PC help needed please

Carmen

Hi,
I have been asked (by BiL) to help sort out his computer (I know, don't laugh!)

When the computer is turned on all that happens is as... there is a problem with your computer. A recently downloaded hardware/software is making it unsafe to continue. Press F8 and chose to start in safe mode, when trying it just goes back to telling me about the downloaded problem :mad:
I have managed to write down some of what is on the screen, It may help some of you techies.

Technical information.
Stop: 0X000000F4 (0X00000003,0X858162D8, 0X85816444,0X82C39200)


I am told there has been no new downloads in the last couple of months!!

If this cause anyone to pull out their hair, just throw it in the corner with mine;)

Thanks
Carmen x

waddler_8

What OS is it?

debitcardmayhem

Probable cause Hard Disk errors ,I take it you cannot to get into Safe Mode? It would help for some of the more Techie guys than me to state What is the PC (model and make) and Which version of windows XP/Vista/7 etc.

Edited: Such as Waddler ^^^^^^

pendragon_arther

You have to repeatedly tap F8 on bootup, not just hold down the key. If you get into safemode look for device manager and see if there's a yellow exclamation mark anywhere.

Carmen

Hi,
Sorry for the delay in replying:o

Could you please remind me, what is OS?

The make is, Acer AL1716, Vista.
I cannot get as far as 'safe mode'
I have not tried F8 method yet but I will give it a go.
BiL did mentioned he updated his AVG to the professional version!
That is the only change to the computer in recent weeks.
Thanks again

Carmen x

waddler_8

OS is Operating System - Vista

Try the f8 method to get to the Advanced boot options - try to start in safe mode.

If no go, is there the option on the Advanced boot options screen for Repair your computer?

NiftyDigits

Carmen wrote: »

Hi,
Sorry for the delay in replying:o

Could you please remind me, what is OS?

The make is, Acer AL1716, Vista.
I cannot get as far as 'safe mode'
I have not tried F8 method yet but I will give it a go.
BiL did mentioned he updated his AVG to the professional version!
That is the only change to the computer in recent weeks.
Thanks again

Carmen x

That is the monitor, not the computer. A System Restore to before the problem occurred is what is needed here.
Someone will tell you how. My connection is too slow here in the mountains, to put a guide together for you.

dispossessed

pendragon_arther wrote: »

You have to repeatedly tap F8 on bootup, not just hold down the key. If you get into safemode look for device manager and see if there's a yellow exclamation mark anywhere.

The above is very good advice.

Based on what has been stated in the original post I suspect a corrupt device driver.

Device Manager is a good starting point and Safe Mode was developed with these scenarios in mind.

As an alternative to unistalling the offending software via Safe Mode undertaking a System Restore (in Safe Mode) will often resolve the issue.

Start > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > Select your desired restore point etc

Carmen

Thank you all so far for the suggestions, I will give them a go and let you know the results.

It appears that the OS (;)) was changed from Vista to Windows 7.
Should I continue with the above advice?

Carmen x

dispossessed

Carmen wrote: »

Thank you all so far for the suggestions, I will give them a go and let you know the results.

It appears that the OS (;)) was changed from Vista to Windows 7.
Should I continue with the above advice?

Carmen x

I see no reason why not so - Yes

Figment

Carmen wrote: »

Thank you all so far for the suggestions, I will give them a go and let you know the results.

It appears that the OS (;)) was changed from Vista to Windows 7.
Should I continue with the above advice?

Carmen x

How long before the problem started was the OS upgraded to Windows 7?