Sign In
Register
Help
Hello, I'm Raistlin.
I have a computer at home running Windows Vista. I bought it year or two ago, and it has a few problems now:
1. (This is one has been there ever since I bought it) When I start up the computer, a dialog box pops up and shows a progress bar. When the progress bar is finished, another dialog box pops up and says "Installation of Dell Support Center complete." I tried removing Dell Support Center, but it just reinstalled itself on my computer the next time I boot it. I tried stopping its execution when the computer loads by using a third-party startup processes manager but I didn't what program to stop... This problem wasn't too bad until now, when I'm getting tired of clicking OK each time I boot my computer.
2. I think there is adware on my computer. Sometimes, when I go on certain websites with Firefox (like PCW), about 4-5 windows pop-up promoting thigns I never heard of. This is rather new, and I want to get rid of it. I have Norton 360 and AdBlock Plus but none them do anything! And it only seems to affect Firefox, not Google Chrome. (I don't use IE, so I can't speak for that). On my other Windows XP computer, Firefox works fine.
3. And finally, again with Firefox, every time I use Firefox, after a certain varying number of visited websites, any new webpage I try to visit won't load. The only remedy is too close Firefox, start Task Manager, end firefox.exe, and then restart Firefox. This is the biggest nuisance, and I really would like it to go away. I tried reinstalling Firefox, but that didn't do anything. The upgrade form 3.0.8 to 3.0.9 (I think) didn't change anything. Once again, Firefox works fine on my XP PC.
So those are my problems. If anybody knows how to fix them, PLEASE TELL ME!
Page 1 of 1
Numerous problems...
MultiQuote
#2
Raistlin 
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 24-April 09
Posted 24 April 2009 - 01:40 PM
And I forgot the fourth problem:
4. Sometimes, when I boot my PC, I can print, sometimes I can't (more frequently I can). My printer is a Dell AIO 946 printer, and sometimes when I print something it says that it can't detect my printer. I tried reinstalling the drivers, but that doesn't do anything. I tried connecting it to another PC but that doesn't work either. Sometimes restarting the computer suffices, but not always. Apart from that, it works perfectly well, still allowing us to photocopy things (I'm not sure scanning always works though). Also, when I try to install the software used to manage the printer, Dell All-in-One Center, it stops towards the end of the installation and closes without an error message, except a Windows one, "Printer Communication ceased" or something like that. This is a BIG problem. I really need this printer to work.
4. Sometimes, when I boot my PC, I can print, sometimes I can't (more frequently I can). My printer is a Dell AIO 946 printer, and sometimes when I print something it says that it can't detect my printer. I tried reinstalling the drivers, but that doesn't do anything. I tried connecting it to another PC but that doesn't work either. Sometimes restarting the computer suffices, but not always. Apart from that, it works perfectly well, still allowing us to photocopy things (I'm not sure scanning always works though). Also, when I try to install the software used to manage the printer, Dell All-in-One Center, it stops towards the end of the installation and closes without an error message, except a Windows one, "Printer Communication ceased" or something like that. This is a BIG problem. I really need this printer to work.
#3
rgreen4
- Moderator
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 7,718
- Joined: 22-October 06
- Location:S. Georgia
Posted 24 April 2009 - 01:46 PM
I would recommend that you download Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware program. While technically a demo, you can download it for free and run it, and it should list anything it finds and remove it. I run it once a month or so. Malwarebytes.
For routine anti-spyware, I run SuperAntiSpyware. This is a free version, but you can get a lifetime subscription for $34.95 at times. The regular price for the professional version is $29.95, but includes the ability to schedule a daily scan (mine is set for 10:00AM). SuperAntiSpyware.
Do not have two anti-spyware programs active at the same time.
Please open a second discussion about the printer situation. It is best to only work on one problem in a single discussion. When you open the printer discussion, be sure to tell us how you connect the printer.
For routine anti-spyware, I run SuperAntiSpyware. This is a free version, but you can get a lifetime subscription for $34.95 at times. The regular price for the professional version is $29.95, but includes the ability to schedule a daily scan (mine is set for 10:00AM). SuperAntiSpyware.
Do not have two anti-spyware programs active at the same time.
Please open a second discussion about the printer situation. It is best to only work on one problem in a single discussion. When you open the printer discussion, be sure to tell us how you connect the printer.
#5
smax013
- Moderator
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 9,073
- Joined: 28-January 07
- Location:Southeast Michigan
Posted 24 April 2009 - 02:17 PM
Raistlin said:
Hello, I'm Raistlin.
I have a computer at home running Windows Vista. I bought it year or two ago, and it has a few problems now:
1. (This is one has been there ever since I bought it) When I start up the computer, a dialog box pops up and shows a progress bar. When the progress bar is finished, another dialog box pops up and says "Installation of Dell Support Center complete." I tried removing Dell Support Center, but it just reinstalled itself on my computer the next time I boot it. I tried stopping its execution when the computer loads by using a third-party startup processes manager but I didn't what program to stop... This problem wasn't too bad until now, when I'm getting tired of clicking OK each time I boot my computer.
I have a computer at home running Windows Vista. I bought it year or two ago, and it has a few problems now:
1. (This is one has been there ever since I bought it) When I start up the computer, a dialog box pops up and shows a progress bar. When the progress bar is finished, another dialog box pops up and says "Installation of Dell Support Center complete." I tried removing Dell Support Center, but it just reinstalled itself on my computer the next time I boot it. I tried stopping its execution when the computer loads by using a third-party startup processes manager but I didn't what program to stop... This problem wasn't too bad until now, when I'm getting tired of clicking OK each time I boot my computer.
This kind of sounds like the Dell Support Center software did not properly complete the installation and somehow is stuck in a mode where it tries to complete/do the installation. Have you tried booting into Safe Mode and removing the Dell Support Center there?
Quote
2. I think there is adware on my computer. Sometimes, when I go on certain websites with Firefox (like PCW), about 4-5 windows pop-up promoting thigns I never heard of. This is rather new, and I want to get rid of it. I have Norton 360 and AdBlock Plus but none them do anything! And it only seems to affect Firefox, not Google Chrome. (I don't use IE, so I can't speak for that). On my other Windows XP computer, Firefox works fine.
This could be adware or it could just be standard website advertising. Try the links suggested by [~22087] and see if they help.
Quote
3. And finally, again with Firefox, every time I use Firefox, after a certain varying number of visited websites, any new webpage I try to visit won't load. The only remedy is too close Firefox, start Task Manager, end firefox.exe, and then restart Firefox. This is the biggest nuisance, and I really would like it to go away. I tried reinstalling Firefox, but that didn't do anything. The upgrade form 3.0.8 to 3.0.9 (I think) didn't change anything. Once again, Firefox works fine on my XP PC.
Have you tried browsing with IE to see if the same thing happens with it? This will potentially help us determine if it is a Firefox thing or something more global.
#6
smax013
- Moderator
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 9,073
- Joined: 28-January 07
- Location:Southeast Michigan
Posted 24 April 2009 - 02:23 PM
Raistlin said:
And I forgot the fourth problem:
4. Sometimes, when I boot my PC, I can print, sometimes I can't (more frequently I can). My printer is a Dell AIO 946 printer, and sometimes when I print something it says that it can't detect my printer. I tried reinstalling the drivers, but that doesn't do anything. I tried connecting it to another PC but that doesn't work either. Sometimes restarting the computer suffices, but not always. Apart from that, it works perfectly well, still allowing us to photocopy things (I'm not sure scanning always works though). Also, when I try to install the software used to manage the printer, Dell All-in-One Center, it stops towards the end of the installation and closes without an error message, except a Windows one, "Printer Communication ceased" or something like that. This is a BIG problem. I really need this printer to work.
4. Sometimes, when I boot my PC, I can print, sometimes I can't (more frequently I can). My printer is a Dell AIO 946 printer, and sometimes when I print something it says that it can't detect my printer. I tried reinstalling the drivers, but that doesn't do anything. I tried connecting it to another PC but that doesn't work either. Sometimes restarting the computer suffices, but not always. Apart from that, it works perfectly well, still allowing us to photocopy things (I'm not sure scanning always works though). Also, when I try to install the software used to manage the printer, Dell All-in-One Center, it stops towards the end of the installation and closes without an error message, except a Windows one, "Printer Communication ceased" or something like that. This is a BIG problem. I really need this printer to work.
Are you using the USB connection or the optional wireless connection adapter?
It seems like the connection to the computer is "flaking". This would not affect copying (as that is generally a computer independent thing), but would affect scanning and printing. It seems most likely this might be on the printer's end. How old is the printer?
#7
SpiritWind
- Expert
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 1,920
- Joined: 19-August 06
Posted 24 April 2009 - 11:21 PM
:D Hi :
When it comes to the "Dell Support Center", I recommend you try using the FREE program
at www.pcdecrapifier.com . Using it may "remove" other unwanted program(s) .
When it comes to the "Dell Support Center", I recommend you try using the FREE program
at www.pcdecrapifier.com . Using it may "remove" other unwanted program(s) .
#8
Raistlin
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 24-April 09
Posted 25 April 2009 - 07:36 AM
smax013 said:
This kind of sounds like the Dell Support Center software did not properly complete the installation and somehow is stuck in a mode where it tries to complete/do the installation. Have you tried booting into Safe Mode and removing the Dell Support Center there?
How do I boot in Safe Mode?
#9
Raistlin
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 24-April 09
Posted 25 April 2009 - 07:40 AM
smax013 said:
Are you using the USB connection or the optional wireless connection adapter?
It seems like the connection to the computer is "flaking". This would not affect copying (as that is generally a computer independent thing), but would affect scanning and printing. It seems most likely this might be on the printer's end. How old is the printer?
It seems like the connection to the computer is "flaking". This would not affect copying (as that is generally a computer independent thing), but would affect scanning and printing. It seems most likely this might be on the printer's end. How old is the printer?
I'm using a USB 2.0 connection, and the printer is 2-3 years old. It was behaving perfectly until a few weeks ago, when it started.
#11
smax013
- Moderator
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 9,073
- Joined: 28-January 07
- Location:Southeast Michigan
Posted 25 April 2009 - 01:47 PM
Restart the computer and start pressing (repeatedly) the F8 key.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222
#12
Raistlin
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 24-April 09
Posted 26 April 2009 - 07:39 AM
Well the problem when I boot in Safe Mode is that no matter what program I use to uninstall the Dell Support Center, each time I try a message pops-up saying that the program used to uninstall it isn't installed (I think it's the Windows Installer). This happens only in Safe Mode.
#13
rgreen4
- Moderator
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 7,718
- Joined: 22-October 06
- Location:S. Georgia
Posted 26 April 2009 - 08:25 AM
At some point you may be looking at backing up all your data and re-installing from the recovery partition or the recovery disc which ever you have. When you do, I the Dell center pops up again, use PC Decrapifier which started life as Dell Decrapifier. I have used it to remove a lot of trial and free software that comes on machines. Many come with Microsoft Works which cannot be normally removed without the CD, which of course you don't get. But PCD does remove it.
#15
smax013
- Moderator
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 9,073
- Joined: 28-January 07
- Location:Southeast Michigan
Posted 26 April 2009 - 12:11 PM
OK, something weird is going on...you should not have any problem removing Dell Support Center, unless Dell has changed how they do that stuff.
The leading culprit would be some sort of malware mucking up the system, but if I recall you already tried Anti-malware and SuperAntiSpyware scans (did you re-try those, and an anti-virus scan, in Safe Mode?).
It could be that a re-install of things might be the way to go. Do you have the original disks that came with the computer? While Dell these days does a recovery partition on their computers, they have traditionally also been good about sending out TRUE Windoze install disks, seperate driver disks, and seperate program disks. Thus, if you have those disks, then you can re-install Windoze WITHOUT install the Dell Support Center (i.e. not need to "decrapify" it).
The leading culprit would be some sort of malware mucking up the system, but if I recall you already tried Anti-malware and SuperAntiSpyware scans (did you re-try those, and an anti-virus scan, in Safe Mode?).
It could be that a re-install of things might be the way to go. Do you have the original disks that came with the computer? While Dell these days does a recovery partition on their computers, they have traditionally also been good about sending out TRUE Windoze install disks, seperate driver disks, and seperate program disks. Thus, if you have those disks, then you can re-install Windoze WITHOUT install the Dell Support Center (i.e. not need to "decrapify" it).
#16
Raistlin
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 24-April 09
Posted 27 April 2009 - 08:02 AM
Whoa! I never realised it was so complicated.
sigh
I'm really grateful for all your help, but now that I see that this problem is going to be hard to fix, I think I'm just gonna give up. Don't get me wrong, I really would like to get rid of this stupid Dell Support Center problem, but I just don't have enough time to do all those things (nor the courage actually). I thought that this problem was going to be easy to fix, but it seems too much hassle for just one little annoyance. I don't think it's worth it. I will just try one last thing and then give up:
when I use the Decrapifier, there's always an error message at the end of the uninstallation saying "Error: Language not supported". I'm gonna change the language of my computer and try to uninstall again.
Once again, thank you all for your help. I'm going to concentrate on my printer problem now.
sigh
I'm really grateful for all your help, but now that I see that this problem is going to be hard to fix, I think I'm just gonna give up. Don't get me wrong, I really would like to get rid of this stupid Dell Support Center problem, but I just don't have enough time to do all those things (nor the courage actually). I thought that this problem was going to be easy to fix, but it seems too much hassle for just one little annoyance. I don't think it's worth it. I will just try one last thing and then give up:
when I use the Decrapifier, there's always an error message at the end of the uninstallation saying "Error: Language not supported". I'm gonna change the language of my computer and try to uninstall again.
Once again, thank you all for your help. I'm going to concentrate on my printer problem now.
Page 1 of 1
