Calling lap top IT wizards...

[Big Bad Boris]

I have a problem with my Compaq 615 lap top, it is new and running Windows 7 Home Premium. Everytime I try to download Mcafee virus software (either in the form of the BT net protect plus or from the Mcafee webiste using the same package running on my desk top) the PC crashes with a Blue screen of death and the PC shuts down.

The by product of the crash is that the Windows 7 is corrupted and the PC will not start again (even in safe mode). I have spoken with both BT and HP (Compaq) but neither of them seems to have any idea why the problem keeps occuring and why the outcome is so drastic. BT blame the operating software - HP say it is fine and should run the anti virus software???

I am no teccie but with instuction from HP I have run tests on the hard drive and memory both came up clean. I have just spent another couple of hours re-installing the Windows software (for about the 8th time) and then crashing again trying to download the anti virus software.

Please heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp before I throw the lap top out of the window

Thanks

BBB

[randlemarcus]

Try Windows Security Essentials. Free for genuine windows installations, and perfectly serviceable.

If that works OK, then the BT bit is at fault. Although why you'd trust that bunch of eedjits with anything software escapes me.

[miniman]

Don't bother with Mcafee it is crap anyway. As mentioned, MS Security Essentials, or Avast, or AVG. All free, all better than Mcafee and Norton.

[Gibby78]

As above, also I think there is an issue with 7 and Mcafee,

I've just set up my work laptop with a dual boot of 7 and so far the Microsoft AV seems to be ok.

[Big Bad Boris]

Thanks dude - I am downloading that right now - seems to be working. s an aside, why do i pauy for Mcafee whn I can get free MS virus software - are there benefits to the Mcafee type packages?

Thanks again,

BBB

[miniman]

Mcafee pay big manufacturers (e.g. Dell) to put trial versions on their hardware with the hope that most users will just click "ok here's my credit card" when the trial runs out. One of the reasons Dell et al can sell hardware so cheaply.

[randlemarcus]

Big Bad Boris said:

Thanks dude - I am downloading that right now - seems to be working. s an aside, why do i pauy for Mcafee whn I can get free MS virus software - are there benefits to the Mcafee type packages?

Thanks again,

BBB

Yeah, they give you a nice, secure bluescreen, so viruses cant get through

Seriously, they a re more than simple AV - they have firewalls, anti-spam stuff, as well as heuristic looking for bad stuff stuff. Which is why they are huge resource hogs these days. MSE, Defender and not visiting too many dodgy porn sites should see you OK, if you dont open exe files indiscriminately.

[Big Bad Boris]

In which case.. could someone provide a list on non dodgy porn sites

[Big Bad Boris]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh

Downloaded the suggested software last night no problem. Tried to switch on the computer today and it gave the "Windows failed to start" message... run the repair function for 10 minutes couldn't fix it and shut down and so on and so forth.

Any more suggestions pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeaase!!

BBB

[loltolhurst]

when u reinstalled windows did it put all the bt crap on? could try uninstalling that before downloading av software. if that fails id take the laptop back why should you have to run round in circles if you are non techy if it does not work out of the box.

[Big Bad Boris]

No i don't think so - everything was removed when the operating system was re-installed. The PC was fine out of the box, as soon as i tried installing the Mcafee Av it has gone haywire?

[BliarOut]

Safe mode and System \restore to before McAfee then load AVG

[miniman]

Stop trying to install Mcafee!

[Big Bad Boris]

I am not installing mcafee - and the PC will not start in safe mode!

[Big Bad Boris]

..aslo there is nothing to restore it back to as the operating system ihas been re-installed

[RobDickinson]

Sorry this happened when downloading the antivirus or when downloaded and installing?

Current state of the machine is unbootable? Do you have a recovery disk/windows install disk?

[Big Bad Boris]

initially when trying to install the Av software (which was macafee). I have the windows 7 disc and the application and driver recovery DVD, which I have installed several times... seems to work until the AV downlaod takes place. as I said above it was Ok downloading the microsoft Av stuff last night. I downloaded did a full virus check (took 4 1/2 hours plus) all clear - then switched it off and when restarting th is morning it will not boot up even in safe mode.

[RobDickinson]

Install windows 7, dont touch the application & driver dvd.

update drivers online if needed.

[Big Bad Boris]

so the problem is with the revovery disc itself?

[RobDickinson]

Well you say its fine untill the AV download happens, assuming this is automated by the recovery disk & is downloading and installing mcaffee?