You need to uninstall anything and everything from PC Tools, uninstall
Norton and System Mechanic, and having done that, FORGET about them. Do NOT
re-install them.
Before installing anything at all, go to the software author websites and
check out whether or not the software will run properly in Vista. Just
because something installs in Vista does not mean that all is ok, but a
surprising amount will install AND run properly.
If you are going to run a firewall, stay with Vista Firewall. Unless you
understand the messages that a third party firewall will throw at you, you
are best to stay with something simple that works. If possible, install a
router between the computer and modem.
Anti-virus solutions that do work while not bringing your system to its
knees do exist. AVG and Avast produce very good free versions. If you are
not happy with free versions, then pay for NOD32.
Avoid ANY program or application which promises to fix al of Windows ills.
Many are just 'snake oil' or plain dangerous when used by the unwary. This
includes programs like System Mechanic, registry cleaners etc.
To combat spyware/malware, use Windows Defender (already part of Vista),
Hostsman and WinPatrol. Read the help files such that you understand the
basics of how they work and why you should have them.
Briefly, Windows Defender automatically updates itself, and will give better
protection because of that than any program relying on you remembering to
update it.
Hostsman loads a file into your computer with information that will stop IE7
opening pages that are bad and will also prevent you interacting with web
sites or elements of web sites that would prove harmful to your computer.
WinPatrol will warn you if any program is trying to install itself into
Startup, plus a whole host of other features.
Even using Windows Disk Cleanup can lead to stuff disappearing that you may
have wanted. When checking options over and above what is checked by
default, ensure that you fully understand the consequences.
Do NOT follow the advice in web sites like BlackViper.com unless you fully
understand the implications of the changes that will be made and unless you
KNOW how to reverse the changes. Do NOT assume anything. If you do not
understand something you have read, ASK others for clarification.
'Backing up' is a term used for the procedure whereby important data is
saved to an external device or a device where the media can be removed and
stored safely away from the computer. Backup programs are specialized and
will save whatever is being backed up in compressed and proprietary formats.
If you are going to get into full system backups, purchase an external
backup device, or get a second hard drive installed internally.
Run backup tests to ensure that you know how to backup and restore from
backups. Always make more than one backup. This applies to saving to CD/DVD
too. Never rely on just one backup.
Also remember that backing up is an ongoing process, as is saving to CD/DVD.
Get into the habit of doing regular backups.
For many users, a specialized backup program is NOT required. A great way to
back up important documents etc is the use of the CD/DVD authoring software
supplied with systems. Take the time to find out how to use it and do some
test saves. Do NOT wait until your system is in an unmanageable state before
learning how to do this.
Your HP computer originally started up with an 'Introduction' window
containing information on various aspects of your computer, one of which was
backing up the system. It also informs how to do a full system recovery in
the event of a major failure and various states in between.
As long as you use your CD/DVD authoring software to save important stuff,
you should be able to recover your system to a workable state, with all data
intact.
--
Mike Hall - MVP
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx
"kumarmohana" <kumarmohana@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E30BC6D8-3A39-4000-89D7-A6055DBA4CF3@microsoft.com...
> Dear Arnold,
> Thanks a ton. Yes i have mentioned that i am not that computer savvy. The
> retailer or the co has never informed me that i have to make back up
> discs.
> Does this mean i just cannot use these softwares in my Window vista
> opearitng
> system. when i bought this computer all this softwares were working very
> well
> then why suddenly this has stopped is it because i have not taken the back
> up
> disc which was what i had to do as per your mail. Can I now do that..to be
> these softwares were working well till the date the norton virus software
> where uninstalled from my computer since the renewal period was over and i
> downloaded/ purchased soft wares from PC Tools co. Do you have any
> suggestions or it is a loss to me..Which is the best antivirus software
> which
> i can no install in my window vista. Once again really sorry to have
> bothered
> you since you seem to be computer software expert.. Regards and have a
> great
> week end. SN22
> --
> SN22
>
>
> "Mr. Arnold" wrote:
>
>>
>> "kumarmohana" <kumarmohana@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:0F88EBF6-EB31-4598-8F2C-9C2F11CC42D5@microsoft.com...
>> > Friends,
>> > Can any one guide me how to install this following softwares. I have
>> > recently bought a new computer with Windows Vista. The brand name is HP
>> > Pavilion series. Now i am facing real problems since no one is ready to
>> > help
>> > me queries. The HP says it is not there problem and the software co too
>> > is
>> > not able to give me a comfortable answer. This software was wkg fine
>> > with
>> > XP
>> > operating system. I installed this after my new co was bought now all
>> > of a
>> > sudden one day the registry mechanic stopped functioning so too spy dr
>> > and
>> > pc
>> > tools anti virus software.. I have tried uninstalling them and
>> > reinstalling
>> > them...I have tried all that i could and i am now totally run out of
>> > ideas..If some one is able to help me install these software to my
>> > system
>> > i
>> > will be grateful..I need your help and step by step installation
>> > procedure..i
>> > am not that computer savvy..please help me..thanks a ton in advance..
>> > SN22
>>
>> You find software that is Vista compliant is the bottom line, if you're
>> are
>> not doing so. You don't install software that's intended to run on the
>> XP
>> O/S on a computer that's running Vista, because installing such software
>> can and does cause problems that you are facing.
>>
>> Do tell me that you have created the O/S Restore discs, which HP should
>> should have given you literature on as the very first thing you should
>> have
>> done before anything else so that you can return the computer to a state
>> before you started installing software.
>>
>> It only takes one piece of software and its software components (common
>> software components that are non Vista compliant) used by other Vista
>> compliant software running on the computer, which will cause problems for
>> all.
>>
>> http://www.bestvistadownloads.com/
>> http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=5175
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>