Not sure if software or hardware

Everything worked fine before I went on vacation. Turned off my machine and when I returned, it won't work properly. I can't connect to the internet, cant shut down gracefully, cant run system type programs etc. Tried the old HD that I pulled from that machine two months ago... Same problems, that's why Im thinking hardware rather than software. Ran spyware dr and anti virus (from CD) still no luck. Did a repair install of OS after guidance from microsoft forum, now it wants to initialize windows, and since I cant connect... It sticks.

This isn't only an internet problem, Can't run my anti virus, change firewall settings, add/remove programs and the like. Right now, I can't even get a desktop unless it "initalizes".


Runing XP home sp 2, 256 mem 1.4 athlon CPU and 120 gig Maxtor HD.

Way confused
Tom

 

thats a strange one. Any chance your house is haunted by ghosts who have something against computers. lol.

Its strange that you got the same problems even with the two differnt HD's.

Just a guess but would it be possible that a power surge could have fried your modem while you were away?
That happened to me but did not cause such wide spread effects as in your case.

 

Could be bad power supply - either from the source or the power supply unit. Could also be loose cables, or some sort or electical surge struck while you were gone.

Of course, I might not even be close but they are things to consider if you have not already.

Good Luck!

 

No, no ghosts (aside from a copy of Norton Ghost). Network connect, tried an new NIC still no luck