Is my Dell kaput?

I have a Dell D630, and I've had it for 3 years now. I'm hardly a power user and I basically use it for the web, typing stuff and watching videos. I've also not used it for prolonged stretches of time as my work has mre removed from civilization for 3-6 month spells

In the past 2 monthes it has crashed on me twice, both times indicating some sort (but different each time) corruption of the system32 folder.

I do download things, but have always had a current version of Avast up. Is this likely a virus thing or is it a hardware problem? I chatted with a very unhelpful Dell rep online who only informed me that my warranty is expired after an hour with him.

One thing worth noting is I did import some files from my older install, maybe of note for virus concerns?

 

I would just reinstall the operating system. The D600's are built like a tank. Those things can last 5-6 years easy.

 

I'd start with reinstalling the OS. If it still continues to do so, then I would suspect a bad HDD maybe. Like Lithus said, the D6xx series are tanks! They can be easily used for prolonged times.

What OS are you trying to install? It could be a problem with your disc too.

 

what's the graphic chip you have in the system? it might be nvidia issue but in that case you'll have to have mobo replaced

 

If you have the Nvidia graphics chip, I'd second this. Those things are notorious. Otherwise, it's probably just a corrupt OS (or maybe some bad RAM) as others have mentioned.

 

If that's the issue you have, reinstall.

 

You may want to go to Computer Management and see your Event Viewer to try to pinpoint the cause of the crashes.

Course you could always have a piece of defective hardware, but without anymore information I could list a million reasons why your laptop is acting up.

 

You can check the HDD's health using Active SMART. If the HDD is as old as the computer then it could be starting to have some problems. Replacement with a new HDD would also give a useful performance boost.

John

 

I would:

o Backup your user data files.
o Backup any special program user data files. Record how to re-install your favorite apps, such as email client setups.
o Get Win7 and collect device drivers for your system onto a USB drive, if they exist. Hopefully you have 1GB RAM min.
o Chkdsk your hard drive to see what it finds. May fix/kill the system folder.
o Run Dell hardware diagnostics to see what it finds.
o Wipe the drive and install Win7. Then security. Then your apps. Then your data.

Add more RAM and new HDD/SSD to taste before installing Win7.

GK

 

I would add:
o De-activate any software (Adobe, etc.) that uses software activation in order to free up the software license to allow a re-install. Some activation systems say that they rely only on hardware info, not any software info, and that you can reinstall on the same hardware without deactivating first. I say: better safe than sorry.
o Make sure you know the serial number(s) for any software you plan to re-install. Also make sure you have readable installation media for it.