I have a problem on my computer that is really @@@@in me off, i downloaded a software then when i installed it, a an error screen came up saying something like couldnt install or something then i clicked ok, after that the clock on the bottom right had all question marks instead of numbers. i thought it was some mal-ware of some sort so i immediately did a re-format, after my reformat i wanted to install some things like AVG antivirus, then all of a sudden i try to install Avant Browser it doesnt work, the setup screen freezes and im unable to close it, i restart, then install firefox instead, again the setup freezes. so i do a virus scan with AVG fully updated then after a few minutes the scan freezes and im unable to stop it, i can only pause the scan and im unable to close the screen.

So my main problem is that when i want to install most programs, im unable to actualy install them, only the setup window pops up then thats it, the screen freezes. Please Help

Try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore


What were you trying to install? What were the verbatim error messages?


If none of the above helps follow the instructions in this thread:

http://www.techhelpforum.com/showthread.php?t=3702

i've tried that also...didn't work, i've even done a destructive system recovery, that ends up failing also, mayb this is some new kind of virus that like embeds itself on the hard disk.

oh and heheh i was trying to install a cheat file that would help me get gold in a game called Gunbound, i downloaded it from...LimeWire hehehe..

What is the make and model of the computer?

An OEM XP depends on hard drive data so it will never totally format the drive.

Perhaps the computer manufacturer has other options.

Otherwise it is an expensive lesson in what not to download.

No harm in pursuing a HijackThis log. Nothing to lose at this point.

make is Compaq Presario, OS - Windows XP Home, yea mayb ill ask the company, and whats a hijackthis log?

Never forget about HARDWARE failure...maybe a good low level format may uncover some bad sectors. or some disk analisys utility from compaq.
A clean install should NEVER have issues right off the bat...hardware..
good luck

HijackThis logs can be analyzed by the Pros here to determine if any malicious software is installed on your computer. The instructions are here:

If none of the above helps follow the instructions in this thread:

http://www.techhelpforum.com/showthread.php?t=3702



Following ITGuyJames's tack you could try and run chkdsk

Try running Check Disk:

start Run... cmd

Type:

chkdsk /f

When asked if you want to run on next boot? Y or N?

Type: Y

And reboot,

This will check for and fix any hard disk errors.



My idea about malicious software was in regards to this:

oh and heheh i was trying to install a cheat file that would help me get gold in a game called Gunbound, i downloaded it from...LimeWire hehehe..

hey jephree , sweet again, thanks for the detailed aproach.. for everyone else when you get these.. backup and reinstall, its way faster..
allways backup !!!
J

its weird, some programs that i couldnt install before, now can install, but the problem still remains there are still some programs that i cant install and some programs that i can install but wont load when i try to run it, any ideas?