BleepingComputer.com: Need Help after XP Anti-Spyware 2011 Removal

Hi kauai,

That's good news that it booted.

Let's disconnect it from your network so we don't take any chances of infecting anything else first.

Now, let's login as the user and tell me what malware ( if any ) pops up and or give me any information that shows up on the screen. ( I.E. Is the desktop black, are there no icons, any programs covering the screen showing infections, etc. )

I unhooked the PC from the network and logged in as the user, and it appears clean. I waited for about 5-10 minutes and nothing has popped up yet.

One thing I forgot to mention, one unusual thing that happens at startup is that just prior to the names on the user login screen appearing, the PC beeps three times in rapid succession. I don't recall this happening in the past and I'm wondering if it's some malware residue.

Hi kauai,

Can you tell me what model Dell computer this is?

It's an Optiplex 760.

--Eric

(figured I'd tell you my name as it's probably easier to remember and type than "kauai" heh)

Hi Eric,

I might have some bad news for you.

Although this seems like it may be coincidental, you may have a Main board going bad.

I looked up the Dell Optiplex 760 Service manual and in the beep codes it's stating that 3 short repetitive beeps points to "Possible system board failure."

If the system is under warranty, I think I would be inclined to contact Dell support and confirm this with them.

Also, alot of the symptoms you are describing ( won't boot then will boot, BSOD, reboots, etc. ) can be a sign of hardware failure.

We can keep troubleshooting if you'd like to continue.

Let me know,

This post has been edited by techextreme: 26 May 2011 - 01:50 PM

Well, that's an unexpected development. Eep. The fortunate thing is that on this particular PC, all of the user's data is remotely accessed so there's no real risk of major data loss.

I'm willing to continue the troubleshooting if you are. Would it make sense though? I don't want to waste your time. Thanks for all the help thus far.

Hi Eric,

I apologize for my tardiness with regards to this post.

Work has had me hopping quite a bit lately.

If you have resolved your problem, please let me know. If you'd like to continue, please also let me know.