Two computers - both gone mad since last MS update. Anyone else?

Chris_Preston

Hi all.

I have a desktop and a laptop at home on a wireless network and they have both gone completely mad over the last two days but in different ways.

The laptop (Gericom) has started to display an error message on start up saying that due to a registry error, it has had to use a copy but that it was successful. Unfortunately, it then takes several minutes to respond to each mouse click. In task manager, CPU use is up to 100% most of the time, taken up by svchost.exe and wuauclt.exe; the latter is something to do with Windows Update. It is virtually unusable.

The desktop crashed this afternoon, switching itself off and on reboot, I have lost most of my programmes; the programmes menu shows '(empty)' and when I try to use MS outlook (I have genuine Office XP but was using the new beta), it asks for the installation CD. I am wondering if it is something to do with the new Windows Genuine Advantage update.

We also have two other computers on the home network, used by my step-kids and they don't appear to have any problem but they don't download the latest MS updates.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Browntoa

try using system restore to go back to a point before the updates

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

Chris_Preston

Thanks Browntoa but I'm afraid system restore is no longer available; it's not in my programs list and not even if I go through explore - program files, etc.

In control panel - add / remove programs, most of my programs are missing.

albertross_2

is it under start, help?

Chris_Preston

No, when I try that, I get, "windows cannot find 'helpctr.exe. Make sure you have typed the name ... etc...'

Anthillmob

are you losing your mouse pointer when this happens? if so then welcome to my world and thanks maybe for a solution to our problem as mr mob thinks our chipset is fried. or overheating.

basically at any time during the pc's use the mouse pointer will suddenly vanish and the the whole system reboots. some times it does it on and off all day and sometimes not for weeks.

Chris_Preston

Hi, Anthill.

Interesting you should mention it; I wasn't having that problem when it crashed but I have experienced the disappearing mouse ever since downloading the Office beta. The crash happened when I was on Google earth, exactly as I used the 'tilt' button.

Can I also say that I am an ordinary Geezer with no axe to grind with MS.

Thanks for your help.

albertross_2

how about start, run, chkdsk c: /F/R then reboot

woo

have you tried uninstalling office beta? wonder if the updates have had a conflict?

Anthillmob

we havent downloaded office beta.

mr mob thinks our chipset is frying itself.

strange thingsour pc gets upto. its fine fior days and then almost seems like it confuses itself and the mouse pointer vanishes and the system reboots or turns off.

tis very strange and will do it at any given time no matter what we are running.

sorry im hijacking you thread....