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John W
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« on: 19:46:20, 19-02-2007 » |
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I do have a problem with my Windows XP now. Ever since we installed BT Broadband there was always a mix up of internet pages some linked to the BT account and some not. Finally one day my lad logged off improperly and now everytime we switch on the computer it has the user on a temporary profile only, which means I have to re-set the dates in English, re-set the printer settings, re-set the internet settings, have no recent browser history, have to remember (or check my wee book) for all passwords. What a drag.
Apparently something called User Profile Wizard 2.5 will probably sort that little mess, but I'm waiting to find someone who has used it successfully before I give it a go.
Anyone had the same problem?
John W
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Milly Jones
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« Reply #1 on: 19:56:24, 19-02-2007 » |
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Have you tried running the chdsk facility John? I've never had the problems you speak of but you could check the hard drive. Are you happy going into the registry? Also Registry Mechanic fixes these temporary faults. I have this on my pc and put it on every morning just to sort it out.
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We pass this way but once. This is not a rehearsal!
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Soundwave
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« Reply #2 on: 19:57:03, 19-02-2007 » |
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I'm not a computer brain but have you tried System Restore back to before the problem started?
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Ho! I may be old yet I am still lusty
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Michael
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« Reply #3 on: 20:01:53, 19-02-2007 » |
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There are always ways to fix computer problems, especially problems relating to registy and user profiles, but it is always a good practice to reinstall and start from scratch every now and again.
Windows picks up unwanted software and stuff that slows it down without the user actually knowing what it does, so when you reinstall from scratch, many people are surprised at how much faster their pc runs.... until a few weeks down the line when it has accumulated rubbish again.
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oliver sudden
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« Reply #4 on: 20:06:10, 19-02-2007 » |
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Windows picks up unwanted software and stuff that slows it down without the user actually knowing what it does, so when you reinstall from scratch, many people are surprised at how much faster their pc runs.... until a few weeks down the line when it has accumulated rubbish again.
For 'picks up' read 'is'... |
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John W
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« Reply #5 on: 20:20:42, 19-02-2007 » |
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Thanks for advice. I've never used System Restore so I guess it's too late to do it now after 2 years?  Would an XP re-install leave all the other programs OK, and data files? The problem is known and I've read the same symptoms and screenshots at a blog but the only solution they offer is that User Profile Wizard, and nobody's said just do a re-install or restore as a proper fix. John W |
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Milly Jones
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« Reply #6 on: 20:24:58, 19-02-2007 » |
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You can make a backup file on disc of everything you want to save and after you've restored - just reload it all again.
I took everything off mine last year and it's been great since. Much faster.
Anyway before doing any thing drastic, run chkdsk and see if that repairs it. Registry Mechanic repair all your temporary files for you also.
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We pass this way but once. This is not a rehearsal!
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Michael
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« Reply #7 on: 21:01:15, 19-02-2007 » |
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Thanks for advice.
I've never used System Restore so I guess it's too late to do it now after 2 years?
Would an XP re-install leave all the other programs OK, and data files?
The problem is known and I've read the same symptoms and screenshots at a blog but the only solution they offer is that User Profile Wizard, and nobody's said just do a re-install or restore as a proper fix.
John W A reinstall would basically give you a clean copy of windows, one without any of your old photos, music, files, programs... etc etc etc. It is always good practice to back up your stuff on a regular basis anyway, as you never know when windows will crash beyond repair, or if your hard disk will just give up the ghost. If either of those happen you could well lose everything. I personally find that after 6 months to a year the normal user finds significant speed increase by starting again from fresh. After 2 years I don't dare to think how much slower it is running than it should be. It is definately time to think long and hard about doing a full backup of all the personal files you want to keep, as I get worried if I don't make a backup every month knowing how temperamental windows can be. |
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mahlerei
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« Reply #8 on: 21:08:50, 19-02-2007 » |
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What a strange problem. What I don't quite understand is how internet pages are linked to BT broadband and others not? The other thing is are you running up to date virus protection software? Is there any chance that your hard drive has been infected?
I run both a PC and a Mac and I can honestly say if I had the choice I would never use a PC again.
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mahlerei
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« Reply #9 on: 21:19:13, 19-02-2007 » |
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John W
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« Reply #10 on: 22:04:22, 19-02-2007 » |
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Thanks mahlerei.
I might try the second example.
To be honest I can't remember how I set things up initially as we never used 'an account' before. Never had a login screen it always went straight to desk top. I do have folders like 'Johns Documents' and all that but never ever logged into an 'account' as administrator.
First time I saw the login screen was when we had the temp profile thing start.
So I'll print and read through the second option.
Cheeers,
John W
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mahlerei
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« Reply #11 on: 22:35:26, 19-02-2007 » |
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John
I'm fairly sure you will recover your old settings and data but it may be a longish process. Once you're sorted you beed to set up individual users and also consider an external backup drive. Eventually something critical will fail and if your data is backed up regularly recovery will be a lot quicker and easier.
Good luck and do post if your sort the problem.
bws dan
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John W
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« Reply #12 on: 22:50:01, 19-02-2007 » |
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Thanks dan, I've always been pretty good at backing up data for work, hobbies and e-mails onto CD's. Nearly 10 years and on our third PC. The last PC was dumped after a Norton upgrade went haywire, and it had WinME! The pain of a new PC was always re-installing useful programs and keeping the same e-mail account going etc. Haven't backed up data for a few weeks so will be doing that first soon.  John W |
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mahlerei
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« Reply #13 on: 23:37:41, 19-02-2007 » |
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John When your current PC gives up the ghost try a Mac.  |
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Ron Dough
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« Reply #14 on: 00:28:19, 20-02-2007 » |
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Totally seconded, Dan. How's your Elgato thing doing, by the by?
Ron
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