computer help

[Whtbread]

I have a problem with my computer. Anytime I try to intsall an update or new program on my computer it will not let me. An example is I try to update adobe and it gets almost done then locks up. I am running xp. Any ideas? I should be back in about an hour so if you need to ask me questions feel free and I will respond when I get beack.

[onesojourner]

do you have virus protection?
if you don't look up avgfree (but I guess you can't install so it wont help you much)
If it were me I would pull the hard drive and stick in a external hard drive enclosure and run a adaware and a avgfree through the drive to see if it found anything, but I dont know if you have another computer or not.

[Whtbread]

I do have up to date McAfee and run ad-aware about once a week. Some of the computer guys at work have tried to fix it but none of them could do it.

[onesojourner]

ok I did some research all you need to do is back up all your data. then download ubuntu 6.10. stick the cd in and install. after that all your problems will be solved.

actually I did look it up on google but could not find much. sorry man.

[2lick]

ok I did some research all you need to do is back up all your data. then download ubuntu 6.10. stick the cd in and install. after that all your problems will be solved.

actually I did look it up on google but could not find much. sorry man.

LMAO:haha: :haha:

I tell people this all the time....

[Glory_Freestyle]

I have a problem with my computer. Anytime I try to intsall an update or new program on my computer it will not let me. An example is I try to update adobe and it gets almost done then locks up. I am running xp. Any ideas? I should be back in about an hour so if you need to ask me questions feel free and I will respond when I get beack.


First and easiest question, do you have plenty of free space on the hard drive?

Are you logged into the computer as a local administrator?

When's the last time you cleaned out all your .tmp files?

[Whtbread]

ok I did some research all you need to do is back up all your data. then download ubuntu 6.10. stick the cd in and install. after that all your problems will be solved.

actually I did look it up on google but could not find much. sorry man.


I take it that this was a joke?

[onesojourner]

yep thats a joke sorry. but only sort of. it really would solve your computer problems.

[Whtbread]

First and easiest question, do you have plenty of free space on the hard drive?

Are you logged into the computer as a local administrator?

When's the last time you cleaned out all your .tmp files?

The more I try to solve the problem the more problems I find. I tried to goto my computer and then view system resources. When I click it I get an hour glass then nothing happens. I also can't defrag or clean up my hard drive. When I try to clean the hard drive it gets stuck on compress old files.

I am the only one that uses the computer so I would say that I am the local admininstrator.

I have not cleaned out the .tmp files. How would I go about doing that?

[vitaly]

1. Run: "cmd"
2. In the command prompt: "cd %temp%"
3. then "del *.** /s"
4. Reboot.

[Whtbread]

1. Run: "cmd"
2. In the command prompt: "cd %temp%"
3. then "del *.** /s"
4. Reboot.


I'll give it a try

[chadc]

Don't worry about the tmp files, it would not be the cause of the issue. Where I would begin is go ahead and go to http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp and run the free online virus scan. See what it picks up. I am not a fan of any Macafee products, so I would trust the Trend product more. If this does not work you can try going into safe mode and running a virus scan that way. You would need safe mode with networking to get it to work correctly.

One of the things I have found to fix MANY issues is to reinstall a service pack if you can. Again you would probably need to do this in Safe Mode with networking, go to www.microsoft.com and do a search for XP Service Pack 2. Try installing that and see if it helps fix the issue.

[Glory_Freestyle]

Don't worry about the tmp files, it would not be the cause of the issue.

If he has disk space issues, removing the tmp files will most definitely help. If Windows is trying to write to a corrupt tmp file, it can cause probs with almost anything/everything.

Even if it's not the problem, it is good maintenance to clear out the tmp files and empty the temp folders (%temp%, and C:\windows\temp)

[chadc]

http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=q108476

Try that too. See if you get that error code in your Event Viewer. Sorry Glory, I have never seen clearing tmp files actually fix anything, I don't think its the issue, but I could certainly be wrong. Has happened more than once.

[Whtbread]

If he has disk space issues, removing the tmp files will most definitely help. If Windows is trying to write to a corrupt tmp file, it can cause probs with almost anything/everything.

Even if it's not the problem, it is good maintenance to clear out the tmp files and empty the temp folders (%temp%, and C:\windows\temp)


I did it and it did allow me to see I have 77% free space with 53.72 gb

I'll be working on the other suggestions now

[Whtbread]

Don't worry about the tmp files, it would not be the cause of the issue. Where I would begin is go ahead and go to http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp and run the free online virus scan. See what it picks up. I am not a fan of any Macafee products, so I would trust the Trend product more. If this does not work you can try going into safe mode and running a virus scan that way. You would need safe mode with networking to get it to work correctly.

One of the things I have found to fix MANY issues is to reinstall a service pack if you can. Again you would probably need to do this in Safe Mode with networking, go to www.microsoft.com and do a search for XP Service Pack 2. Try installing that and see if it helps fix the issue.

When I try to run the housecall a window pops up that says "Java control, proxy configuration: no proxy.

Also if I try to update windows or download a service pack it is blocked my the companies surf control.

[chadc]

They must have you locked down pretty tight at work. Here at the hospital we allow people to update their own machines. Do you have an IT dept that could install service pack 2 again? I am surprised they have not tried this step already as it is common practice.

[Glory_Freestyle]

I did it and it did allow me to see I have 77% free space with 53.72 gb

I'll be working on the other suggestions now

That's good, the free space I mean. You'd be surprised how often that really happens. I had an attorney at here at work who couldn't even save a 10 page Word doc because he had filled his hard drive with itunes music. :banghead:


Look into the stuff Chad mentioned. If you can't get to windows update on this computer, try downloading Service Pack 2 to a memory stick or CD using a different computer.

[Glory_Freestyle]

They must have you locked down pretty tight at work. Here at the hospital we allow people to update their own machines. Do you have an IT dept that could install service pack 2 again? I am surprised they have not tried this step already as it is common practice.

Us IT Admins are a**holes. :biggrin:

Actually with Win2k3 Server based policies and WSUS, it's better to not let the users do their own updates. Prevents a lot of unnecessary problems.

[chadc]

Look into the stuff Chad mentioned. If you can't get to windows update on this computer, try downloading Service Pack 2 to a memory stick or CD using a different computer.



Good call, it seems like they have him locked down pretty tight as far as internet access goes, so this might be your only choice if your IT dept wont do it for you. Here is the link to the version of SP 2 you will need.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

[Whtbread]

They must have you locked down pretty tight at work. Here at the hospital we allow people to update their own machines. Do you have an IT dept that could install service pack 2 again? I am surprised they have not tried this step already as it is common practice.

I have talked to them about the updates. I understand that some of the programs we use could be messed up by the new updates so I suggested they build a web site that has just the updates we should use. I was told to take my desk top home and update it there.

The funny thing is that this whole thing got started becuase I got blocked trying to goto footlocker.com

[chadc]

Us IT Admins are a**holes. :biggrin:

Actually with Win2k3 Server based policies and WSUS, it's better to not let the users do their own updates. Prevents a lot of unnecessary problems.

I know we do it though, we figure if they screw up their own machines it is their problem. We run a lean tech group, so we open pretty much everything up for them. Most users do a fine job. Those that would screw it up usually wait for one of our techs to show up.

[Whtbread]

Thanks for your help guys.

Anybody know anything about the java controls, proxy configuration and no proxy?

[chadc]

I have talked to them about the updates. I understand that some of the programs we use could be messed up by the new updates so I suggested they build a web site that has just the updates we should use. I was told to take my desk top home and update it there.

The funny thing is that this whole thing got started becuase I got blocked trying to goto footlocker.com

That is VERY strange. I don't understand why they would let you take it home to update it if SP2 can screw up some of your applications. It will screw them up if you update from home or from the office. Is your IT guy worth a damn? Sounds lazy to me.

[chadc]

Thanks for your help guys.

Anybody know anything about the java controls, proxy configuration and no proxy?

You are going through a Proxy to gain access to the internet at work (more than likely). Java should pull those settings from IE, but it seems like it isn't. That or your IT dept has that traffic blocked as well (which based on what you have said seems the likely explanation).

[Glory_Freestyle]

I have talked to them about the updates. I understand that some of the programs we use could be messed up by the new updates so I suggested they build a web site that has just the updates we should use. I was told to take my desk top home and update it there.

The funny thing is that this whole thing got started becuase I got blocked trying to goto footlocker.com

:bigeyes: Wow, nice f*ing answer. I'd be embarassed to tell someone to fix it themselves. Not to be mean or anything but it sounds like your IT guys are a bunch of losers.

I agree with you, if they are going to block access to Windows Updates, they need to get a WSUS (Windows Software Update Server) installed. Having a bunch of unpatched workstations all over the place is a BAAAAAD thing.

[Whtbread]

That is VERY strange. I don't understand why they would let you take it home to update it if SP2 can screw up some of your applications. It will screw them up if you update from home or from the office. Is your IT guy worth a damn? Sounds lazy to me.

It didn't make any sense to me either. I work for a large company and there are many of them. I have had some sit at my desk and try to fix it and others just ask questions and then say I don't know.

I was trying to install firefox to get around the surf control but that get about 90% installed then locks up.

[chadc]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but surf control if it is done correctly will block Firefox as well. It is done at a server level.

[Glory_Freestyle]

We run a lean tech group,

Leaner than me? I've got 112 users, 2 full time IT (me plus 1) and 3 help desk/word processors.


Hey Whtbread, were do you live? Maybe Chad and I need new jobs. :biggrin: :biggrin:

[chadc]

Leaner than me? I've got 112 users, 2 full time IT (me plus 1) and 3 help desk/word processors.


Hey Whtbread, were do you live? Maybe Chad and I need new jobs. :biggrin: :biggrin:


We are right about the same level as you guys. Also, we do use WSUS, and all our PC's are kept up to date. We simply let them install things if needed. Does not happen all that often.

[Whtbread]

I live in Southern New Jersey. The parent company I work for has about 50,000 or more agents plus normal employees and locally it is probably around 10,000. The IT guys drive from office to office so my guess is they get in and out of the offices as fast as possible so they can go and do what they want in between jobs.

[Whtbread]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but surf control if it is done correctly will block Firefox as well. It is done at a server level.

Is there a way around it? I don't mind not getting on footlocker.com but some other sites ...

[Glory_Freestyle]

Sorry Glory, I have never seen clearing tmp files actually fix anything, I don't think its the issue,

You're probably right, but if I had a dime for every time in the last 13 years that I didn't start out doing the basic stuff first, then have it come back to bite me, I'd have a lamey. :biggthumpup:

[chadc]

You're probably right, but if I had a dime for every time in the last 13 years that I didn't start out doing the basic stuff first, then have it come back to bite me, I'd have a lamey. :biggthumpup:


You are not kidding there. Same for me, we could be out riding them together.


Whte, I don't think you will probably be able to get around it if they set it up right. The only way to get around would require you having access to the server. Again this entirely depends on how they have things configured. Without taking a look I could not say. My guess would be you are stuck with their rules.

[Whtbread]

Thanks again for the help. I think I am going to look into a notebook if I can't get this thing going right.

[Glory_Freestyle]

Is there a way around it? I don't mind not getting on footlocker.com but some other sites ...

:sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky: :sneaky:
http://www.anonymizer.com/ but I don't think it's free any more.

There's also several proxy based ones, but with the way your system seems to be locked down, you probably won't be able to use them.

[Glory_Freestyle]

Thanks again for the help. I think I am going to look into a notebook if I can't get this thing going right.


Just pour, I mean spill, a cup of coffee into your power supply, then they have to get you a new computer. :sneaky: :biggrin:

[Whtbread]

Just pour, I mean spill, a cup of coffee into your power supply, then they have to get you a new computer. :sneaky: :biggrin:


I own the computer but their network.

[Glory_Freestyle]

I own the computer but their network.

Damn. Screw that then, take that sucker home, re-run SP2 and run Windows Update and see what that does.


Sucks that you can't install anything, because as much as I hate to admit it, I've seen Windows Defender (MS's anti-spyware program) find stuff that Trend Micro, Adaware, Spybot SD and mcafee couldn't.

[Whtbread]

Damn. Screw that then, take that sucker home, re-run SP2 and run Windows Update and see what that does.


Sucks that you can't install anything, because as much as I hate to admit it, I've seen Windows Defender (MS's anti-spyware program) find stuff that Trend Micro, Adaware, Spybot SD and mcafee couldn't.


I have been talking with the guys in IT. They may allow me to download the things I need on an upcoming weekend.

[onesojourner]

you can always wipe the drive and reinstall windows. I reinstall on my windows machine about once a year unless they are never online. reinstalling will fix everything and it will be as good as new.