Computer...died (kinda)

[Jess]

I must have the rottenest luck in the world. My first laptop "died" then after it was fixed became extremely slow.

Then my current one acted odd and my dad changed it to Windows 7. And now today everything on the laptop froze and I saw the blue screen of death several times. After a while I got on, but everything kept freezing and was slow.

don't even know what is wrong with my laptop (I'm on the desktop right now) and if there is any way to fix it.

[Commander Thor]

Try attempting a system restore to before this started happening. (Start> Programs> Acessories> System Tools> System Restore)

[Jess]

the thing is I can't get on any program because then it freezes and I can't do anything. I'll try but I don't know if I'll be able to :/

[russjr08]

If you want to know if it's the hardware, you could try running some sort of version of Linux (I recommend if it's your first time running Linux, to use Linux Mint or Ubuntu)

[Unlucky_Leprechaun]

Are there any clicking or weird sounds coming from it while it starts up? Sounds like a memory or HDD issue.
Not sure how computer savvy you are, but you can go to the manufactures website and search to remove/replace memory...just re-seat yours or swap the memory modules (if 2 are there) and then bringing it up... or remove one and boot and then swap and reboot (essentially checking both modules)

[darkwoon]

See if it happens also in Safe Mode (F8 at the beginning of Windows boot sequence). You can also try using your Windows installation disk to repair the system, but most laptops don't have a proper one to begin with.

Try cleaning any dust in the air cooling vent using a vacuum cleaner.

If it doesn't work, chances are of a malfunctioning ram module. http://www.memtest.org/ may help checking that. If there are two ram modules, try removing the first, then the second, as the computer may restart working properly with the broken one removed.

If none of the above works, then I admit I don't really see what to do!

[Dack]

DON'T use a vaccuum. You'll just damage the fan/vent. Boot it in safe mode, if possible. Press F10 on boot and do it from the BIOS screen, alot easier to get to.

[lamar5559]

My first guess would be that it has a virus. Make sure you have anti-virus installed, and run a full system scan.

Second guess is that it is overheating. Most laptops have a huge problem with ventilation.
Do not use a vacum. Buy a compressed air can and blow it inside all vents.

A good way to speed up performance is to install more RAM.
Most laptops will have 2 SoDimm RAM slots, and most are easy to access and doing so will not void your warranty unless stated otherwise.

One thing that always does the trick is to do a system restore.
Since you have Windows 7, Click Start, then type System Restore. Follow the on screen prompts to restore your computer to factory default settings. Make sure you back up all of your important files before doing so as this will erase EVERYTHING on the computer.

Let me know if I helped.

[Unlucky_Leprechaun]

She has stated that she cannot get to anything because it freezes, so running restore (although a good idea) or any other program in Windows is probably is out of the question until it can get more stable even installing the memtest wont happen

If you do have the Windows CD..system repair option may work or full reload will work -- this will eliminate the virus possibility

Running the memory test from BIOS (how to get to BIOS depends on the machine...F12, DEL, F2) and allowing it will check your RAM and any stoppage while running indicates a definite memory error.

I still think it sounds like memory...I would still remove/swap and attempt then perhaps you can do the restores,memory tests down loads...etc...

[Jess]

my dad was able to fix it

he told me the virus was caused by the Avast Anti-virus software

very weird.

[Unlucky_Leprechaun]

Awesome...:-) Glad for you...WOW was I waaay off base [email protected]!

Way to go lamar5559..troubleshooter extraordinaire