Window 7 on this computer

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:43 am

I have a Dell Dimension E510 Pent 4 3GHz that Crucial says will take Q: How much memory can my computer handle? A: 4096MB. It know has 504GB of RAM.

Do you think I'm better off putting XP back on or installing Win7.

This computer has \"Anti-virus XP 2010 that I haven't been able to remove and don't have the time to keep playing with it.

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:55 am

RAM Technology DDR2 SDRAM
Installed RAM 512 MB
Max Supported RAM 4 GB
Number of Memory Slots 4 x DIMMs
Supported RAM Speeds 533 MHz • 400 MHz

I'd keep XP.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:16 am

it has xp32bit on it.. if so get a thumb drive slap Cleanup!, combofix, and malwarebytes on the thumbdrive from a clean PC. reboot or start the infected pc hit F5 before the the windows loading screen and boot into safe mode with networking. choose Administrator (password is probally blank) hit enter. goto my computer properties and disable system restore. now copy all 3 of those programs off the thumbdrive and run each from the desktop. run cleanup! first, logoff when promted(this gets the nasties out of the temp folders). now run combofix, be ready to hit F5 during the reboot( sometimes it takes 2 because of rootkits) and go back into the admin account. after all is complete with combofix. the run malwarebytes(quick scan) to get rid of the lurking malware sleeping dormant to reinfect.

when you do save combofix and malwarebytes to the thumbdrive rename the to something simple ie: cf.exe and mb.exe, their names are blacklisted with most malware to delete when used with their default program names.

If the PC has a virut version of that malware the format and reinstall ( none of those programs will run is the indicator) it rewrites all exe's and sys files on the pc with a copy of itself

now you have a clean pc ready for some RAM,

TigerRaptor · Post by **TigerRaptor** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:18 am

Not again.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:32 am

my question is \"thewolfe\" why are you the lucky chap who aquires all these machines. I truley hope that you are being compensated for this work and are sending at least 5% as a donation to this board

Duper · Post by **Duper** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 1:03 pm

BUBBALOU wrote:my question is "thewolfe" why are you the lucky chap who aquires all these machines. I truley hope that you are being compensated for this work and are sending at least 5% as a donation to this board

seriously.

Anti-virus XP 2010 is a virus.

Follow Bubba's steps and ya might get lucky.

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:03 pm

Windows 7 on 512 MB of RAM is not going to be fun for whoever is using that computer. Do what Bubba suggested and remove the virus. If you absolutely must format, then backup the XP product key and activation (it can be done, just google it) and use an equivalent XP disk to reinstall.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:19 pm

BUBBALOU, Tried your fix for the \"2010\" virus and it seems as if it got rid of it but must have done some damage in the meantime.

It had and still has \"active desktop recovery\" and it gives me an error message so I can't correct that.

Also most of the icons on the desktop are not associated with their program and the same is true of the programs in \"all programs\". I guess I can go around \"browsing\" and trying to find the program but who knows what else the virus might have done.

Looks like a \"repair\" or a reinstall is in order.

I get all of these messed up computers from my friends and family. I'm the go to guy, such as it is.

Love the challenge of trying to fix these things and learn a lot for the next time. Especially with all the help I get from this forum.

No money, I'd do it just to help others although I get a gift card now and then.

Krom, Would you still suggest reloading XP even if I bump up the RAM?

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:54 pm

thewolfe wrote:Krom, Would you still suggest reloading XP even if I bump up the RAM?

Yeah I would keep using XP on a system that aged regardless.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:59 pm

Cool! Here goes. They talk about putting 'wpa\" file on floppy on re-install. Can I use a flash drive or cd?

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:01 pm

FYI the Malware virus program alters your desktop and sets it to webpage mode in some versions. replace the icons with link to the originals from your program menu and go into desktop settings and fix your active desktop right click desktop, select properties, click desktop tab, click \"customize desktop\" click web tab delete anything that is there \" my current home\" is the default which can not be deleted, Uncheck the box\"

regedit and do this:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer

in the right pane you might see
\"NoActiveDesktop\"=dword:00000001

right click on that value select modify
change it to 0

Or just delete it since it is not written to the hive files unless it has been activated at least 1 time

part 2

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\ Internet Explorer\\Desktop\\SafeMode\\Components
Click the value written as “DeskHtmlVersion.”
Select or click on the “decimal” button.
Change the value to read “0″ instead of “272.”

Simple fix actually, takes 5 minutes at the much better than a reinstall

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:15 pm

When I right-click on the desktop/prop I get this: C\\WINDOWS|system32\\rundll32.exe
App not found.

\"regedit\" brings up \"Open with\" box.

I can get to regedit by going through command (not cmd) prompt.

NoActiveDesktop not there.

Programs under \"All Programs\" are also not associating.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:25 pm

TOASTED

Just do a system repair like on your previous excursion if you have the same XP disk as the install

then charge your buddy $175 for diagnosis and repair

tell him to lay off the warez sites

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:34 pm

I ck'd and couldn't find where he'd been to get himself in trouble and he doesn't know enough to hide.

Combofix had me install the Recovery Console. Normally I click on \"Set up Windows\" and then it gives me an option to \"Repair\" the OS.

Because of the Recovery Console I don't have that choice. How does the Recovery...differ from \"Repair\" or should I just do a clean install?

I'm more familiar with \"repairing\" and not messing with \"wpa\" files and the like.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:10 pm

Insert Windows XP install disk, boot from CD

just pretend you are installing a Fresh copy of Windows XP (do not format the disk) the CD will check for a previous Operating system, if the Installed Version Matches the CD version ( it could care less about service packs so don't worry) it will give you a new \"MAGIC\" option to repair the install, if the versions do not match (not an OEM disk from Included system), it will only ask you if you want to format and reinstall. Just make sure you use the correct disk to get the Repair Option....

THe repair actually takes the same time and looks identical (but it DOES NOT ASK YOU TO FORMAT) you do not lose data or drivers it just reinstalls windows core

I covered this in detail in a previous post to you in another thread, you need to print this stuff out and keep a tech book

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:34 pm

Your correct about keeping everything.

Before I press the majic \"Set up Windows on the selected item...I discovered his computer has XP Media and my disk doesn't.

If that's not a big deal then I just click on Partition C and it will either give me a repair option or allow me to back out?

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:13 pm

that sucks, dell oem media center edition 2005..... that's when it comes in handy to have the xp 11 in 1 disk since all the OEM'S including the MCE are on that disk. you will not get the repair option and the key you saved will not work. you need his disk or a Dell Media Center OEM from online. for all the work you do i would suggest dowloading the 11 in 1 ( no keys are included ) DVD. the OEM on that disk are from Dell in which the install uses a BIOS revision and hardware check to disable the activation feature only on dells. if it was not a dell you would just use magicjellybean keychanger with the proper version COA key off the machne itself before activation. the exception is sony and toshiba where you have to call into microsoft for phone activation using a standard oem install disk instead of their drive image install discs

TechPro · Post by **TechPro** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:18 pm

XP Media with just 512mb RAM?

After you're done cleaning/repairing the mess ... get him to upgrade the RAM. Won't regret it.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:34 pm

Well, I learned a bunch but your right, that sucks. It's Edition 2002 if that makes any diff.

Glad I'm not getting paid for this. With the hours I put in I could take his first born child.

And then if I had to charge for you guys............

Xamindar · Post by **Xamindar** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 1:14 am

I have a question for you thewolfe....why would you want Windows 7 over Windows XP? What is the need?

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:39 am

Thinking if I had to wipe everything and start fresh and he didn't have his re-install XP disk, why not have the latest.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:57 am

Want to see if I can remove the Recovery Console that was installed when I used Combofix. Could I then use any XP disk (not Media Center) to \"Repair\"?

First, have to know if the above would work.

Second, it's not letting me delete the \"cmdcons\" folder which is the first step.

Third, should I start a new thread or quit wasting everyone's time?

I got the time but maybe over using the forum.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:12 am

No, the recovery console has nothing to do with your issues and it's easy enough to disable that prompt under system properties(aka right click and select properties on my computer)/advanced tab/start-up and recovery setting button change seconds to 0

If you do not have a Media Center Install disk you are going to accomplish nothing. The key from his machine will NOT install with home/pro XP that you for some unknown reason trying to find a way to install on his PC

GET HIS DISK - Problem solved

Do us a favor from now on - If you decide to be helpful fixing someones PC.

you need to inform them you will not help them if they do not have the Original install disks.... Especially on laptops

Spending all this time trying to fit a square peg in a round hole when you have been told 2x's now to get a round peg

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:13 am

Just a note: can't get to My Computer Properties but that's beside the point.

Your sooooo right. I asked him to bring his disks with him and he had everything but that. He's looked for three days and can't find it.

I also have a Toshiba laptop sitting here that another bud can't find the disk for as well as his disk for his Sony. Lesson learned. I'm using the Toshiba as a door stop till he comes up with the goods.

I need not assume that people have there.....act together.

Putting this one on the shelf for now.

Learned a lot and thanks for all your help and I don't take that lightly.

snoopy · Post by **snoopy** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:34 am

I'm thinking that clean installs should be the answer to all of your questions. It will solve any infection problem.

1. Copy the files that you want preserved to a random thumb drive. Don't include any system files or installs- only \"my documents\" sort of things.

2. Boot the computer from a Knoppix live cd

3. Run freshclam to update clamAV

4. Run clamAV on the files that you moved to your thumb drive. Delete anything that's infected.

5. Clear out all of the hard drive partitioning via gparted.

6. Fresh-install windows. If you don't have a key/cd... get one.

7. Install your favorite antivirus

8. Scan the files on the thumb drive

9. Copy clean files back to hard drive.

10. Enjoy your clean windows install.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 5:24 pm

THE FOLLOWING WORKED! I was just about to put it out at the curb for trash pickup...well not quite.

Maybe we all learned something.

The system most likely came with a Recovery Partition. When you boot, do you see a blue bar at the top of the screen with the Text www.dell.com? If so, press CTRL+F11 while that is displayed (you have a 2 second window, hold CTRL and tap F11 a few times to make sure it gets seen).
This will restore the system to the way it was when it left the factory. This will wipe everything from the drive so you need to back up any data. Any programs installed after the system was purchase will need to be re-installed. You'll also have all the trialware that was included.

It's possible that the Recovery Partition is present, but the code in the MBR that checks for the CTLR+F11 key press has been overwritten. This might be repairable, see this site for info and a tool that might work to repair the MBR if needed:
Inside the Dell PC Restore Partition

fliptw · Post by **fliptw** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 7:49 pm

you copy + paste skillz are working!

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:22 pm

Amen brother!

flip · Post by **flip** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:38 pm

Glad you got it fix. I just want to let you know I have that same system running Win7 Ultimate. Only drivers I needed were the catalyst drivers and for the onboard sound. One thing I've noticed and can't figure out, is the sata implementation. It works and all drivers load fine, but there is a delay when opening hard drives now. You can actually hear them spinning up when you access them and it takes a few seconds for the files to be displayed. I've messed around in the properties page with write cache settings but nothing relieves the spinup time.

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:44 pm

flip wrote:Glad you got it fix. I just want to let you know I have that same system running Win7 Ultimate. Only drivers I needed were the catalyst drivers and for the onboard sound. One thing I've noticed and can't figure out, is the sata implementation. It works and all drivers load fine, but there is a delay when opening hard drives now. You can actually hear them spinning up when you access them and it takes a few seconds for the files to be displayed. I've messed around in the properties page with write cache settings but nothing relieves the spinup time.

Go to power options, edit the current plan and in advanced plan settings tell it to never turn off the hard drives when plugged in.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 12:32 pm

thewolfe, there should be dell utility in that reformated start menu to make physical disks for recovery, it will take 2 DVD's it will not add in any of the updates. create those now while you have the chance. then make a set for yourself for future tech support( you must do yourcopy from a duplicator program because the utility included in the o/s only allows one verified copy for the owner thru the o/s).

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 9:18 pm

Not sure you can see the pic but I don't see the program your describing.

http://screencast.com/t/Mjc1NmUx

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:54 am

your going to have to look harder than that.... your not even looking in all programs/dell

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 10:02 am

Found this http://support.dell.com/support/topics/ ... dn=1091713

but the folder only contains: Driver Reset Tool and Express Service Code.

TechPro · Post by **TechPro** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:13 pm

I'm not so sure he's understanding, Bubba.

Thewolfe,
Go to the All Programs menu, look for a Dell folder, see what's in there.

flip · Post by **flip** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:42 pm

Awesome Krom that worked. Thanks.

thewolfe · Post by **thewolfe** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 2:08 pm

Is the link I posted what your talking about?

BTW the machine is on it's way home with it's happy owner.

Window 7 on this computer

Window 7 on this computer

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