Problem that was fixed with chkdsk

[Richard Fangnail]

(I'm sorry if this is partly redundant but I asked this under a heading
about spyware and some may have skipped it)

Yesterday I started my computer normally but I couldn't run any
programs or do ctrl+alt+delete. When I tried to run programs it would
do nothing except change the cursor to the hourglass which would move
around but nothing would happen. I called Gateway support and they
told me to start under safe mode and try "Last Good" but this did not
solve the problem.

Then they got me to reboot using the OS CD which automatically ran
chkdsk. Chkdsk displayed many items though I can't find these items in
a log file. The computer went back to normal.

My main concern is, what could cause the problem if not spyware?
Which files could be damaged that would create that problem?

Thanks

 

[NotMe]

Spyware, virus, trojans, an improper shutdown or failing HDD could cause
that...among other things, those would be the most common.

 

[Richard Fangnail]

But why would it startup but not run any programs, as opposed to not
starting up right?

 

[Rock]

But why would it startup but not run any programs, as opposed to not
starting up right?

Richard, you need to quote at least part of the message to which you
reply. Otherwise there is no context and it's just hanging out there in
the wind. Many people use newsreaders and download only the new
messages. The previous ones are not there for context.

 

[Richard Fangnail]

Sorry about that. My problem was basically described at the top of
this thread.
And I was just wondering why the problem would result in the programs
not running, as opposed to the whole computer not starting right. I
know it could have been caused my either malware or a hd problem.