Ok, so a few days ago my brother's computer started rebooting itself whenever he started it up. He kept getting an error message which we aren't sure whether or not is related. This error message was *checks notebook*: "The procedure entry point GetProcessImageFileNameW could not be located in the dynamic link library PSAPI.DLL" I wasn't at home at the time so I told his to restart it in safe mode, do an Ad-Aware scan, an AVG virus scan and then, if it was still causing trouble, to do a System Restore. He did all of these things and now the computer is working fine, but it will not recognise our wireless adaptor so he can't access the internet. It just will not register that there is anything plugged in. And now, if we go to System Restore, the restore points have all gone, with the exception of oneon Friday night which is no use at all. Has anyone got any ideas as to what I can do to try and rectify the problem? Thanks in advance ^_^ EDIT : I have fixed the PSAPI.DLL issue. Just need to sort out the internet now
well, you can try downloading the driver files/ utilities from the manufacturer and that might fix it. if you have problems with the psapi.dll again just reinstall windows, it makes your computer run like new.
I can't download anything on there because I can't connect to the internet... And we don't have our XP disc. The computer came with it built in and we didn't receive a disc. I found info on how to find the needed stuff in an i386 file, but I cannot find it. There are no problems with the rest of the computer anyway so completely reinstalling Windows seems a bit drastic at this stage. The adaptor works fine on my computer so its definitely not a problem with the adaptor itself, it's something to do with his computer. Thanks for the input
Did you try right-clicking on the "My Desktop" icon (or whatever your computer name is) Properties--->Hardware--->Device Manager Then checking if it's under "Network Controllers" ??? If it's there then try this... Uninstall it Turn your computer off Take the actual hardware adapter out and then plug it back in Turn your computer back on Update the drivers.
Nope. Nothing is there. It isn't recognising anything in any of the USB ports at all. I'm just thinking of throwing the thing out of the window. Seems the best option right now Yes, the adaptor came with a CD. We have tried uninstalling and then reinstalling it if that's what you're thinking. We have also tried the adaptor on my computer (it works) and we have also tried plugging other things into the USB drive on the problem computer such as an i-pod and it won't recognise that either. So, it has to be a problem with the actual computer. The fact that it kept rebooting itself before would imply that it had picked up a virus or something which we have now gotten rid of with the scans. Is it possible for viruses, etc to disable your USB ports though? :/ EDIT : Sorry about the double post. I thought I edited :?
then it seems like reinstalling is the only option. if there is no important data on the computer, reformatting and reinstalling does wonders to your computer. i reformatted last night and my comp is awesome it fixed all of the windows problems. if there is important data, then just use the cd to repair windows. i know that you dont have the cd but i will look around because i think i have a cd-free soultion for you. it might take a while to find tho.
I guess that's what I'll have to do then :/ If you could find that info, that'd be great . It's really annoying me that I can't fix it. I don't know much about computers at all, but I've never had to get someone else to fix problems I've had. I just sit and Google for ages until I sort it out. This is really bugging me :x
wait, three questions. first, do you have a (pretty) fast internet connection? Second, Which service pack is the broken computer running on. and third, do you have a cd burner and a blank disk?
We have a fast, wireless connection, a CD burner (I don't know about a CD, but I can get one, I'm sure) and it's running on Service Pack 2
ok, you can try downloading this http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/xpsp2.html and reinstalling windows sp2. IMPORTANT STUFF sorry this is so big but it is really important. do you have a licence key? if the answer is no DONT download the sp from the link. and i will help you in another way.
But I can't access the internet on it so how do I download it? :shock: Licence key would surely come with the CD right? In which case, I won't have it. Is it the same thing as a 'CD key'? If so, you can find that on your system. EDIT : If this is the same as a licence key, I think I've found it. It's a 25 digit code in this format - XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX - where the X's are both letters and numbers. Is this right?
i forgot about that. just make sure that its 25 characters long. and before you download it, have you bought any other computers with windows xp on them? edit: i didnt see your edit but thats the right format
I have the key for the computer I'm using currently. Could I use that one or would it identify that it was from another computer. Sorry, but I really am clueless.. Otherwise, I can transfer the programme I used to find my Key onto a CD and put it onto the other computer to get the Key
sorry if i confused you. i confused my self a little too. ok heres what you can do. if you have a cd for windows xp (it doesnt matter where it is from, any old cd will work) then you need to find the key on the broken computer. then write down the key and install windows on the computer. then when it asks for the key, enter the one that you wrote down. later on, when it finishes installing it wall try to validate and tell you that your key is invalid yada yada yada then click activate by phone, call the number and talk to a customer service representitive. WHEN THEY ASK IF YOU USED THE KEY MORE THAN ONCE OR IF YOU USED IT ON MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER , SAY NO sorry, it is just that the information that i just gave you will save you hours of work. before you install, do you care about any information, programs, or any other data on the computer?
Ah right. It's not going to be any good then as I can't find the key for the problem computer. Looks like we'll have to get someone to come and have a look. Or just get my brother a new one as he only has my old which is about... 4 years old. Thank you for the help anyway. I'll + rep you
Before you pay someone to come out and check it, call the service line for your internet provider first. We've had more internet problems then I can mention, and although talking to Service Assistance can be a pain in the rear, they've saved me from having to pay someone many a time. As far as the technical matters go, I can't help you with that, you may have to reformat your hard drive which I've had to do multiple times. It's also a pain as you lose everything you have, but there may be no other way to restore your computer to a completly functioning condition.
It's nothing to do with the internet connection. All other computers on our wireless connection work. It's just the one computer. As it turns out, my parents are just going to buy him a new one as he has only got my old one which is over four years old now. He wants a laptop so it has worked to his advantage seeing as he'll get one sooner now Thanks to all for the input