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Hello, I've run into a problem with my computer coming out of standby. I have:
Dell XPS M1730
Windows XP Pro SP3
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz
3GB RAM
I have my computer set to go to standby after 45 minutes. I have previously had BSODs when coming out of standby, but I haven't had any trouble since reformatting. About a week ago though, I pushed the power button to bring the computer out of standby and the only thing that happened was that the NumLock indicator light went off. HDD light didn't flash, speaker/touchpad LEDs didn't change to their correct colors, etc.
I had to turn the computer off, and when I turned it on, it would get to the Windows screen and it would load for a few seconds (the blue bar would scroll across a couple of times), but then it would hang. After being frozen for a few seconds, my screen would turn white, and the computer would restart, and repeat the process of hanging at the Windows screen and restarting.
I decided to turn the computer off and try again the next morning, and it started just fine. This happened a second, time and I was also able to start it just fine after leaving it sit overnight.
I had the same issue last night, and was able to start it fine this morning...so instead of letting the system go into standby, I just shut it off...turning it on every once in a while to check email and such. However, now it will not start normally at all - it just hangs at the Windows screen and reboots until I shut it off. The only way I can get my computer booted up is in Safe Mode.
I recently had to have my video card replaced due to overheating (according to Dell) at the end of September, and I thought overheating may again be an issue since it would work after leaving it sit overnight. My computer is on a hard, flat surface though, and it does start in safe mode...and the most intensive thing I've done on it in months is make a PowerPoint.
There is no particular program I am running before it goes into standby - generally Firefox or Word.
I do not know if this is a hardware or a software issue...I have performed scans with AdAware and Avast - here is what Avast has come up with (that return after each removal):
C:\WINDOWS\system32\autochk(3).exe:BAK
C:\WINDOWS\system32\autochk(4).exe:BAK
C:\WINDOWS\system32\autochk(5).exe:BAK
C:\WINDOWS\system32\autochk(6).exe:BAK
It lists the type for them all as "rootkit: hidden file"
AdAware did not find anything and, MBAM came up with absolutely nothing.
There have been no hardware changes and no new program installations recently, and I did a system restore to a date before I started having this problem - but that did not help.
The only potential solution I have come across so far said to put the original Windows disc in and use the utilitiy that scans and replaces any missing/corrupt Windows files. I do not have access to that disc while I am on break, so I have not been able to try it.
When Windows does start normally, I have not noticed any weird behavior that would lead me to think I have a virus, malware, etc., but I do have an HJT log saved, which I did not post here as per the instructions. I will try using my Windows disc as soon as I get back to school - but with final projects and term papers etc. coming due the next two weeks, this is a ridiculous time for my computer to go on the fritz, so I thought I would try to get a jump on the solution early.
Thanks so much for your help!
Jason
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