Something bad has happened to my XP please help!

[Guest]

I was working with my XP when all of a sudden it rebooted in a split second(
in an action that looked like standard rebooting through the start menu, only
it took a split second)
when it rebooted and got to the windows user log on screen it didnt't go any
further after I entered the password , it also didn't freeze (I could still
move the cursur) but I couldnt click on anything (all was greyed out)
I had to reset it from the laptops power button.
after the reset I managed to get passed the password screen to find my
desktop lacking a lot of miles I had on it before and also lacking the my
computer icon.
it seems all of my windows settings and program settings have been reset
(bookmarks on both browsers and other stuff) ,as if I was logged in on a
different profile.

first weird things I've noticed:

when I right click on desktop or any other folder in the computer and scroll
down to the "new" tab , I can only creat either a shortcut or a folder (no
text/word files or any other thing) all original program have remained
installed by looking at the programs tab.


http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3497/untitled8mn.jpg



when I click on the Start menu , the left side of it is blank



http://img290.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled26va.jpg



I was worried about the Files I had on my desktop as I thought I had lost
them, I was surprised to find them by manually browsing to the desktop folder
via C:/
so everything is there, and yet does not appear on desktop.


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3644/untitled39bd.jpg



I cannot unlock the task bar no matter if I richt click it and select
unlock, or go to it's properties and uncheck the lock box (it unchecks but
doesnt save and checks itself back when I reaccess it)


This are just a few of the issues I've encountered so far.
I am the only user/profile on this computer , my computer is virus/spam free.
Not even system recovery helped.


Anyone familiar with this issue, please help? I'm desperate.


Thanks in advance,

Amir

 

[Sarah]

I was working with my XP when all of a sudden it rebooted in a split
second(
in an action that looked like standard rebooting through the start menu,
only
it took a split second)
when it rebooted and got to the windows user log on screen it didnt't go
any
further after I entered the password , it also didn't freeze (I could
still
<snip>

First let me say I am not a Microsoft MVP or professional tech support.
Having said that, I can give plain old practical help since I use Windows XP
and had to learn to get along with it.

Your sudden rebooting sounds like over heating. It can be other things but
make sure your processor fan is running. Are you using a laptop computer or
a full size? From what I hear, a laptop computer can overheat if on a soft
surface such as a pillow or on your lap. make sure there is plenty of air
space around the computer, clear away papers and other obsticles on your
desk. Also whether you have a laptop or full size check the air vent to see
if air is blowing out. If not that could indicate the fan is not working.

If the fan is alright and it is not overheating, have a tech check out your
power supply. A loose wire in your computer can cause it to suddenly
reboot. It happened to me. Don't try to fix a power supply on your own. It
carries a lot of voltage.

And check your RAM. A faulty RAM chip can cause reboot problems.

About your desktop icons...You may be able to get them back if you right
click on your desktop, select properties, then the desktop tab. Click on
the customize desktop button. On the General tab, click the "Restore
Default" buttons.

Is there a reason you didn't use System Restore? If the icons don't come
back, run system restore. Last but not least, run spyware and anti virus
utilities to make sure your system is clean of malware that would cause
Windows to do odd things. Here is a great source for tools to clean your
computer of nasties.
http://aumha.org/secure.htm

Sarah

 

[Guest]

First let me say I am not a Microsoft MVP or professional tech support.
Having said that, I can give plain old practical help since I use Windows XP
and had to learn to get along with it.

Your sudden rebooting sounds like over heating. It can be other things but
make sure your processor fan is running. Are you using a laptop computer or
a full size? From what I hear, a laptop computer can overheat if on a soft
surface such as a pillow or on your lap. make sure there is plenty of air
space around the computer, clear away papers and other obsticles on your
desk. Also whether you have a laptop or full size check the air vent to see
if air is blowing out. If not that could indicate the fan is not working.

If the fan is alright and it is not overheating, have a tech check out your
power supply. A loose wire in your computer can cause it to suddenly
reboot. It happened to me. Don't try to fix a power supply on your own. It
carries a lot of voltage.

And check your RAM. A faulty RAM chip can cause reboot problems.

About your desktop icons...You may be able to get them back if you right
click on your desktop, select properties, then the desktop tab. Click on
the customize desktop button. On the General tab, click the "Restore
Default" buttons.

Is there a reason you didn't use System Restore? If the icons don't come
back, run system restore. Last but not least, run spyware and anti virus
utilities to make sure your system is clean of malware that would cause
Windows to do odd things. Here is a great source for tools to clean your
computer of nasties.
http://aumha.org/secure.htm

Sarah


I have already tried everything you mentioned excluding gettting a technician to have a look at it.

I use a laptop, rested on a desk (always) with the vantilation shafts never
covered.
Nothing seems to help.

 

[Sarah]

I have already tried everything you mentioned excluding gettting a
technician to have a look at it.
I use a laptop, rested on a desk (always) with the vantilation shafts
never
covered.
Nothing seems to help.

It seems that overheating is an issue with laptops in general. I would
contact the company that made your laptop. If there is a forum on their web
site you might find suggestions. I have read where people have taken
extreme measures for overheating such as directing a small fan at the
computer, adding a powerful cpu fan, installing utilities to control the fan
and heat sensors. Below is a link to overheating issues on Google. But
first read this 5 page article by Fred Langa who gives detailed suggestions.
http://www.informationweek.smallbizpipeline.com/60400545


Google http://www.google.com/search?q=laptop+overheat