Been having a recurring problem as of late...

[Jack Rabbit]

I don't remember exactly how long ago it began happening, but it's usually only when I'm watching a DVD on my laptop...everything will be running fine, and then it gets pixelated, makes a distinct "Vvvvvrrrrttt" sound and I'll get the blue screen of death. But it's all scrambled. And the system will reboot all on it's own, and it'll run okay, but sometimes does it as many as 3 or 4 times while I'm watching a DVD. It's annoying as ****.

Now, I deleted all the **** I got off Limewire and BearShare, and removed both programs. I have AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy.

But something is still seriously slowing down my system, and I'd like to get it running in tip top shape again.

If anyone could give me some pointers or explanation, that'd be great.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Kable24]

What does the blue screen say when it comes up? It could be that your dvd drive is going bad.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

I have no idea. The lettering is all scrambled, so it looks like a white barcode on a blue background.

This morning it took 10 minutes for the thing to start up, and kept getting stuck on a black screen with what looked like a Mooninte on the bottom...

I kept restarting the thing and going to the diagnostic menu or whatever until it started normally, albeit slow.

 

[Kable24]

When in doubt format the hard drive and reinstall your OS. That is a last resort though.

 

[kingman]

Have you tried using a different player to see if that rectifies the problem?

If so, have you tried using a head cleaner in the drive?

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Okay. I wasn't expecting this...

I think I have a virus, guys. What's the best (free) anti-virus software?

 

[kingman]

AVG is the best free anti virus out there at the moment

 

[Drakon]

I saw this thread, but I assumed it might have been an issue with the DVD player, and not they hard drive.

If you're looking to format your machine, you need the following.

1) Blank CDs/DVDs [to store whatever documents you want, like pictures or music]
2) The install software for your OS, as well as any activation codes.
3) [Optional] The installers for whatever programs you use [Spybot, Adaware, Firefox, ect]. This step also includes the software for any printers or other devices you use.


Assuming you're running on WinXP, this might be of some assistance.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Thanks alot Drak. I appreciate it.

 

[Drakon]

No prob. Here's hoping it helps.