Computer ready to croak

[IZ]

Every so often, when I closed a window, I would lose my internet connection.  In the last 2 days, it happens everytime I close a window.  I cleaned up the desktop, ran a few virus scans and deleted all the cookies, hx, etc.  Tried adding new updates and they won't download.    

I bought this computer (Gateway) for the s/o when she moved to Seattle in '07. 

Any suggestions on how to save it or is it just time for a new one 

[Kopfjäger]

New one, and not a Gateway. 

[herm]

if you really want to save it, back up all your stuff, then try re installing the OS. then re install all of the updates. then re install all your stuff.

if that doesnt work, get a new one with a clear conscience.

or just get a new one.

[Porsche Monkey]

Are the images all IZ_?

[zooom]

which program for internet are you using? IE, Netscape, Firefox or what?....perhaps that program itself could be corrupted...but I would also, when doing this, have the task manager open and observe the memory usage and see what is running in the backround...perhaps there is something there eating up memory that you don't know about or didn't readily detect as it is rated as non-malicious....just a thought...

[badgalbetty]

buy a Mac, you'll love it!

[zooom]

buy a Mac, you'll love it!

just admit it...all computers are fruity...not just Apples...LOL...J/K

(btw, I bag on the Apple product for no other reason than I just couldn't get used to the GUI they used and the program names when I last tried to use one -a G4 desktop model- otherwise, they make a fine product that serves many well)

[superjohn]

Back up everything and then re-image it. Spend $50 at Best Buy on a bigger hard drive if you want to be sure that it's not a drive failure.

I buy new computers all the time, but you really don't need to if you're happy with the performance. Windows will suck up every ounce of available resources though, so I used to almost annually re-image the machine to keep it running.

[IZ]

Thanks all...even you P monkey!  :p

[Monster Dave]

Back up everything and then re-image it. Spend $50 at Best Buy on a bigger hard drive if you want to be sure that it's not a drive failure.

I buy new computers all the time, but you really don't need to if you're happy with the performance. Windows will suck up every ounce of available resources though, so I used to almost annually re-image the machine to keep it running.

I agree - especially with the latter.

It may just be time for a new hard drive. I use Acronis which you can purchase at Best Buy. It's easy and the re-imaging is flawless.  

Alternative:

If you're not all that close to running out of space, run "check disk" to see if there are any bad sectors on the disk first. You might also run msconfig from the command line and see what's running at startup that could be mucking up the system operation. Doing that may help you solve your problem.

[Porsche Monkey]

Thanks all...even you P monkey!  :p

No problem buddy 

[Le Pirate]

which program for internet are you using? IE, Netscape, Firefox or what?....perhaps that program itself could be corrupted...but I would also, when doing this, have the task manager open and observe the memory usage and see what is running in the backround...perhaps there is something there eating up memory that you don't know about or didn't readily detect as it is rated as non-malicious....just a thought...

I agree.

Download the install file for chrome or firefox, or another Internet program on another computer, throw it on a thumb drive, and then reinstall it on the comp you're having issues with. Sounds to me like a browser problem.

[IZ]

Cool..hoping that's it! 

[Veloce-Fino]

Easiest solution:

backup your "important files" (pRon) and reinstall the OS. If there are no hardware problems this will absolutely solve the software problems. Takes maybe an hour or less to do a complete re-install.

[Monster Dave]

For diagnostic purposes:

1) Open to Control Panel
2) Double Click Administrative Tools
3) Double Click Computer Management
4) From the column on the left after you double clicked Computer Management, double click Applications and Services Logs.
5) Find Internet Explorer in the drop down list - see if there are any error logs there.

6) If there are none, go back up the file tree to Windows Logs and double click there.
7) Select Application from the list and see if there are errors from IE or your system.