Do I Need to go back to factory settings.

handyman123_2

Hi, all suggestions are welcome. I stopped learning about computers back in the mid 80's. All I need is something that works.

Recently after a Vista update, I got a corrupted file, fixed using check disk. After that a message asking to reinstall Dell sevices.
Then a message - web page skin name minibcont ss common/skins/minibcont/css config file.
This has been followed by an above average number of crashes, wierd stuff and my wireless controller going on and off.

I cant reinstall anything as each time I try it tells me that an installation is allready in progress.

I have gone back to the start of the month for updates, turnes automatic update off. But each time I close down the pc performs yet another update.

I tried PC World, but all they could do was save my files and do a factory reset. I've backed up my files. At the moment things seem to be working ok.

Any suggestions greatfully appreciated.
Handyman123.

weegie.geek

It sounds pretty wrecked if you can't install anything. I'd reset to factory settings. It's worth doing every now and again tbh, usually quicker to wipe than to clean up a current install.

Donnie

Just uninstall the DELL Support Centre via Unistall Programs in the Control Panel. Then produce a HijackThis log and post it here.

You went to PCWorld??:eek:

handyman123_2

Donnie wrote: »

Just uninstall the DELL Support Centre via Unistall Programs in the Control Panel. Then produce a HijackThis log and post it here.

You went to PCWorld??:eek:

Sorry, Thanks so far guys, Numpty Monkey on DFW told me you guys were the business. I have just run malwarebytes and the commonskins file has just stopped it from working!
I am off to download hijackthis now. I will be back in a while to report.

Once again thanks so far.:beer:

handyman123_2

Hi again, I have just downdloaded Hijackthis, and the programme wont let me run it as it says another programme is currently installing. I have checked hidden updates and there is nothing. I have found the common skins file on the talk talk installation disc, but again I cant load it as it says I need to upgrade my OS, to Vista, I am allready running Vista premium.

I am starting to get worried! is this just a glitch or a major problem, bearing in mind that it stopped malwarebytes dead in its tracks.

I really don't want to have to wipe everything, but I am beginning to think this might be the only cure.

Cheers to all, handy.

weegie.geek

In the time you've spent trying to fix this you could've wiped everything and started again.

handyman123_2

weegie.geek wrote: »

In the time you've spent trying to fix this you could've wiped everything and started again.

Yup your right, but I'm scared of not getting things back. 20 years ago it wouldnt have been a prob, but since they stopped programming in basic the old handyman lost it.

I'm a fast learner though. Thanks for the help though, now if I can only get my chinese I phone copy to stop working in chinese when I use google!:rotfl::rotfl:

No Honestly thanks mate, I appreciate the suggestions, maybe I'm paranoid that I have picked up something nasty, or its just a glitch.

I will try to reset, let you know how I get on, handyman could be gone some time.

Best wishes to all, handy.:)

weegie.geek

See you on the other side.

Donnie

Did you uninstall the DELL Support Centre?

handyman123_2

Windows wont let me delete anything, all I get is a message that another programme is loading. I have checked and cant find anything else loading.

I have cleaned up my drive, de-fraged nothing seems to help

Donnie

You need SafeMSI. Unzip it and run it in Safe Mode. Then you can uninstall DELL program in Safe Mode. You can also take a look to see if there are any other dodgy programs that need uninstalling whilst there.