Missing Windows file?

For the last two weeks I have been having trouble. First
when I try to restart it won't do it. The computer looks
like it has shut down except the tower is on. When I
touch the power button it shuts off (I mean as soon as I
touch it, don't need to hold it down at all). Then of
course it has to run scan disk when I turn it back on. It
does fine when I choose shut down.
And now when I left or right click (one time) on anything
on here it opens. And all of the things that should be on
the left side of the folders are missing. Like in trash
can where it should say empty deleted items or restore...
nothing.

I have run Ad-Aware every day. And I also have Avast
running. It updates automaticaly-I run full virus scan
every day also.

I called Gateway this morning and was told I was missing a
Windows file. And that I would have to restore. Is that
really what I need to do? Or is there some other way to
fix this? I would hate to loose everything I have on my
computer.

Kimber

"Kimber" wrote in message
...
For the last two weeks I have been having trouble. First
when I try to restart it won't do it. The computer looks
like it has shut down except the tower is on. When I
touch the power button it shuts off (I mean as soon as I
touch it, don't need to hold it down at all). Then of
course it has to run scan disk when I turn it back on. It
does fine when I choose shut down.
And now when I left or right click (one time) on anything
on here it opens. And all of the things that should be on
the left side of the folders are missing. Like in trash
can where it should say empty deleted items or restore...
nothing.

I have run Ad-Aware every day. And I also have Avast
running. It updates automaticaly-I run full virus scan
every day also.

I called Gateway this morning and was told I was missing a
Windows file. And that I would have to restore. Is that
really what I need to do? Or is there some other way to
fix this? I would hate to loose everything I have on my
computer.

Kimber

More details required. Can you see POST (Power On Self-Test) completing
during initial launch (before Windows kicks-in)? From your description it
seems that you have a hardware issue probably pertaining to memory or a
PCI/AGP card, which explains what appears to be registry corruption when you
do boot. I'ld suggest reseating your memory modules on the motherboard.
Perhaps reseating your cards might also help.

Note: to reseat cards, its best to disconnect the AC cable. But Ground
yourself to open case before removing AC plug. Once the system boots
consistently, run "scanreg /opt /fix" to clear any registry issues.

If this procedure isn't acceptable and you don't see POST display
intermittently, get the box to a tech.

Kimber wrote:

For the last two weeks I have been having trouble. First
when I try to restart it won't do it. The computer looks
like it has shut down except the tower is on. When I
touch the power button it shuts off (I mean as soon as I
touch it, don't need to hold it down at all). Then of
course it has to run scan disk when I turn it back on. It
does fine when I choose shut down.
And now when I left or right click (one time) on anything
on here it opens. And all of the things that should be on
the left side of the folders are missing. Like in trash
can where it should say empty deleted items or restore...
nothing.

I have run Ad-Aware every day. And I also have Avast
running. It updates automaticaly-I run full virus scan
every day also.

I called Gateway this morning and was told I was missing a
Windows file. And that I would have to restore. Is that
really what I need to do? Or is there some other way to
fix this? I would hate to loose everything I have on my
computer.

The initial symptom you indicate (not shutting down)
sounds like there's something still running which is
preventing Windows from shutting down. Perhaps
hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and see if a dialog box displays
indicating which application may be hanging up.

Have you tried starting in Safe Mode? I believe if you
hold down the F8 key while Window is booting up
you will be given an option to go into safe mode.
In Safe Mode see if you can shut down cleanly.

If you can, you may use 'msconfig' to track down
which application may be causing your system to hang.