I think I must have messed something up--Really bad. Help?

mysquishee

New Member
PLEASE HELP!

A few months ago, I had that lovely virus called Antivirus 2010. It got so bad that eventually, whenever I turned my Intel Pentium laptop on, the screen would just be black and there would be nothing except the virus window popping up with all the 'viruses' I had on my computer.

Well, I decided to read some self-help guides on the net. I used safe mode to do some registry editing, and voila. The virus was gone.

Of course, a few other programs stopped running normally. The dock and widgets were gone. I had to create associations, which I never succeeded at, and this was all becoming way too frustrating. But I got by...

Last night, I decided to connect my HDMI cord to the laptop and watch a few episodes of Lost with my friends. Now, the HDMI button ('F8') wasn't working properly after my little mishap a few months earlier. When I pressed it, the usual, nice little pictures of different laptop-tv settings did not appear. Instead, I tried FN+ALT+F8. This seemed to work. But after we finished, I couldn't get the screen to return to normal again. It's all fuzzy and big, as if I was still connected to the tv.

** I tried personlization, and fizing screen resolution and stuff. It made things a little better, but the screen STILL isn't the same. Funny thing though. When I use print screen, the screen looks NORMAL.

This morning, I rebooted my laptop. (Probably the stupidest thing I've ever done) I thought everything would be back to normal, but the screen is still the same, the nice little extras about Vista I was missing before have not returned, and my internet connection is gone.

To sum it up, I reeeally screwed up.
*I am using an old laptop with Windows ME, atm. : [
 

My Computer

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Oh gosh, I knew I should have had a system restore point... Thank you so much for the advice and the link! I guess I can't really do anything about it now, though. Again, thanks.
 

My Computer

Try going with the factory specs. Yes you have to reinstall programs and all, but the upside is your computer will work a great as it did the first day.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
don't forget to back up your data, photos emails etc first all these will be GONE with a return to factory restore
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    E8400
    Motherboard
    GA-EP35-DS3R
    Memory
    4G Kingston PC6400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Powercolor HD4850/512M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ 24" WS
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    WD 500G SATA
    PSU
    Enermax 620W
    Keyboard
    Saitek Eclipse II
    Mouse
    MX518
Thank you for the reminder. I guess I should look at other help threads for this...

But how should I connect the internet back on after I've done a factory restore?
My Dell Pentium laptop was wireless before all this craziness. Now--I can't even use the internet with the ethernet plugged into it.
 

My Computer

If you go back to factory specs everything should work the way it was able to at that point. Get the computer working, we will take one problem at a time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Since I recently just rebooted, is it possible for me to just go right ahead with the factory specs, or do I have to reboot again? I am using a Dell Laptop.
 

My Computer

Since I recently just rebooted, is it possible for me to just go right ahead with the factory specs, or do I have to reboot again? I am using a Dell Laptop.

You have to press a certain f key, during boot to get to factory specs. On my Dell it is F11
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
According to the setup guide, I have to turn on my laptp, and when the dell logo appears, press F8 several times to acess the Vista Advanced Boot Options.

Apparently, Repair your Computer should be an option. But it isn't. I don't know what to do next.

**I'll try F11.
 

My Computer

F8 is usually safe mode. Try F11.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Well, look at this:
"Notice: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers."

Why would they have a 'How to' on Dell Factory Image Restore if it's not available on my laptop? I'm certain it is--It just isn't working right.

The first time I did it, there was only one other choice that seemed okay to me. 'Restore to previous configuration' (Or something along the lines of that) There was no Repair Your Computer.

There is no change in the laptop when I log in.

I'm trying to get back to the Vista Advanced Boot Options by using the F8 button again, but it isn't working.

F11 doesn't work for my laptop. On the other hand, F12 seems to.
-+Hard Drive
-CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
-Removable Devices
-Network
-Diagnostics

<enter setup>

Now what? Is this what I should be looking for? Should I try F8 again?

**Will try F11 again, as well.
 

My Computer

F8 is safe mode, that is something different. F12 is BIOS. Do you have the DVD that came with the computer? That can give you factory specs, too. Dell lets you return to factory specs by F11 and by DVD, only company to give you 2 methods.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
As soon as you turn on the lappy start tapping the control key AND the F11 key and don't stop till you see a "Recovery" screen come up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
F8 is safe mode, that is something different. F12 is BIOS. Do you have the DVD that came with the computer? That can give you factory specs, too. Dell lets you return to factory specs by F11 and by DVD, only company to give you 2 methods.

By DVD, do you mean the reinstallation DVD? By the way, I'm really appreciating all the help so far.
 

My Computer

As soon as you turn on the lappy start tapping the control key AND the F11 key and don't stop till you see a "Recovery" screen come up.


try this and yes I mean the reinstall DVd.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
As soon as you turn on the lappy start tapping the control key AND the F11 key and don't stop till you see a "Recovery" screen come up.



You need to hold down the control key an tap the F11 key at the same tiime.


1. Reboot, and press Ctrl + F11 at the Dell logo.
2. The Dell™ PC Restore by Symantec screen will come up.
3. Select "Restore" or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
4. if you wish to continue, click "Confirm", or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
5. When the utility is finished, click "Finish", or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
As soon as you turn on the lappy start tapping the control key AND the F11 key and don't stop till you see a "Recovery" screen come up.

Okay, I did that for almost a minute until a loud beeping sound came on. I kept doing it after that, and the beep came again. I stopped. :shock:
Will try F11+Control again--With mute on.
 

My Computer

If it does not work, read your manual and understand how to restore with the DVD. You will be up and running, again. Take your time. I will be here and I know that Barefoot will be here for you, too.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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