably should have asked that.

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

Yeah it's W-XP... i would appreciate the help. how far away is gainesville from orlando?

maverickmk

iTrader: (10)

I've got Dell restore disks, as long as you have a COA I can load Windows on it for you, and I'm in Orlando

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

what is COA?

maverickmk

iTrader: (10)

COA = Certificate of Authenticity, the sticker that Dell/Microsoft puts on computers to show it's the real deal. Sent you a pm.

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

Replied

SSJIMMY

iTrader: (8)

you should have the COA on the laptop sometimes its on the bottom or the dell manual may have it if you have that. I think there is a way to find it through the registry also.

If you do a re install I would recommend partitioning the hard drive into two size so you can save your data on one and the OS on the other. will make it alot easier the next time.

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

i have all the stickers on the bottom it came with. but some have worn down with heat and time so hopefully it's one of the viewable ones.

f-bodyfanatic

iTrader: (2)

Actually if you call Dell they can send you the original disc that was sent with your computer for your OS. You can also get the disc ordered online and I'm pretty sure it wont cost you anything. I'll double check. Also restart computer and when you see the Dell splash screen press CTRL + F11 at the same time. If done correctly you should see another screen come up with Symantec PC Restore coming up which will restore your computer to the way it was out of the box.

PS. I work for Dell

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

appreciate it. when i called dell though guy was of no help. i asked if they had a free help service and he said "i don't know but you can bring it to geek squad or something" then i asked about discs and stuff and i got another idk.

f-bodyfanatic

iTrader: (2)

what is your service tag or express service code

1meantransam

iTrader: (8)

not sure, i have the stickers on bottom but i'm not sure which one it is?