Need some computer help

**DaGeek** · 07-05-2009, 10:10 PM

I'm trying to fix a friend's laptop (see my angrily-titled Toshiba thread

) from the virus infestation it had. Trouble is, even after the virus (possibly) is gone, it's left a mess, mainly with internet access. Internet Explorer and Firefox both have errors when they're opened, and I can't find a program on his computer that will update automatically or via the client. In addition, I've tried to go to download websites for anti-spyware definitions (for Ad-Aware), and it won't let me access them (this is through Safari, which works for some reason). Any way to fix this, or am I going to have to figure out a way to reinstall Vista for him? I'd really prefer not to reinstall Vista, but that depends on the work it'll take to fix the leftover problems.

Also, I have a Vista Repair disc, but I no longer have the option of booting up with the Repair mode for some reason. Doesn't seem to do much anyway.

PatrickStar4491 · 07-05-2009, 10:24 PM

I would highly recommend just reformatting. Who knows what havoc any viruses/spyware have caused. It will likely be problem after problem, and then there is the chance of whatever it was coming back. I would just backup any user documents/photos/music to an external drive, then scan those files for viruses on a clean machine, then do a reformat.

I think I saw in the other thread that you may not have an external drive. See if you have an iPod with space left on it. You can always use that in disk mode. I've used one of those before for backing stuff up.

AdamAPHC · 07-05-2009, 10:33 PM

+1 for complete reformatting. After Windows gets a serious infection it's virtually unavoidable.

Giga Hertz · 07-06-2009, 12:14 AM

I'm with them. It's like trying to revive a man who's been shot in the head 57 times.

So long as you have the appropriate drivers and important files, it isn't too much of an issue when push comes to shove.

**DaGeek** · 07-06-2009, 06:02 AM

Looks unavoidable then, huh? Alrighty, I've never done this with Vista before, and I don't have a full disc of Vista (just a Repair disc), plus I'm almost positive that Toshiba wasn't cool enough to give my friend a recovery partition. Can I reinstall anyway?

Cam42 · 07-06-2009, 11:04 AM

Does the lappy have a license sticker on the bottom, or somewhere on the case?
Should be that no matter how you get Vista, you'll be good if you use that product key on that computer

**DaGeek** · 07-06-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam42

Does the lappy have a license sticker on the bottom, or somewhere on the case?
Should be that no matter how you get Vista, you'll be good if you use that product key on that computer

Yes, it has one on the sticker. So, provided I get a copy of a Vista disc (does it have to be a full-install disc?), I'll be good, yes?

Bryan · 07-06-2009, 12:49 PM

just because there is a license sticker on the bottom doesn't mean you can take any copy of windows vista home premium, install it, and expect it to accept the product key.

Cam42 · 07-06-2009, 12:54 PM

Actually, it should. Try it, and get back to us with the results. EDIT: yes, it should be a full install, I would think. Upgrading from Vista premium to Vista premium doesn't sound like too good of a deal to me...

Bryan · 07-06-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam42

Actually, it should. Try it, and get back to us with the results. EDIT: yes, it should be a full install, I would think. Upgrading from Vista premium to Vista premium doesn't sound like too good of a deal to me...

actually, it might not.

Cam42 · 07-06-2009, 01:06 PM

I don't see why it wouldn't, but hey.
Also, if your friend isn't opposed to running Linux, you might wanna try Ubuntu.

**Gustin** · 07-06-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam42

I don't see why it wouldn't, but hey.
Also, if your friend isn't opposed to running Linux, you might wanna try Ubuntu.

Windows product authorization works on a call-response type of system. You type in the product key, and it sends that info to a central server which then returns an authorization to your computer verifying that the copy is legit.

If, however, the product key has already been entered, the system thinks it is a pirated copy and will turn the copy into a demo version that usually lasts about a month.

When you reinstall, sometimes (often), the system doesn't recognize that it's the same computer, and will return that the product key has already been entered.

The good news is, it's an incredibly easy fix by calling tech support. I had to do it in the past and it took about 5-10 minutes (including hold times).

Cam42 · 07-06-2009, 01:26 PM

It's worked for me with Xp several times.

**Gustin** · 07-06-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam42

It's worked for me with Xp several times.

And it didn't for me several times.

Like I said, it depends on the system and what exactly you had to do.

Bryan · 07-06-2009, 01:31 PM

there are OEM versions of the OS and if you use a Retail Key it won't work. If you try to use an OEM key on a Retail copy, it won't work. YOU CAN'T JUST TAKE ANY COPY OF VISTA AND PUT IN ANY PRODUCT KEY AND EXPECT IT TO WORK.