More computer madness
 

Got a scareware virus earlier this week. Had to take it in to get removed. (Was like a FBI/CIA scareware). So $100 later it is removed. Worked fine for a day. Earlier this evening got the blue screen of death, error said "Page fault In Nonpaged Area" along with a bunch of 0's and X's.
Then computer on restart would stick on a black screen that said RV370 P/N 113-A62801-106 BIOS, with a flashing cursor (would not respond to any inputs).
After waiting and shutting the compter on/off multiple times, I did get a restart, most often soon followed by the blue screen and a repeat of problem.

I did get a message on my desktop that the computer is recovering from a serious problem and to restart and remove any recently added programs (which would be a malware remover the repair guy installed and also Microsoft Security Essentials, which I just installed to prevent scareware again. Oh and the message said to restart in safe mode in neccesary to remove the programs.

So I restart in safe mode, then get the message that security essentials can't be removed in safe mode.....GRRRRRR. Restart in normal mode and get Microsoft Essentials removed. So has been fine now for 1/2 hour of use. Holding breath. Keeping the malware program for now (Malwarebytes).

Computer was bought March 2006 so is getting to the point where I "could" think about replacing it. Everyone raves about security essentials so can't believe it is crashing my computer like this. Am using XP Media Center Edition

Thanks for reading. I should figure out something for a firewall, I think my ISP has some free stuff as well, don't trust security essentials right now.

Going on 5 years on the first install? Think of it like a car engine, every now and then you might need to do a minor overhaul.

I'd backup everything, and do a fresh reinstall of windows. You should have a sticker with the license key on your machine somewhere, just take note of the license key, reinstall, and you will be way ahead of the game.

What he said.

Although depending on your surfing habits, your reinstallation schedule could be more like an oil change....;)

This one is for JP......BUY A MAC!!!!! :eek::D:D:D

With this issue I'd wipe and reformat. But usually people have data they like

Hard drives are cheap -- under $100. Plop in a new HDD or solid-state drive, install an OS and security software, plug the corrupted one in as a secondary, move the data you need onto the new drive.

I do have an external hard drive with my music and pics on it, so that should be covered.
I should have a disc that came with the computer which would say it has my windows xp on it, right? I have a bunch of discs but none that look like this. Maybe one of them is it, but can't identify it (have one for the printer, monitor, etc but none say windows xp or OS or recovery disc).

I think before I'd go the "new hard drive and new OS" I'd just replace it. Place around here, which is a small chain called milwaukee PC, which is the company that fixed my scareware, makes up their own custom PCs, they do have a base line of computers to get an idea of prices and can customize them to suit.

So far so good with it now, but I do want to get a firewall up, any suggestions on that?

OK did it again 5 or so minutes after last post. Another thing is that I can't get the computer running until it sits turned off maybe 5-10 minutes, then will start again, in case this helps.

Vapor lock?

i would try pulling the heatsink off of the cpu, clean the old thermal compound off, and reapply artic silver. sounds like you have a heat issue

Refer to post #4, it's the ONLY FIX!!! :D

They have the same issues. Only WORSE! I've lost 3 imacs now due to heat issues since new.

If you no longer have the XP disc, you can download an OEM version of the OS through BitTorrent and use the key on the computer's case to install. Check the comments on the torrent -- if it's well-reviewed and claims it's an untouched image, it's unlikely to contain malware.

Get a Vax.

you are not supposed to put them in the oven DUDE!!!. :eek::D:D:D