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Sudden computer malfunction

3 years ago

Last night I was listening to some music files when all of a sudden, the music stopped, the hard disk started up, and everything was locked up. I couldn't start or stop any programs or shut down the computer. I unplugged the network and external devices (mouse, keyboard, and monitor) and let it run for several hours, but finally I unplugged it (it's a laptop) and let the battery run down overnight. This morning I plugged it in and it did start up again, but is behaving weirdly. I tried loading a few programs, including the Task Manager, and (initially) the TM says that they're no programs running. I tried starting Chrome and nada. Eventually (like after a 1/2 hour), Chrome came up with it's default links, including Houzz. So I was able to post this. The computer is still thinking about things, and, so far, everything I try to start works, but very slowly. I checked my virus protection software (Symantec Endpoint Protection), and everything was OK, although the Virus and Spyware Protection function had been updated yesterday (it doesn't report the time). Any thoughts?

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Comments (5)

badabing2
3 years ago
Back up anything you can/need to and then run "chkdsk /f" in a command prompt.
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
Hopefully it's a OS corrupted area/software/drive sector problem and not something major.

If you have System Restore enabled (and everyone should), try using that (Type System Restore in the PC's search box) and try restoring the PC to an earlier date.

Failing that, take a look at this link from Microsoft:

PC having a bad day, how to fix
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mtvhike
Original Author
3 years ago
Well, I tried to do a rollback (if that's what it's called); I remember in the past that I could select a date from a previous install, but this time, only Oct 16 was available, so I selected it. It ended up reinstalling the OS completely, deleting all my apps, but keeping my personal files, including (most importantly) the Downloads folder, which has the installation files for all my apps. Interestingly, it did not install the latest version of Win10 or Edge; I had to install them separately.

So that's done now, I can reinstall my other apps as needed. It's a good thing I have the DVD for Office and the Adobe Creative Suite, along with their installation code numbers.

One thing which had happened, which was one reason I did this, is that I tried to view a video streaming from a TV station. That didn't work unless I installed another app (which did work), but in the process, another browser was also installed. And, now, I frequently get links to various commercial websites (including Home Depot and Houzz) appearing, which I can ignore, but it's puzzling.
bengz6westmd
3 years ago
Sounds good, except if it's a hardware issue, it may come back.....
mtvhike
Original Author
3 years ago
If it comes back, time for a new computer, now that I've learned (or am learning) how to reinstall everything.

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