Would you use PC World?

Nikiya

I have been trying for a long time to back up my files without success. First I was advised to buy CD roms, but could never record anything, despite downloading the "right" programs. Someone suggested to buy an external disk or a USB pen, but the price difference is very big and it is not clear how much GIGAS I need.
My computer is a mess and gets disconnected from IT all the time, due to software clashes (I think the problems started when I downloaded the dreaded Patch 2, which I subsequently uninstalled). I have been advised to uninstall everything and start from scratch but that task is beyond my limited capabilities. I do not know which Spyware or antivirus use either (I am with Avast at the moment).
Should I take it to PC World? I see they offer "health checks" but every time I get in touch with a company dealing with software problems I realize it is a lottery. Some people seem to know what they are doing while others try troubleshooting routines with no results.
Thanks for your expert advice!

superscaper

Seeing as this is a moneysaving site I don't think anyone would recommend using pc world's healthcheck. It's overpriced and what they actually accomplish is very little. You MUST install service pack 2. Otherwise you've left your pc vulnerable and I'd say it's less likely you have "software clashes" and more likely your problems are caused by malware. Yopu haven't mentioned having a firewall which is also an absolute must and service pack two would have at least given you windows default one. I'd advise you download superantispyware (free version), install and run it. Then go through the malware removal guide posts 1 to 4.

superscaper

I wouldn't use a flash drive for backup, only for transferring. You could get an external hard drive which although a good idea anyway I wouldn't consider it a completely safe backup. I think you need to sort out the problems you're having with your CD burning.

In order to determine the size of backup you need we need to know how much you have to backup and what you want to backup.

Reinstalling may be your best bet long term, do you have a Windows CD?

motorguy

Check out your local paper, often independent guys advertise their computer services and could do this for you.

£50 should see your files safely backed up and a full reinstall. Get them to stick AVG Free on it, enable the firewall, and stick on some antispyware software - OR download those yourself from www.filehippo.com

superscaper

pgilc1 wrote: »

Check out your local paper, often independent guys advertise their computer services and could do this for you.

£50 should see your files safely backed up and a full reinstall.

Even better is if you know anyone techie who can help, family member etc. I've no idea how my friends and family would cope without being able to use the superscaper resource centre.

motorguy

superscaper wrote: »

Even better is if you know anyone techie who can help, family member etc. I've no idea how my friends and family would cope without being able to use the superscaper resource centre.

Yeah i know the feeling. My mums next door neighbour said they were 'having problems' and could i have a 'quick look' at their computers. Turns out they had three laptops needing full reinstalls, a PC that needed a PSU and a reinstall, ALL the machines needed RAM upgrades and a further broken laptop they want me to sell on ebay!! :eek:

Nikiya

Hi guys! Thanks a lot. Firstly, I do have a Symantec firewall, but I have to disable it, otherwise I cannot open any pages with either navigator (Explorer or Firefox). I have Ad-Aware, which I ran every so often.
I went this morning to PC World to find out. They told me they charge £30 to do a complete installation of everything once I have "emptied" the PC or £60 to do the whole job. Not much more than what you suggest.
The chap was very nice and suggested a USB of 4 GIGAs. I have lots of Word docs, some pix (but not reaching 1000) and some music (not much). He said if I reinstall everything I must go fist to Windows and donwload everything and if I download Patch 2 from the beginning I should not have any problems...
As for "friends and family" I'm afraid I do not know anybody who could (or would) help. My husband and children use the computer but it is yours truly who manages as best as she can to prop it up. The others just sit and navigate and seem to know less than myself about other problems.
Thanks for your links, Superscraper. I did not know there was a difference between "backing up" and "transferring". What is backup then??
And Pgilc, thanks for your suggestions too, but I do not know what "AVG Free" is. And which of the antispyware software should I use then?

Toxteth_OGrady

Try your own health check at https://www.pcpitstop.com

It's not the be all and end all but it'll give you some pointers if you have major problems.

:cool:

TOG

Nikiya

Thanks ToG. I used the link, but it asks me to download something for Firefox. But I have Explorer too. I can close FF and use E, or download to use FF.... what is best?

Toxteth_OGrady

Use Internet Explorer with pcpitstop - it's more straightforward.

:cool:

TOG

Nikiya

OK! Thanks!