Desktop computer compromised, running slow, not updating. Please can you help?

somersethillbilly

Is the machine running XP? There is a known problem with XP for Internet Explorer cumulative updates causing 100% cpu usage and "freezing" up a machine. As your machine has been without updates for a while this may be the issue.

Take a look here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4851642

kes4026

Hi red


Great to hear there has been some progress today


It sounds as though it might be a while yet until it finishes all the windows updates it needs to do, as after it has finished downloading those updates it will then need to install them as well. Best thing to do is as you have been, and leave it to do it's work, but occasionally hover over the windows update icon in the bottom right as you have been doing to see how it is progressing.


Without clicking on any settings, but off the top of your head, do you know the specs of your computer, processor, ram?


I wouldn't worry too much about it possibly being a hardware problem at the moment, the cmos battery might need replacing, but as closed said, it's only a £1 at most for battery and should be an easy job to replace yourself (let us know what model Dell you have).


Let us know how the updates progress, and once completed the rest of the system can be checked for potential problems. As trying to check these problems while the updates are downloading and installing is just going to cripple your progress.

redmandarin

Thanks folks.

It's been 1+1/2 hours since my last post and windows updates appears to have stopped at 49% - my fault, I guess for trying to load the 2 browsers without checking the windows icon first!

Mmm, specs? It's a Dell as I said, and it has XP home installed and I think IE 7. My memory is a bit fuzzy after all this time and I don't remember the model number.

There is nothing on the front of the CPU to indicate a model, and I can't move it as it's switched on, but there's a 14 digit serial number on the back beginning with ch.

My partner packed what we have of the original documents, but not everything has been unpacked yet and we don't know where they are. Will try to find them.

NiftyDigits

All DELL machines have a Service Tag. Let us know the sequence of the Service Tag on yours.

Which software would you need to replace that you don't have anymore?

redmandarin

I'd need to replace various software inc Windows XP, Office, Outlook/hotmail.

It's been 6 hours since Windows updating stopped at 49%! It doesn't seem likely to resume any time soon. Is it ok/safe to switch the machine off and on again to see if it continues with the download?

closed

If you mean you don't have the original windows xp software, you shouldn't need it, Dells come with a factory restore partition

There are free alternatives to office if you don't have the disc

macrium is disk imaging software, for backup

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

sparkyspark

You do realise support ends on the 8th April 2014 for Windows XP.

After April 8th 2014 there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates for this operating system.

Maybe it's time to retire the XP setup and move on if you can.

redmandarin

Thanks closed and sparkyspark.

Ah, that's interesting and helpful (as usual)! Any suggestions for a replacement for XP please?


Update - I left the computer on and Windows updates has resumed and is now at 92%!

Things are starting to improve with your help - thanks so much!

I'll switch off when it's finished and report back tomorrow. Cheers, red

sparkyspark

I have Windows 7 Home Premium on my two Dell XPS Laptops and Windows 7 Ultimate on my main Desktop PC.

Windows 7 is my preferred option but nearly all new systems come shipped with Window8/8.1 on them now, so that will be the operating system if you buy one from a dealer.

Dell do a UK refurbished sales outlet and you can pick up some nice deals here http://www.dell.com/uk/dfh/p/?~ck=bt&dgc=IR&cid=262317&lid=4749598

Or Here http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?brandId=7&c=uk&cs=ukdfh1

redmandarin

Hi, Just a quick update:

During the last 24 hours I left the machine on and windows finally resumed and installed the updates. It subsequently requested to do more updates and is now installing these. It's taking ages, but at least things are moving along now.

I'll see what further progress can be made tomorrow and let you know.

Many thanks and have a good weekend,
red