Need help if,,,,,,,,,,,,

[dicklaxt]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,this problem can be solved this way.

Scenario is such:

I have 2 identical computers each with Vista,one has Norton Protection the other has TrendMicro Protection,about a month ago both computers shifted into a very slow mode at the same exact time,so slow I wanted to fix it with a hammer :huh:. I really don't know what or how it al came about but I gave the Norton tech folks control of the computer and they said I had a connectivity problem and a number of settings had gone awry.They worked on it for a spell and fixed it to near perfect performance.I contacted TrendMicro to get the other computer fixed and they would not give me that assistance unless I subscribed to their Premium Plan.I quickly opted out of that conversation.

The question becomes is there a simple way ( that this illiterate can do ) to restore the second computer to factory default settings if they have inadvertantly changed by the invasive culprit that started this all off?

Thanks Dick

 

[Patonb]

If you have a "culprit" its still there, and I wouldn't trust my comp to be safe...

I'd do a format/reinstall.

Have you run malwarebytes and/or microsoft essentials as well?

 

[dicklaxt]

Yes have run different ones and I don't know how to reformat

dick

 

[richc46]

I agree with Patonb
If you have the Vista DVD install DVD. Set to boot from DVD and you will be given the option to format.
If it is an upgrade DVD, it is a bit more of a problem than the Full retail
With either you will lose all of your stuff unless you back up first
Programs must be reinstalled
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68767-clean-install-upgrade-vista.html?ltr=C
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

 

[dicklaxt]

I have the Vista Upgrade software program disk,is that what you all are talking about?

dick

 

[richc46]

Yes it is
You can reinstall. I hope that you backed your stuff.

 

[dicklaxt]

I can back it all up just one more question can I install right over the top of the other ??

dick

 

[richc46]

Follow the instructions per my post above. Best to start from scratch as shown abvove.
If you want to install right over, the old problems may persist
iF VIRUS you want to do clean install.

 

[dicklaxt]

I may have asked this before along the way but how do I wipe the slate clean to do a clean install?

Computers were something I never had to learn in my working career because in my field with the advent on computers really catching on in the work place I was in a position of employ where I wasn't considered one of the worker bees. I just needed to be familiar with it.I sure wished I had delved into it with all four feet.

dick

 

[richc46]

You set BIOS to boot from DVD and then when asked for type of install select custom and advanced options. In advanced options select format

Read steps 11 to about 15
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68767-clean-install-upgrade-vista.html?ltr=C