Other than that, major computer problems. One of you experts help would be great. Had all sorts of hard drive errors, etc. Someone told me to run system restore. It worked, for a day. Next day, same error messages. Ran a deep scan with anti-virus software. Scan found over eighty infected files, most prevalent was a rootkit virus that I think is the culprit. I deleted all the virus stuff and restarted. Now I get a bluescreen that says that a problem has been detected that has shut down windows to prevent damage to my computer. Won't let me reboot in safe mode or with a last working settings start. Any ideas?

Actually I wouldn't recommend throwing your monitor out of the window. You could probably sell that to somebody.

So you're not able to select safe mode when you boot up? F8 doesn't work?

Like, when you boot up your computer, what happens? When does it go to the blue screen?

I get a black screen that tells me, in essence that windows didn't start successfully. It gives me five options to choose from to boot:
1) safe mode
2) safe mode with networking
3) safe mode with command prompt
4) last known good configuration
5) start windows normally

4 is suggested. I've tried 4,1, and 5. Each just takes me to the same blue screen described above (he types from an Apple product)

You should have an option to choose safe mode before Windows boots. Of if you press F8 at a certain time (not sure when exactly, but before Windows begins to boot).

Started pressing F8 immediately after starting. Got an advanced option screen with many of the same options. Everything I tried there took me to the same blue screen.

time for a mac!

thread delivers.

I wish it would

This sounds pretty much exactly what happened to me a number of months ago. Couldn't fix it, got fed up, bought a Mac. Seriously. Most of my files were backed up but I did recently try to see if I could get back to my data so I could get rid of the damn thing. No success. From what I've read on the net you need to reformat. I apparently lost my discs but anyway, that would serve no purpose for me anyway. So yeah... all Macs now.

internet pr0n claims another victim

That monitor is HUGE. The scale is all wrong.

Is it your personal machine, or one you use for work? I'd format the hard drive and put Ubuntu on the machine. Free, easy, and less likely to get viruses again. The hardest thing is downloading and burning the image file to a disc.

Says your sig. Personally, I don't fool with the stuff. Got enough vices. So, looks like I'm screwed. What could I expect to pay for a mac these days and where's a good place to shop. Lastly, does a reformat cost me everything on my hard drive?

I just got a Mac Mini for around 600 or so. And yes, if you reformat your PC it will wipe your hard drive clean.

DON'T REFORMAT! Chances are only your Windows system files are messed up and your files (docs, media, etc) are fine. If you're gonna get a new puter anyway, you may be able to salvage your data by mounting it to the new puter with an external hard drive case or a docking cable or a dock.

I'm looking at this. Can't imagine there'd be a better price out there. Is there any reason to stay away from this machine when you're not really concerned about portability?