My laptop has suddenly started showing the following message after start up
and sometimes during operation.

'Cannot Copy File: cannot read from the source file or disk'

also which may be related sometimes in My Computer I see no icons
just a torch searching for folders or drives and it doesn't find anything. The only option is CTRL ALT DELETE or turn off.

I read somewhere this could be related to ROXIO Easy Creator 8 which I am running for writing CDs and DVDs.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Uninstall Roxio and see if the problem goes away - you can always reinstall it later - although I would suggest you find another program. Sadly, as you noted, the Roxio Easy Creator has created many documented serious problems for many people. They have a long history of such problems.

I would also suggest you run through Cleaning Out Malware to ensure it is not malware related.

Also, you might want to look at this. If you decide to go this way, I urge you to first Backup the Registry.

Hi many thanks for the advice.

I have downloaded the AVG programmes recommended and will run them over the weekend. I am running Cyberscrub for my anti virus (which I believe is a variant of Kaspersky) and PC Doctor for my Spyware protection which I notice do not get a mention in your "MalwareArticle'. I have also found an update for the Roxio software so will have a go at installing that as well over the weekend.
You suggested dumping the Roxio Easy Creator, would you have any recommendations as to what would be a good replacement?
I'll keep you posted on my efforts at the weekend.

Sorry forgot to add that the problem mentioned in the Dave Taylor article sounds very much like what I am experiencing but I am not sure if I have the courage to go dabbling in the Registry.

The programs in my Cleaning out Malware post are those that I have tried and know to work. There are certainly MANY other very good programs available and if you are more comfortable working with them, then that's fine. However, even with those I mentioned, it is good to use an alternative from time to time as a double check. The key is to have real time anti-spyware and anti-virus programs running at all times, as well as a good firewall.

I am concerned with your PC Doctor - if it is the PC Doctor I am familiar with, and the same as this program, then it is NOT an anti-malware application, but rather as noted on that page, "PC-Doctor 5 for Windows deflects service calls by giving end users the tools they need to diagnose hardware problems." (my emphasis added). No where are the words security, spyware, or malware mentioned! So, if that is the same program, then it would appear you have no anti-spyware program protecting you or your PC - that is not good as surely your system would be infested by now and that problem needs to be addressed now!

Are you running this version of CyberScrub AntiVirus? If so, then, yes, it runs the Kaspersky AV engine and it includes the Kerio Firewall. So you are okay on that front.

As far as the registry, the key is to make backups first, but at this point, I am more concerned with your security, or rather lack of it. If that is the same PC Doctor, your priority is to run complete system anti-malware scans and get a real-time anti-spyware scanning up and running ASAP.

If Roxio is not playing well with your system, then many folks use Nero - or even good old Windows Media Player 11 - but again, your security issues need to be addressed first, and that may end up resolving your other problems in the process.

Hi, first off apologies for some duff information. My spyware programme is Spyware Doctor from PC Tools Software not PC Doctor as stated.

So I ran AVG Anti Virus and Anti Root Kit and they found nothing on my machine so obviously Cyberscrub (with Kerio Firewall) and Spyware Doctor are doing their job. I then tried to install the updated software for Easy Creator 8 and it refused to acknowledge that I had Easy Creator 8 already installed on my machine so decided to delete the programme.

I also then followed Dave Taylor's tips but was still getting the same warning.

Then I decided to start deleting programmes I am not currently using as a process of elimination and that includes all my HP printer software because I am currently working away from home and have no printer access and surprise surprise the problem has gone away.

Could it be that the laptop was always looking for my printers? I am not sure but it's solved.

Many thanks for your tips and advice and an insight into areas of my computer I have never explored before.

Could it be that the laptop was always looking for my printers?

I would suspect the added HP software (such as HP Director) rather than the laptop (and by laptop, I mean the OS, or Windows). I've been using HP printers for years and have found that most of the extra software HP "foists" on you and your computer is simply not needed, and frequently places undue strain on system resources. I would not rule out Roxio as at least part of the problem, but when ready to set up printing again, unless you need special software for your printer (for example, if it is an "all-in-one" multifunction printer/fax/scanner/copier), then I recommend simply installing the printer drivers through Control Panel.

Ok, once again many thanks and I'll bear that in mind about the printers.

You are welcome. Good luck.