Yet Another Computer Issue

[Trinique_Fire]

When I last checked in like this, my computer was riddled with viruses. Well, I downloaded and tried some of the programs everyone suggested after my AVG free trial ran out, but essentially my computer shut down and would not restart for me. I ended up wiping the system and starting fresh.

Now things are fine and dandy, except I keep getting told I have low disk space. I've done disk clean up, I've uninstalled programs, deleted files....and still I cannot defrag the system because there is not enough space available. I can't even download Adobe Reader because there isn't enough space. Tell me how to fix this. Please?

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Youre infected by a trojan using your computer to store and send spam.

I had the same problem; you cant load antivirus programs (no memory), so you gotta go back to the box.

See if your RESTORE function is wiped clean. And stay away from the effing porn sites.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

It's possible when you reformatted that you put windows on the wrong partition. Some computers come formatted with two partitions. One is very small and has some system files on it, and the other is the majority of your space that you use for everything.

Also, AVG has a free version of its software that isn't a trial. It's what I have always used, and I've never had any issues with viruses. You can find it here.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

It's possible when you reformatted that you put windows on the wrong partition. Some computers come formatted with two partitions. One is very small and has some system files on it, and the other is the majority of your space that you use for everything.

Also, AVG has a free version of its software that isn't a trial. It's what I have always used, and I've never had any issues with viruses. You can find it here.

Crim, when I downloaded AVG yesterday, I noticed that I missed the free version before and only downloaded the trial. Silly me. Thanks for the link. I will bookmark it in case I need it again.

How do I fix this disk space issue? Do I need to re-set my computer to the factory settings again? I have an HP Professional laptop....if that helps any.

 

[Mrtouf]

Yyou might want to use Computer Management (under Administrative Tools in the Control Panel). And then pick Disk Management from the sidebar. You'll then see how your partitions stand presently, and be able to create a new one if need be.

If that's not the problem, you could also run a disk check (right-click on a drive, Properties, Tools, Error-checking, Check Now....) as that may fix your free space count if it is being reported incorrectly. But usually it'll only do this when your computer next starts and can get access to files which are in use when Windows is running.

 

[CMatthews]

When I last checked in like this, my computer was riddled with viruses. Well, I downloaded and tried some of the programs everyone suggested after my AVG free trial ran out, but essentially my computer shut down and would not restart for me. I ended up wiping the system and starting fresh.

Now things are fine and dandy, except I keep getting told I have low disk space. I've done disk clean up, I've uninstalled programs, deleted files....and still I cannot defrag the system because there is not enough space available. I can't even download Adobe Reader because there isn't enough space. Tell me how to fix this. Please?

I am impressed with your ability to "start fresh"

That means you booted with a Win98 floppy/CDROM/DVD
and typed in "FDISK"

This wipes out your entire "hard drive" and allows you to
"partition" and "format" the hard drive.

Then, you reinstall WinXp/Vista and re-register it again by
talking with Microsoft over the phone. You have to tell them
what you are doing, and why you are doingit.

You should have your product identification code handy
(on the back of your computer) and will be asked to recite
it back to them.

After you have "rebuilt" your computer, download an
"Antivirus Program" and scan the DVD'S you have before
copying your software back to your "hard drive".

Thank you for your thread...

I used to work for Dell computers technical phone
support.

Nurse, nurse, I am in pain and need my medication!
No, no, not the needle! I just want a pill...

Carolyn

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Go the "My Computer"

The list will include the partitions on your computer along with all the other equipment hooked up to it, internal and external.

The drive partition with the OS on it will have a little windows flag on it if you are running Vista. Right click on the partitions and select properties from the menu, that will show you the sizes of the partition and how full it is.

 

[jomar]

Avira (free) was rated higher than AVG by Consumer Reports. And I'm sure you know about Malwarebytes, Spybot, Ad-Aware and CCleacner...

 

[Edward Teach]

Avira (free) was rated higher than AVG by Consumer Reports. And I'm sure you know about Malwarebytes, Spybot, Ad-Aware and CCleacner...

Avira is excellent and easy to use.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I read the AVIRA hype, got it, and its the antivirus software from hell.

 

[jomar]

I read the AVIRA hype, got it, and its the antivirus software from hell.

Why so? Works for me.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Why so? Works for me.

I had no computer problems before I installed AVIRA.

Once I installed it, it pestered me to buy an upgrade. Next it tried to scan my puter all the time. Then it delayed screen changes for 15 minutes, per screen. I cant delete it. Then log-on time increased from about 5 minutes to 2 hours.

When I finally got logged on it pestered me to upgrade, and when I declined I got new and different problems.

So I did some talking and reading, accessed SAFE-MODE and MSCONFIG, and de-activated AVIRA on the SERVICES and STARTUP menus. Problems vanished. I run NORTON scans and have no malware indicators except for cookies.

Many antivirus programs want you to delete exisiting antiviral software, but I cant delete AVIRA. I guess NORTON works around it. NORTON is a pain in the ass, too, for different reasons, but it doesnt screw with the computer.

 

[Handley_Page]

Avira (free) was rated higher than AVG by Consumer Reports. And I'm sure you know about Malwarebytes, Spybot, Ad-Aware and CCleacner...

I can vouch for Ad Aware and CCleaner.
Both good utils.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

I have had the same problems with Avira. It causes me nothing but trouble. Right now I have the free AVG. No problems except I get random pop ups...even with my pop up blocker. Also, when I try to get to specific websites, I will instead be led into a spam site or random search engine site.

Is CCleaner free?

AdAware did nothing but cause me more trouble also. I won't be using that again.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I have had the same problems with Avira. It causes me nothing but trouble. Right now I have the free AVG. No problems except I get random pop ups...even with my pop up blocker. Also, when I try to get to specific websites, I will instead be led into a spam site or random search engine site.

Is CCleaner free?

AdAware did nothing but cause me more trouble also. I won't be using that again.

CCleaner is free. I was having a problem with a game that would minimize for no reason or my session would logout even though I didn't have the option set. I run CCleaner and it fixed it right up. When it happened again I realized that for some reason the activex control that SyFy.com downloads was causing the problem. So every time I watch a episode there I run CCleaner to clear my cache for all my browsers.

It will also clean up a lot of registry problems that can cause problems with things that install sloppily.

 

[jomar]

I had no computer problems before I installed AVIRA.

Once I installed it, it pestered me to buy an upgrade. Next it tried to scan my puter all the time. Then it delayed screen changes for 15 minutes, per screen. I cant delete it. Then log-on time increased from about 5 minutes to 2 hours.

When I finally got logged on it pestered me to upgrade, and when I declined I got new and different problems.

So I did some talking and reading, accessed SAFE-MODE and MSCONFIG, and de-activated AVIRA on the SERVICES and STARTUP menus. Problems vanished. I run NORTON scans and have no malware indicators except for cookies.

Many antivirus programs want you to delete exisiting antiviral software, but I cant delete AVIRA. I guess NORTON works around it. NORTON is a pain in the ass, too, for different reasons, but it doesnt screw with the computer.

Hmmm. I get the popup every now and then. But not the other problems.

 

[jacks4u]

I installed AVG free on a guy's computer, and it got re-infected within 3 days. I later installed AVAST - there's a free edition, with 59 day functionality, and the option for free registration for one year's functionality. maybe not the best, but it works.

Jacks

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I have AVG on my desktops and Avast! on my laptop. My Avast! is a free version for life, don't know who's life though.

I have no complaints about either both do the job they have been designed for and do it will without bothering me with popups of any kind.

Although Avast! does have on annoying problem...when you turn on the computer it immediately tries to update itself and in a loud, clear voice announces to the room, if you speakers are turn on, that it has completed it's update. Although annoying, I haven't yet taken the time to figure out how to turn it off, so it can't be that bad I guess.