Laptop hanging please help

Dustykitten

I'm trying to sort out DS1's laptop which is a tad old but will have to do until I can find a decent spec new one for him. It is an Acer Aspire 7520

It keeps hanging.

I have tried 4 times now to run the updated version of Malwarebytes and it keeps hanging some way through - not sure at exactly which point but after approx 1 hour at which point it has not found any infected files.

I never get to see the log as I have to take the battery out to get it to shut down and restart and the logs are not there when I go back into look.

Please can somebody tell me what to try next - spybot? Hijack this?

ETA current status is malwarebytes is not responding

Dustykitten

Now some strange box has come up saying:

Resident Shield Alert

Warning

File name: it gives a long name

Threat: This file could not be scanned properly due to an invalid file structure (address6ab60c9c). Detected on opening

Is this the problem - a virus?

closed

Try it attached to the router with an ethernet cable, in safe mode with networking, on mains, without the battery in.

also run chkdsk c: /R on the disk to check for errors.

You don't have to pull the battery out if it hangs, hold down the power button until it switches off instead

also try a hitman pro scan

Dustykitten

The power button doesn't always work, hence the battery pull. I am using it with the mains power in at the moment, should I take the battery out?

I am not sure what you mean by 'try it in safe mode with networking'.

Shall I just ignore the warning screen and shut it all down first. Sorry I really do need little step by step help.

closed

keep the on/off switch held down, for 10 seconds

the suggestion to use mains, without the battery is to rule out a battery issue that can cause slowness.

F8 at boot to get into safe mode.

Dustykitten

I can't get the d@rn thing to power on now - think that is the power switch. I will wait for DS1 to return and see how he gets the switch to work. I have got ccleaner and spybot downloaded for if I need those. Hijack this is already on there but will need an update possibly.

Donnie

Safe Mode with Networking

closed

remove the battery, remove the power lead, insert the power lead, switch on

Dustykitten

Managed to get it running in safe mode. DH showed me how to press just the top of the dodgy button.

It is doing Malwarebytes. I've already done CCleaner. It switched itself off during spybot at some point.

OK and now it has turned off during the malwarebytes again after about 27 minutes

Dustykitten

It will only boot up with the battery in. Is that normal?

Dustykitten

Settings changed now to stop it turning itself off after 30 minutes!