Twofer Thread: What happened to my PC (?!) and budget laptop advise?

Katallina · May 7, 2013

Question #1:

Okay, first well begin with the horror story.

A little less then two weeks ago (April 20-something, a Wednesday) my computer told me that Windows wanted to do an update. I told it to wait 20 minutes, closed out of my stuff and basically told it to do its thing.

When it restarted and brought me back to Windows 7, it was (and has been ever since) basically possessed. I get approximately 10 - 15 seconds at start up or log on where I can open programs. After that:

-- My desktop icons act like they do not exist.

-- My taskbar has an unending swirling curser and cannot be used.

-- If I do to much ALT + TAB stuff the image thing Win7 does when you switch tabs will freeze in the center of my screen and the only way to fix it is to log off and then back on, or to do a total shutdown.

I tried to set the machine back prior to the update, but this did nothing to help, unfortunately.

I figure(d) the thing needs a reformat, meaning (since I can't seem to locate my Win7 disk... No idea where *that want.

)_ it needs to go into the shop. I called the local computer place here in town, though, and they seem convinced it just needs to be looked at / cleaned.

Do you guys think I should let them clean it or should I get them to wipe it? They want $40 / hour and I really don't want to get this back and have trouble with it next week. To clarify: this has been an absolutely STELLAR computer, I've had it nearly 3 years and this is the first issue I've had with it. I'm just sorta paranoid about this kinda stuff.

Question #2:

Because of this *nightmare*, where I thought I had lost both of my novels and three outlines, I've decided that my writing needs a dedicated PC. I've wanted to get a laptop for a while. I made the huge mistake of buying a netbook last year (hated the keyboard + the 10.1" screen didn't work well with my vision). I figure my best bet is to go with a 15.6" screen and find something that has a nice keyboard.

Considering we're into May 2013 what should I be looking for in (what I'm assuming is) a budget laptop? I'm looking to spend somewhere around $400 - 500 Canadian before taxes. I'm planning to get a mouse to go with it, which should ensure I don't have trouble with the trackpad thing laptops have. (Never been my cup of tea.) I messed around with Win8 at WalMart--I don't think I'd want it as my main OS on my desktop, but it seems like it'll do for running what I want it for here.

Namely:

-- Scrivener
-- Skype
-- Google Chrome
-- Paint (use it to resize stuff for my blog)
-- iTunes
-- Microsoft Office (may end up buying this for formatting for self publishing; cannot figure out Scrivener for that purpose to save my soul but there is tons of info for Word.)

Are my expectations from a machine within my budget reasonable, or should I be patient and pay more?

Are there any considerations that I should keep in mind as I choose my new laptop?

Any suggestions on what I should be looking for *in* a laptop within this budget. (My guess is I'm gonna wind up with a dual core, 4gb ram, 320gb + HDD, 15.6" screen. Not gonna be a gaming machine--which is fine since I have one when Windows Update doesn't eat it or whatever happened up there. ^^^) Am I expecting too much? Too little?

Any general tips I may not realize since I haven't really owned a laptop before? For instance, I've heard some people say you should take time to make sure you like the keyboard.

Anyway, thanks so much for taking the time to read this. Any help you can give with either issue is deeply appreciated. Have a great day!

Maryn · May 7, 2013

I am not a "computer person," but I've picked up a little through osmosis.

I don't think your Windows 7 update is the culprit. I think you picked up a virus, and that getting that taken care of may restore everything to normal. Some of them are very difficult to eradicate, and the first questions the knowledgeable people are going to ask include what anti-virus program you use, was it up to date when this happened, what firewall do you use, have you tried to start in safe mode to run an antivirus scan, and what happened when you tried.

If you gather that information for the arrival of the Folks Who Know Stuff, you'll be that much ahead.

I've had much success at MyBleepingComputer.com, where there are stickies addressing common issues and where there are nice, knowledgeable people answering specific concerns on the forum. They didn't even make me feel stupid.

I'm not sure you're going about the laptop acquisition in the mindset which is truly sensible. If you want it so you can have a computer which never gets online and therefore cannot be corrupted, so your writing, all done on the laptop, is safe, it's spending hundreds needlessly, most likely for a keyboard which will never feel as good and natural as your desktop's. (Mine doesn't and I doubt that will change, since I've had it for a few years now.)

You'd be better off using DropBox (or religiously emailing or copying to flash every time you write), spending a minute or two instead of spending hundreds of dollars for a computer which is likely to have a far shorter life than many desktops.

If, however, the portability of a laptop is a plus, then it might still be a wise choice. Just don't get it solely for writing security. Also, be aware you can attach a regular full-sized keyboard to a laptop. My husband does this with the laptop his employer issued.

Maryn, who'll keep you company while we wait for the People Who Know Stuff

K.R.Schmidt · May 7, 2013

I would say you have an infection of some kind. I would need a lot more information on your system, though.

Have you tried booting into safe mode (Hit F8 after powering on, select Safe Mode)? You haven't responded to Maryn so that's why I'm asking.

If your system is working better in safe mode it is almost surely NOT a hardware issue.

There are two hardware possibilties; memory or hard drive. Depending on the age of your system, one or both might need upgrading. A software update, meant to match the application's performance to the "average" system specifications, could be pushing your system's performance to unstable levels.

Katallina · May 7, 2013

I'll need to log into safe mode to see what it does and run Avast.

I'm running a 500gb Caviar Black as my hard drive, and I have 8gb of (if memory serves) CL7 Patriot RAM in here. (I think it's 1600 if that's worth anything?) This machine was designed to run Final Fantasy XIV when it released back in 2010. I got it that October.

Nice to hear people saying I shouldn't be scared of the Windows updates, though. I got some crazy info through Yahoo! answers that hackers infiltrate them once MS releases a new OS and that they become dangerous. (And considering you get that thing coming up saying it wants to shut down your PC that you can only postpone--wait 20 min, 4 hours, w/e...--that would be a pretty scary concept.)

As for the laptop: Nah, I intend to use it normally. I just figure it won't be *as* busy, and if I keep my work on both machines the odds of them going down at once seems less likely. I do also plan to look into some form of online / cloud storage and just a plain old flashdrive. Yes, I had quite a scare there.

Anyway, thanks so much for the feedback.

Kerosene · May 7, 2013

What I can tell, it's a software problem and you don't need a shop to look at it. Comp shops make their money off "looking at it", like "inspections" at auto shops. Also, I wouldn't go to a shop that asks for a fee to look at it without solving anything.

I wouldn't say Win7 is the problem, but the update might have conflicted with other software... somehow. Or any other nasty business. I wouldn't be able to tell without touching it.

Best to reinstall Windows (wiping the HHD in the process). Simple and will clear most software problems, eliminating that spectrum.

For the laptop, for web and word processing, $500 is enough. But, I'd say save up more to get a better laptop. Cheap ones are just bad nowadays. For your price range, you won't have much pull on the keyboard or touch pad.

Look on ebay for a Thinkpad T420 or X220 (x220 is far more portable with smaller screen and better battery life). They have lovely keyboards (share the same keyboard), more than enough power, built strong. The T420 sell for $500 any day of the week. X220, sometimes. Look for SSDs, a good seller with a return policy, 6-9cell batteries. For the T420, try getting the 1600X900 screen.

K.R.Schmidt · May 7, 2013

I wouldn't recommend Avast. At my job (IT Tech) we recommend AVG free or Microsoft Security Essentials. MSE is free and tied into Windows Defender, so it manages antivirus, spyware, malware, your firewall, and your email (if you choose).

benbradley · May 7, 2013

Katallina said:
Question #2:

Because of this *nightmare*, where I thought I had lost both of my novels and three outlines, I've decided that my writing needs a dedicated PC. I've wanted to get a laptop for a while. I made the huge mistake of buying a netbook last year (hated the keyboard + the 10.1" screen didn't work well with my vision). I figure my best bet is to go with a 15.6" screen and find something that has a nice keyboard.

Most (all?) netbooks have a VGA output connector and several USB connectors. You can buy a larger screen you plug it into and a "nice" USB-connector desktop keyboard for less than a new computer. If the netbook is otherwise okay (mine is for me, but I don't expect instantaneous response from Microsoft Word or LibreOffice Writer), that gives you a cheap option.

WriterTrek · May 7, 2013

I'm a "computer person" -- or moreso than most anyway. If I have a problem I go to HardForum for help, so if people here can't help you fix try them!

Your computer: Try this!

Restart in Safe Mode by continually pressing F8 (probably) while the computer boots. Safe Mode with Networking should allow you to use the internet.
Download CCleaner & MalwareBytes & Microsoft Security Essentials (this is the best free virus software for Win7 -- disable any other ones you have)
Update the above.
Run MSE
Run MalwareBytes
Run CCleaner
Restart normally.
Run them again.

If that doesn't work then you can google how to find your Win7 key on your computer (again from Safe Mode if regular mode isn't working). Then download a Win7 ISO and re-install using your valid CD key.

If that doesn't work then might consider having a friend check it out.

I suggest DropBox or SpiderOak (my preference) or any other Cloud Service for backing up your files.

Suggestion on a new 15.6" laptop with a decent keyboard on a budget?

First -- wait for Haswell (new series of Intel CPUs) to come out in June-ish if you can. If not you've got great options to pick from right now!

I'd suggest getting a refurbished computer from a certified dealer in your price range, but a lot of folks prefer the feeling of buying new. You can get a good mouse for $20 or so.

This is a good Refurb for <$400
This might be nice too

Want something new? In your price range I'd suggest checking out Thinkpad Edge, Thinkpad T, Dell Latitude, or Dell Vostro. T/Latitude are going to be better there.

If you can bump up to $600 you might be surprised how nicely your options will expand.

I suggest getting a 3rd gen iCore processor (this will be i3/i5-3xxx -- if that "3" is a "2" instead then you're looking at a 2nd gen). You have no need of an i7. An i3 should be fine for you needs, but i5 isn't overkill.

IPS screen is a plus but unlikely to be found in your price range.

Get something with an SSD and you'll be very happy, but again, rare in your price range unless you're buying something like a refurbished IdeaPad U-series with a small one.

Hope something in there was useful! If you decide to buy and want more suggestions (or an opinion on one your found/like) let me know.

Alexys · May 7, 2013

It actually could be the update—there was a Windows 7 update a little while ago that had some really nasty consequences when combined with some third-party software (including some device drivers, IIRC) but malware is the way to bet.

In terms of laptops . . . if your main interest is in getting something decent that's also cheap, I'd look into off-lease models or refurbs at tigerdirect.ca . They have several Lenovo Thinkpad and Dell Latitude models for under $400Cdn (some under $300) + shipping right now, if you're willing to accept 32-bit Windows 7 as an OS, 2GB RAM, and a smallish hard drive. Any of them would do as a dedicated writing machine. They've also got new/fancier models that fall within the high end of your price range.

Matera the Mad · May 8, 2013

A note on updates -- do NOT let Windows Update handle your device driver updates. That's where most of the trouble starts. And don't let it go fully automatic. Let ol' wupdate get all the Microsnot stuff but NOT automatically install any updates. Look over the update list and uncheck anything hinky. You can even make it wait while you Google info about some of them (like if you've encountered rumors about bad updates). It could save time in the long run.

If you have it check automatically but not install, it will nag you, so don't worry about forgetting.

Katallina · May 8, 2013

Thanks so much for all the feedback, guys. Machine is going into the shop--I've tried stuff and it's still acting strange. Oh well--long as it comes out working, I don't mind. I've had it 2.5 years without any grief, so it was due.

I definitely want to know more about how to be in control of when my stuff updates. I can't believe I went along with that with no thought for this long.

And finally some good news: my budget is now up to about $700 before taxes, which should give me a bit more leeway. I've got a few weeks before I make a purchasing decision and I intend to take my time and get the best that I can for my money.

Thanks again for all the help.

Twofer Thread: What happened to my PC (?!) and budget laptop advise?

Katallina

Maryn

I Tried

K.R.Schmidt

Katallina

Kerosene

Your Pixie Queen

K.R.Schmidt

benbradley

It's a doggy dog world

WriterTrek

Alexys

Took a wrong turn at the Pleiades

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

Katallina