[toaster_pilot]

Ok, so my wifes laptop was working fine one day(well, as usual atleast). I opened the next day and i notice a slight appearance change. But thats not the kicker. First, all the plug and play devices where disabled(fixed that) but it now acts like there is no sound card, so no volume. It also will not let me get on the internet via wireless or wired. It says there are no wireless devices found in the computer, but theres one there. I cant even watch a DVD because of the sound error i get. Any ideas from anyone? Id really appreciate. Like i said, i opened it up and there it was. Also, i cant make some changes because it says i have to be an ADMIN but i am. Im so lost. Oh, and its win xp

[i_b_AO]

system restore to like last week? lol i dunno. stay off teh pr0n on her laptop too?

[toaster_pilot]

hahaha....no system restore points found...its wierd

[Toup]

Are you running any antivirus at all? Sounds infected...

[toaster_pilot]

running lots of them

[Eav10xB]

Yeah i had this same problem with my old POS HP desk top. I got the windows xp disc and rebooted it with xp nice and fresh and new hard drive. I do not know what to tell you...

[toaster_pilot]

Yeah, i know thats an option but i have so much ill lose that i cant replace.

[Cravin]

Backup your impotant files to a usb key or usb harddrive then reformat and reinstall windows. If you have the factory CD discs do it.

[cuvacac]

bak up ur files then reformat it

[Kazzak]

Which notebook with less than a 10 inch screen has the best display resolution?
need one for traveling light and checking pics on eBay.

[WhiteNoise]

Late to the thread but did you try and update the driver for the sound card? or probably the motherboard in this case.

[ddmeightball]

Originally Posted by WhiteNoise

Late to the thread but did you try and update the driver for the sound card? or probably the motherboard in this case.

Late here. I work as an IT Infrastructure Support Analyst (long title huh... ).

First step is to use another computer and download all the updated virus scan definitions you can get. Most people either use McAfee or Norton if you paid for your copy, or AVG Antivirus if you like free versions.

Also download and install anti spyware programs like Lavasoft Adaware and Spybot Search and destroy. Manually download the updates as well.

Second is to boot your computer into SAFE MODE by holding the F8 key (usually) when you turn on your computer. If it starts beeping at you, you can remove your hand from the key.

Third is to install the update for your antivirus and anti spyware program and run a FULL scan. Could take forever depending on the size of your hard drive. When it is done, it will tell you what it found. Let it delete or quarantine the problems.

You may think that you have gotten rid of it, but depending on what virus/malware it is, it could still be partially on your system. It also may have already done alot of damage to your OS, like the problems with your sound drivers, etc.

The only surefire way to get rid of it completely is to completely reformat your computer. At this point, I would recommend backing up all your files to a USB flash drive, external USB hard drive or to DVD/CD.

Also make a list of what programs you had installed so you can reinstall them if you need to. When you are done with that, you will need to reformat your computer then reinstall Windows XP. It sounds like a daunting task, but its not nearly as hard as it sounds, mostly just time consuming.

[mauistardog]

buy a mac. :-) sorry could not resist. I hope you solved your problem. I often found the simplest fix to be under Accessories, System tools, and defrag the hard drive. It sounds simple but with all the writing and rewriting to the disk, windows some times loses track off system drivers.

aloha
joe