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Computer Crashing - Help!

13 years ago

I downloaded and installed the latest Windows Security Updates. After I restarted my CMP, it crashed. I couldn't open any programs. I couldn't open System Restore. I could get into the Control Panel but couldn't open anything. I was able to open folders offline but no individual files. I couldn't open Firefox or IE. I shut my computer down, unplugged it, restarted and still nothing. I managed to get into My CMP and got to Error Check and ran that, but still no luck. I was able to open Avast and ZoneAlarm but couldn't do anything in them. I disabled each in turn but they aren't the problem.

I shut down again and then when I tried to get back into My CMP, it wouldn't open. Avast and ZA opened again but wouldn't close.

I shut down once more then tried to boot into Safe Mode to see if that would help. It wouldn't go and booted normally. But this time, everything worked fine. Files and programs opened, and I am here now on the net, using my computer.

However, I just went back and tried to open a file offline, and it's back to not opening anything. So far, I can still move around the net, but I'm afraid if I shut Firefox down, it won't let me back on.

I'm totally stumped. Can anyone tell me what the problem might be and how to fix it. I'll stay online, unless I get booted off, until I can get this solved.

I have a Dell Dimension 5100 running WinXP SP3.

Dee

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Comments (3)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
there is another thread here with two others having the same problem after doing the updates. These need to be reported to MS so they know of these problems. One place you can post to let people know you are having this issue is at this forum
Microsoft Security Bulletin(s) for February 8, 2011

It is very important to report these events so they can get an idea how many are affected and find out why.
deew
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, Raven.
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I like Ravencajn's ideas. If you try her approach and you still have no luck, I'd take it to the next level. After unplugging everything and letting it sit, leave everything except the monitor, keyboard and mouse unplugged when you plug it back in. Then turn it on and see if it boots up. If it does, plug in things like speakers, network cables etc. Do them one at a time and make sure the computer is working before going to the next item. Once you get to that point, start with USB devices. Again, do them one at a time and make sure they're working before going to the next one. If you're using USB hubs, unplug everything that's plugged into them, plug in just the hub, make sure it's all working, then plug the devices into it, one at a time (again making sure it works after each one). I also have another question for you. When you say the yellow light is on, what is the yellow light? The power? The drive activity light? something else? I don't like the APC overload light going on. Did you reset the APC? Is this a UPS or one of their surge suppressors? Does the manual for it say it can be reset and used once that light goes on, or are you supposed to replace it? I had a UPS go out when the power company did some work outside. The computer, printer, etc were all undamaged, but I had to get a new UPS. If I hadn't had the UPS, I'm reasonably certain I'd have lost the PC and the printer.
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urlee
13 years ago
Did I get a scare when I went on my computer.
I got all set and turned on my computer as usual.
I can't remember if the welcome screen came but I ended up with a black screen with a dialog box saying:

C\windows\system 32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on the computer or on a network. Check to make sure the disk is properly inserted or that you are connected to the Internet or your network and then try again. If it still cannot be located, the information may have been moved to a different location

Then the message disappeared when I clicked OK and a black desktop with white blank pages in place of the icons were there and the start button with a few of the system tray items. I didn't have the option to shut down (that I remember) so pressed the power button and it blinked so I hit it again or I did the Ctrl, Alt, Delete and the computer booted up with the welcome screen and came up normal. WHEW! That is all I need?

What do you think that was all about? Could it have been caused by the updates I did yesterday before I shut down?

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