I'll wait a little bit more
1 week ago
before closing this goal, but so far the dreaded noise has not returned, so I am hopeful my first fan-exchange was all that was needed.
How to fix my PC
It made me
cautious 
"It's better to just get it over with."
How I did it: I spent approximately two hours doing research on how to remove the virus. I then spent approximately 4 months procrastinating and avoiding my PC. At my Dad's urging, I attempted a system restore trying several different restore points from dates prior to the virus's arrival. That didn't work. Finally, I went through the steps I had printed out from Symantec's website:
1. Disable system restore
2. Update virus definitions and run full system scan
3. Start PC in safe mode
4. Edit the registry, navigating to the subdirectory provided in the instructions, to remove any files referencing the virus.
I then restarted my PC in normal mode. So far, so good, but I will keep an eye on it.
Lessons & tips: I would definitely recommend skipping the procrastination step of the process I went through and go right to fixing the PC.
Resources: Symantec website
Dad
Entries
First exchange completed
1 week ago
Well, I’ve gotten the parts today. And I’ve just exchanged the power supply with its fan. I’ll try this out for a while, if I’m lucky that was already the problem and I won’t have to tackle the CPU fan also.
My PC
2 weeks ago
suddenly started making obscene noises. It looks to be one of the fans, so I just ordered a new power supply and a new CPU fan. I hope the actual exchange won’t be too time consuming…
N2thecalmb4thestorm glad I like doing laundry - it never seems to end
Crappy virus
1 month ago
Awhile back my anti-virus software alerted me to the fact that my PC had become infected by a virus that copies keystrokes and screen prints and that can’t be removed by the anti-virus software. I stopped using my PC and started using my son’s PC (thank you).
I have looked up the steps on how to remove the virus and am confident I can do the first steps but the final step is to edit the registry and was not specific enough for me.
I need to either fix my PC or pay someone at Symantec or wherever to fix it. It’s ridiculous to have a nice PC and not be able to use it.
Finally!
3 years ago
Finally it’s up and running again. Not perfect. But oh well, good enough for me. I’m gonna buy a new PC when I get paid anyway.
Easy if you study up..
3 years ago
I’ve fixed my PC several times and its much easier than people would expect. Problems with software and operating systems is always easier but fixing the phisical stuff isn’t that bad either.
