I downloaded an update to a program. I started to install it, but needed to cancel it and continue later. I hit cancel, but my system started to go weird, locking up and various unknown windows started opening. I was able to get into Task Manager, and canceled all the processes that were running that appeared to be associated with that program.
I then noticed that my virus protection, Microsoft Security Essentials, was turned off, with a notice that my system was unprotected. I attempted to restart it, but kept getting a message that it cannot be restarted. After playing with it a bit, I was able to start a scan, thinking a bug got into the system, even though I thought the program was from a legitimate source. I also scanned the file for viruses before installing. The scan started, and a message appeared that a potential threat was discovered and details would appear after the scan. Well, the scan never completed, my system started rebooting. After that I was not able to get into Windows again, and was only able to get into Safe Mode once, now not at all, it constantly reboots.
I put the Vista disc in the disc drive after changing my boot sequence in my bios and attempted to repair Windows, but a message came up that Windows can't be repaired and it would send info to Microsoft.
I have 2 hard drives installed, C: the drive with Windows, and E: where I keep most of my programs and personal data. With the Command Prompt, I can see the C: drive, but I'm told E: "The device is not ready."
I am not sure what to do next. I was considering buying a new hard drive, and installing Windows 7 on it as I bought the program last year and never installed it. But I am not sure if this is a hardware, software, or virus problem? I tried running Windows Security Essentials from the command prompt, but it won't run.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
I then noticed that my virus protection, Microsoft Security Essentials, was turned off, with a notice that my system was unprotected. I attempted to restart it, but kept getting a message that it cannot be restarted. After playing with it a bit, I was able to start a scan, thinking a bug got into the system, even though I thought the program was from a legitimate source. I also scanned the file for viruses before installing. The scan started, and a message appeared that a potential threat was discovered and details would appear after the scan. Well, the scan never completed, my system started rebooting. After that I was not able to get into Windows again, and was only able to get into Safe Mode once, now not at all, it constantly reboots.
I put the Vista disc in the disc drive after changing my boot sequence in my bios and attempted to repair Windows, but a message came up that Windows can't be repaired and it would send info to Microsoft.
I have 2 hard drives installed, C: the drive with Windows, and E: where I keep most of my programs and personal data. With the Command Prompt, I can see the C: drive, but I'm told E: "The device is not ready."
I am not sure what to do next. I was considering buying a new hard drive, and installing Windows 7 on it as I bought the program last year and never installed it. But I am not sure if this is a hardware, software, or virus problem? I tried running Windows Security Essentials from the command prompt, but it won't run.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
