Need help! Laptop's acting up!

Hey guys,

I have an issue that just appeared a few days ago. I've tried formatting my computer and doing a clean install to get rid of it, but nothing seems to work.


I've been noticing lately that after a few hours (maybe 2-3?) of use, my computer starts acting up. I get this little mirage effect where everything on my monitor seems "twisted." I get the Windows start orb along with whatever tabs I have at the bottom appearing at the top of my screen. When I try to click on them at the top, nothing comes up. then immediately my whole screen becomes a whole jumble/mix around of everything that was originally there. Nothing is really understandable, I end up having to logout and log back in just to resolve the problem.

I'm wondering whether I may have created this problem when I had to on two occasions force my computer to turn off when I ejected the battery from its compartment on two occasions, forcing my computer to just turn off.


EDIT: I am running Vista Home Premium 32-bit on a Compaq C714NR

Hijack says this:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 1:57:31 PM, on 2/3/2008
Platform: Windows Vista (WinNT 6.00.1904)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16575)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\Windows\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\SetPoint.exe
C:\Windows\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\ApMsgFwd.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logishrd\KHAL2\KHALMNPR.EXE
C:\Program Files\SpeedFan\speedfan.exe
C:\Windows\system32\SearchFilterHost.exe
C:\Users\Austin\Desktop\HiJackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - - (no file)
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: IE7Pro - {00011268-E188-40DF-A514-835FCD78B1BF} - C:\Program Files\IEPro\iepro.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: FCTB00028Pos - {42243729-6161-4C72-80FD-4691EE9633BF} - C:\Program Files\DealsBar\Toolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: DealsBar - {EC7F6190-8083-4E57-952F-529924143CB1} - C:\Program Files\DealsBar\Toolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\Windows\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\Windows\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\Windows\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Kernel and Hardware Abstraction Layer] KHALMNPR.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech SetPoint.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\SetPoint.exe
O9 - Extra button: IE7Pro Preferences - {0026439F-A980-4f18-8C95-4F1CBBF9C1D8} - C:\Program Files\IEPro\iepro.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: IE7Pro Preferences - {0026439F-A980-4f18-8C95-4F1CBBF9C1D8} - C:\Program Files\IEPro\iepro.dll
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O23 - Service: Block Level Filtering Service - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\svchost.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Logitech Bluetooth Service (LBTServ) - Logitech, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logishrd\Bluetooth\LBTServ.exe
O23 - Service: XAudioService - Conexant Systems, Inc. - C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\xaudio.exe

--
End of file - 4228 bytes

 

O2 - BHO: IE7Pro - {00011268-E188-40DF-A514-835FCD78B1BF} - C:\Program Files\IEPro\iepro.dll
O2 - BHO: FCTB00028Pos - {42243729-6161-4C72-80FD-4691EE9633BF} - C:\Program Files\DealsBar\Toolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: DealsBar - {EC7F6190-8083-4E57-952F-529924143CB1} - C:\Program Files\DealsBar\Toolbar.dll
O9 - Extra button: IE7Pro Preferences - {0026439F-A980-4f18-8C95-4F1CBBF9C1D8} - C:\Program Files\IEPro\iepro.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: IE7Pro Preferences - {0026439F-A980-4f18-8C95-4F1CBBF9C1D8} - C:\Program Files\IEPro\iepro.dll

What are these entries?

 

I'm assuming they're based off of the IE7Pro add-on, which is downloaded from this website.

 

Just reinstall Vista. By you pulling out the battery and forcing it to shutoff. You probably messed up the file system because the HD was in use. You can some serious damage by doing that.

While vista is running. hundreds of files are moving back and forth between CPU memory and HD. by you forcing it to shut down, a lot of those files could have become lost or just plain messed.

I would strongly suggest to reinstall Vista and refrain from pulling out the battery in the future, before shutting down.

 

You removed the battery whilst the laptop was on? That is definitely not a good idea, I would never ever do that.

 

I had to do it because my computer suddenly just entered a black screen mode for an extended amount of time.

I didn't do it this time with this clean install of vista. I just went away and found something else to do until Vista finished installing. I just wanted to know whether this would have caused permanent damage in one way or another...though judging from the comments, this doesn't seem highly likely.

 

I don't think it did permanent damage, but it could have really damaged your OS

 

Taking out the battery while it's running is not good. Could also ruin your RAM and CPU. Either clean install or have Vista repair itself with the install disc.

 

Seriously, the only way to fix your problem is to reinstall vista. Even if you do manage to get it working without reinstalling, it can be very unstable and you can potentially lose important data.

So, being that everyone over here agrees you should reinstall vista. I think that it's the smart choice to do.

 

Dude, I just said that I didn't force the turnoff on my last clean install.

The problem hasn't come up within the last few hours. I think the virus scan in safe mode which detected a keygen as a virus might've done the trick...iono...

 

Sorry, I must have misread your post.

So your problem is after you already reinstalled vista correct.

And what problem exactly are you experiencing.

 

Like kanehi said. It could have actually damaged either the RAM, CPU or HD. So try doing a full system benchmark to determine that all your components are fine.

 

Everything im viewing on my screen...gets all over the place visually. I get a weird mirage thingamabobber effect going on where all my tabs on the bottom of the screen along with my start menu orb get relocated to the top. When I try to click on them while they're at the top, nothing comes up...they're mirages. Then the webpages seem to get all cut up and all over the place....pages get overlapped, etcetera. In general, screen just gets all messed up. No quite a complete visual swirl...but a jumble.

Haven't had that problem ever since I ran AVG in safe mode tho...I guess everything's ok for now?

 

It sounds like a Virus, try to google your issue and see if anything comes up. I never heard of this, but it definitely sounds to me like a virus.

Then again, like I said, do a full system benchmark. If everything is ok then it's safe to assume that it's a virus.

 

Ok...NVM...problem's returned! Imma do exactly that!

 

How do I do a full system benchmark?

 

NEVER under no circumstances should you remove the battery while your laptop is running. I mean NEVER, not sometimes, or that-one-time-it-did-x. Beyond risking damage to your laptop, you endanger yourself. Again NEVER do that. Even if you have the power cord in, you still risking injuring yourself. If your laptop won't respond, hold down the power button for a few seconds. This automatically shuts down your computer. It doesn't matter what state your computer is in, it shuts it down.

If you correctly did a clean install and you still have this problem, then yes the internals are damaged. No virus can get past a clean install. To save this laptop, you'd most likely need to contact HP about repairing it. However, it looks like you're getting a Vostro so I'd just wait out until it comes. In the meantime, back up your data.

To do a full system benchmark download 3dmark06 and PCmark05 from here: http://www.futuremark.com/download/?hash=955809
You could also run HDtune which can be found here: http://www.hdtune.com/

 

Dude...thanks a lot haha. I'll try that.

 

Well you said it was working fine for a while, correct.

How long ago did you reinstall and when did the problems start after you reinstalled. It's very possible to messed up your system. But if it's like you said that it was working fine, then run a benchmark just to make sure.

Another thing. If you need to turn your laptop off, hold down the power button. Though I have heard from many people that even doing that can hurt your system. While your hard drive is spinning and programs are in the ram, doing a quick and forceful shutdown isn't really healthy for your comp. It will most likely lead it to it's grave in a very short time.

 

While a hard shutdown isn't great, it's not that bad for your system. That's what I've heard (and I have used that feature on more than one occasion). Still it's not like you do it regularly, so there's no real harm. If you always used it to shutdown, then there may be a problem. I don't know because no one I know does that. In any case, it's MUCH safer and better to do that then remove the battery.

 

One question...I just tried to run PCMark05...it said it couldn't run the test....what do I do?

 

Agreed on that point. But I still think it's not a safe option.

Laptops are delicate as it is. to forcefully shut down all the components is a lot of stress on the components. Whatever the case may be, if you have no other option then it shouldn't be a problem, but too many times and it's not good at all.

 

Download SiSoft Sandra, Very good benchmark utility. If you PM me, I can try and get you the Install Files.

 

I'm starting to doubt this ai virus. I wiped my comp 2 days ago, and installed Ultimate under a 30-day trial from my Vista anytime upgrade DVD. I had that same problem...and I was starting to wonder whether it was because I wasn't able to obtain updates from Microsoft...

 

No brainer, it's a hardware issue. Laptop's within limited warranty, I am going to have to do some kind of repair/exchange ASAP.

 

All the best then. I hope it all works out for you.

 

I agree with you sending it back within the warranty period since everything will be free including shipping to and fro. If they ask you what happened just describe the symptom but never tell them you took out the battery while it was running! I know some people who are so honest that it backfires on them. HP is actually nice if your computer is within the warranty.