Dell pc, 4 years old!

aaroncaz

Im sure it's on it's way out, i get corrupted files, every now and then, needed completely re-booting last year, is it worth getting a pc expert in to have a look at it, clean it, etc..................or is it past its sell by date?:rolleyes:

Browntoa

try this

http://www.download.com/TuneUp-Utilities-2007/3000-2086_4-10629494.html

install and run 1-click maintenance a few times

Browntoa

if there are any corrupt system files using scannow sfc.
To do this simply go to the Run box on the Start Menu and type in:
sfc /scannow
This command will immediately initiate the Windows File Protection service to scan all protected files and verify their integrity, replacing any files with which it finds a problem.
The following should appear to give an indication of how long the process is taking.

In an ideal world that would be the end of the story... Any corrupt, missing or incorrect files would be replaced by this process.
However, things can go wrong and the following guide should help!
The #1 complaint with scannow sfc is the following dialog box appearing:

edit....wrong picture but the same for Xp home..insert XP home CD

Why does this happen?

Well, in your computer's registry, are several settings that are checked when you run scannow sfc.
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Windows File Protection service constantly monitors for any changes to the main system files. Well Windows XP keeps a cache (copy) of these essential files at the following location:
C:WINDOWS\System32\Dllcache (assuming C: is your system root which it probably is.)
NB - The dllcache folder is extremely important so Windows XP hides it from you! To view it go to: My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View > "uncheck" Hide protected operating system files.
If that's the case on your computer then there is normally no need for the original XP CD to be inserted as your computer has a "copy" it can get hold of in this cache...
But, if the Dllcache folder, or part of it, has become corrupted for some reason then you will be prompted for the XP CD - so your computer can get a clean copy!
Having said that not ALL installations of Windows XP have ALL the system files cached into this folder!

http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

ctdctd

Backup data
New hard disk
Re-install Windows from Dell CD (If you got one with the PC)
Re-install programs
Copy data back
Good for another 4 years with luck

About 2 - 3 hours work for an "expert" - compare the cost of this with a new faster PC with a warranty at £300 - £400.

aaroncaz

thank you!!

aaroncaz

ctdctd wrote: »

Backup data
New hard disk
Re-install Windows from Dell CD (If you got one with the PC)
Re-install programs
Copy data back
Good for another 4 years with luck

About 2 - 3 hours work for an "expert" - compare the cost of this with a new faster PC with a warranty at £300 - £400.

yes i have all the back-up cds!! am going to debate all the responses, but think i am best getting someone in!!

Browntoa

my first bit with the registry cleaner is easey peasey...can't do any harm

Donnie

More fun if you do it yourself.

If you 'get someone in' it could cost more than it is worth. Unless the person is a friend.

First of all, you should follow Browntoa instructions.

Next, you should run an integrity check on your HDD to see if there are any problems.
We can help with programs for this.

If there are HDD failures, replacing the HDD is probably easier than you think(with a little purchasing advice from the forum) as you have an existing HDD. So it should be a simple matter of using the same connections.

If you 'get someone in' it could cost more than it is worth. Unless the person is a friend.

aaroncaz

ok guys, i'll give it a try!!

aaroncaz

Browntoa wrote: »

my first bit with the registry cleaner is easey peasey...can't do any harm

ok, ive done that!!

aaroncaz

Browntoa wrote: »

if there are any corrupt system files using scannow sfc.
To do this simply go to the Run box on the Start Menu and type in:
sfc /scannow
This command will immediately initiate the Windows File Protection service to scan all protected files and verify their integrity, replacing any files with which it finds a problem.
The following should appear to give an indication of how long the process is taking.

In an ideal world that would be the end of the story... Any corrupt, missing or incorrect files would be replaced by this process.
However, things can go wrong and the following guide should help!
The #1 complaint with scannow sfc is the following dialog box appearing:

Why does this happen?

Well, in your computer's registry, are several settings that are checked when you run scannow sfc.
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Windows File Protection service constantly monitors for any changes to the main system files. Well Windows XP keeps a cache (copy) of these essential files at the following location:
C:WINDOWS\System32\Dllcache (assuming C: is your system root which it probably is.)
NB - The dllcache folder is extremely important so Windows XP hides it from you! To view it go to: My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View > "uncheck" Hide protected operating system files.
If that's the case on your computer then there is normally no need for the original XP CD to be inserted as your computer has a "copy" it can get hold of in this cache...
But, if the Dllcache folder, or part of it, has become corrupted for some reason then you will be prompted for the XP CD - so your computer can get a clean copy!
Having said that not ALL installations of Windows XP have ALL the system files cached into this folder!

http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

i havn;t got that cd, but i did the first step and cancelled it, will it do something to pc?