AAARGHOMGWTF?!! Computer Problems x 1000000

Mageslayer · Post by **Mageslayer** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 11:41 pm

OK, so I mucked my computer up a while ago using Limewire (this was before I even knew what a torrent was). I continued to download anyway, eventually filling up my 100 Gig hard drive (all with legal files of course

).

By this time I'd had enough. My computer was slow and full. I was getting an error upon startup and I was ready to start over. After trying virus scans, registry cleaners, spyware scans, and the equivalent of a witch doctor for my PC (no, not really), I decided that I would have to sacrifice my beloved (and legal

) files and restore my PC to the way it was the day I got it. I got some kind of error that I don't remember anymore and I was unable to restore.

I then tried to use my computer's built in HP System Restore. This worked without giving me an error but it didn't do what I expected/wanted it to do. You see, it didn't uninstall most of the programs I had installed. It also left my old username seemingly intact. The folder "C:\Documents and Settings\John" (my old username's folder) is there but I get an access denied warning when I click it, even though I am the administrator (and the only user) on this computer. My new username's folder is "C:\Documents and Settings\John.PC************" ( the *'s represent a 12 digit number, dunno if this is something I should keep private).

Using a program called AMUST Disc Cleaner, I can view the content in my old folder, but this program (maybe just because it's a trial?) won't let me delete the files and folders within it. Also, viewing the properties of the "John" folder via right click shows it as being completely empty, but viewing it with AMUST I can see the sizes of the files and folders within, and it's a lot (which is a large part of why I want to either access my files or delete them).

I also get an error on startup, something about a SMART failure on hard disc 2. I'm assuming this is my backup hard drive and most likely why both forms of restore caused me problems. It says to replace my hard drive, which I have neither the extra drive nor the funds to do. I'll post the exact error later if necessary.

So my question now is what am I to do? I'd like to fix this problem without having to replace anything on the computer. I've thought of formatting the hard drive (maybe both of them?) but I have no Windows disc to install (the computer came with it already on) and my DVD drive is kinda broke so I can't acquire a copy via the internet. The computer is under warranty but I don't know what they'll do or if they will refuse me due to the legal (

) nature of the legal (

) files on my computer, some of which I can no longer access. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Harshboy · Post by **Harshboy** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:20 am

To start off, delete what files you can. Next, the SMART Failure means that HDD 2 will soon die on you and you will require a new HDD for your computer. Third, buy a new CD Drive for 15 bucks. Also try to find any download of Windows on the internet, reinstall it and use your legal serial key (This SHOULD be Legal, but maybe not) And don't ever install Trials of software. Don't download a song that's 4 kb, never download games that are under 1mb, and for god's sake never install Limewire or Kazaa.

Mageslayer · Post by **Mageslayer** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:52 am

Where would I find this serial key?

gamemasterAS · Post by **gamemasterAS** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:58 am

Mageslayer wrote:Where would I find this serial key?

PM me.

Mageslayer · Post by **Mageslayer** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:07 am

I was asking more along the lines of how do I find out MY serial number, but if there is no way, I may just have to. Also, this may seem a dumb question, but if I took out my second hard drive, would my computer still function? It IS just a backup drive, right? One more thing for now, is there a way to fix this SMART failure so HDD 2 DOESN'T die? Thanks again.

Post by **bicostp** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 7:10 am

Look around the back of the computer (or bottom of the laptop) to find a "Certificate of Authenticity" sticker with the CD key on it.

LimeWire and Kazaa bugger up PCs more than any other program I've had to deal with. Avoid them at all costs, and stick with torrents. (They work basically the same way anyways...)

@gamemasterAS: NO! BAD! We do not approve of or condone piracy here!

vb_master · Post by **vb_master** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:05 am

Harshboy wrote:Limewire or Kazaa.

If you are going to install one of these, do it in a virtual machine.

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:02 am

A) Buy a new hard drive. The SMART error means that the hard drive has physical problems, and is going to die soon. I had an old hard drive (6GB) and I just ignored the message every time it came up. One day, everything was gone, without any backups. Don't ignore the message!

B) Buy a new optical drive. These can be pretty cheap. Like around $10 for a CD-ROM, and $30 for a DVD-ROM. If your going to do the next few steps however, you'll need at least a CD-R drive, which should cost about the same as a DVD-ROM drive.

C) Find your COA. This should be on the back of your PC tower, or on the bottom of your laptop, depending on what kind of computer you have. Make sure to record the serial number, what Windows version you have (Home/Pro), and if the software was OEM or not (probably was).

D) Download a copy of Windows with the exact same "specs" as what's on your COA. There is no need to get a serial number because you already have the one on your COA. (And getting a serial off the internet is ILLEGAL!)

E) Burn the copy you downloaded.

F) Backup your documents onto a blank disk(s).

G) Boot your computer from the disk, delete all your partitions, create a new one and install! Voila, fresh new Windows.

Harshboy · Post by **Harshboy** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:58 am

Well said

EDIT: Just realized that, i actually do use Limewire (but it's the Pro Version) I guess that one's ok.

Rototiller · Post by **Rototiller** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:27 pm

If nothing works, burn it and toast marshmallows

Roflcakes!

Mageslayer · Post by **Mageslayer** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:50 pm

Bleh. Looks like I'm just going to try and get it replaced. Anyone know the best way of going about that without saying, "I thrashed my computer by downloading illegal junk off of the internet! Help!" I have a feeling (though I am not sure as I've never bought a computer before this one) that they would say something like, "Sorry, your warranty is VOID now." My main problem is getting to those access denied folders. aside from that I can just delete everything and cross my fingers. Anyone know how I can get in them?

@Rototiller: I do like marshmallows though....

vskid · Post by **vskid** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 7:47 pm

Rototiller wrote:If nothing works, burn it and toast marshmallows

Just don't eat them, the fumes from burning plastic and PCB are poisonous.

Post by **marshallh** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:47 pm

If you check your school, you may be able to get a big discount on a copy of Windows. I was able to get a copy of XP for $4!

Your computer is fine, it's just what's stored on the hard drive that is the problem. Re-format it and install Windows again.

Mageslayer · Post by **Mageslayer** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:08 am

marshallh wrote:Your computer is fine,

Even with the SMART failure?

marshallh wrote:Re-format it and install Windows again.

Will this fix both HDs? Do I have to format them both seperately? I honestly don't know how format my hard drives or boot off of my windows cd anymore which is why I was using it only as a last resort. I figured I'd find out if I needed to.

marshallh wrote:If you check your school, you may be able to get a big discount on a copy of Windows. I was able to get a copy of XP for $4!

Wow!

Sadly, I'm not in school anymore.

@Vskid: Awwww.

Gump-in-space · Post by **Gump-in-space** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:18 am

I use the non-pro version of Limewire and don't have any problems... should I look for an alternative?