Lenovo W520 laptop freezing problem

[mikehende]

Hey guys, strange problem, unit started freezing before it could go the desktop so I did a system restore and now can easily get to the desktop but first issue is that the owner always had to enter his password to enter windows, now that doesn''t happen, when booted the system will go straight to windows. Also rightlicking on the main folders such as My Pictures My Documents e.t.c doesn't work so I am guessing it's a permissions issue. I looked at the Folder Options but not seeing anything there regarding permissions, I want to advise the owner to backup all files first before I should proceed to do anything but since I can't copy and paste that won't work, any ideas please?

[allheart55 Cindy E]

The folders won't open at all when you right click on them?

[mikehende]

No, all folders open and I can play the music files, I just don't have the usual options to copy either any file or the main folders and nothing appears when I rightclick on any of them.

[allheart55 Cindy E]

What happens if you make a new folder and place some pictures in it?

Will it allow you to do that or have you tried to strap the drive to another computer and access the files that way?

 

The reason that I ask is because I'm not so sure that it is a permissions problem since you can access the music files.

[mikehende]

it looks like it's the right click tab below the trackpad which was not working as with the tabs above the trackpad is allowing the rightclick options, I copied the 148gb files over to my external so going to run a HDD diagnostics

[allheart55 Cindy E]

Good idea, I was going to suggest that. :thumbsup:

[mikehende]

To update both HDD and RAM tests passed but this machine has a lot of viruses so I am trying to clean it out since the owner wants a recovery only as last option.

[allheart55 Cindy E]

Let us know how you make out, Mike.

 

If you need help, Pete is on vacation but we have Gene if you find that you need him.

[mikehende]

Making progress so far but thanks, will let you know.

[mikehende]

Alright so system should be clean of virus, 2 issues I have to sort out, one since only the one right mouse button under the trackpad stopped working a while back according to the owner, I have to assume this is not software related? If yes then the other issues is when the wonder brought the laptop here, I noticed that the wireless net connection wasn't working and still isn't, I installed this driver

 

Intel WiMAX 6250 AGN for Windows 8 (32-bit, 64-bit), 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), XP - ThinkPad

 

from the driver page: http://support.lenovo.com/ca/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-w-series-laptops/thinkpad-w520

 

while installing it did show "no adapter installed" and asked if I wanted to complete the setup which I did so does this mean the wireless module is shot?

[allheart55 Cindy E]

What operating system is it running, Mike?

 

Have you checked the Device Manager for bangs?

[mikehende]

sorry win7 64bit, Yes I had checked the DM, nothing under Network Adapter is yellowed out, will post a screenshot soon

[mikehende]

This shows what I am seeing

[mikehende]

It's ok, I got the wireless working, there was a wireless switch on the side, all should be fine now, appreciate the help!

[allheart55 Cindy E]

Great news!

[mikehende]

After one day the freezing started again so I am going to do the windows recovery as I had suggested to the owner in the first place, after wiping the drive and reinstalling windows if he should still have freezing problems, since both HDD and RAM tests passed, would it be safe to recommend mobo repair?

[allheart55 Cindy E]

I don't think that it's the motherboard, Mike.

I think the freezing will stop after you do the Windows recovery.

 

Did you try an sfc /scannow, first?

[mikehende]

No, the guy has to bring the unit here in a little while so I am guessing if I do the recovery then no need for the scf/scannow?

[allheart55 Cindy E]

If you do the sfc /scannow and Windows Resource Protection is able to fix the corrupted files, you may not need to do a system recovery.

[mikehende]

ok, will give it a shot and get back to you, thanks!

[allheart55 Cindy E]

You're welcome, Mike. Let me know how you make out.

[mikehende]

I ran memtest for 6 passes and was error free then did the recovery as I did not want the owner to have to come back here again so if it should freeze now then I will know he will be needing mobo repairs but I will try to remember the sfc/scannow next time, thanks.

[allheart55 Cindy E]

You're welcome, Mike.