Is it time to call a priest for last rites?

I have a Dell Precision 420 running Windows Server 2003.  I basically use it 
as a print server for my wireless network so it is typically on.  One day, I 
found the system had frozen, so I did a cold boot.  I have scans and sweeps 
scheduled to run daily (WebRoot Spy Sweeper, ESET Nod32, Adaware Pro and 
Spybot Search and destroy) and have Lavasoft firewall set to tightest 
security level.  Also, the system sits behind a router.  Granted, nothing is 
imperviious, but it is kept pretty secure.

After rebooting, disconnecting from the internet, and doing manual sweeps, 
no signs of intrusion.  However, the system was running very slowly.

Also, when I tried to open explorer or control panel, I get an error: 
"Cannot access specified device, path, or file.  You may not have 
appropriate permission to access this item."  Strange, considering I am 
logged on as administrator.

Finally, I ran hijack this and nothing on the list stood out out of the 
ordinary...

I wonder if it is simply time to backup files and turn this machine into a 
paperweight... or if maybe I am missing something?

Thanks for any advice.




-- 
Ne pas provoquer le vomissement
http://dwacon.blogspot.com

"dwacon" <aunt.jemima@pancake.box> wrote in message 
news:fqs42m$6l8$1@news.spamcop.net...
> After rebooting, disconnecting from the internet, and doing manual sweeps,

> no signs of intrusion.  However, the system was running very slowly.
>
> Also, when I tried to open explorer or control panel, I get an error: 
> "Cannot access specified device, path, or file.  You may not have 
> appropriate permission to access this item."  Strange, considering I
am 
> logged on as administrator.

Sounds like your registry file got corrupted in the crash. Do you have any 
registry repair programs? Have you tried using system restore (if that comes 
with your OS)? On my new Vista machine I discovered that "system
restore" is 
a band-aid piece of junk, IMO, but YMMV.

I struggled to keep my old home built PC alive for most of the past year 
before finally giving up and buying this new one. When it got to the point 
where it was failing to POST, I gave up. Being on disability pay, I didn't 
want to shell out the cash for a new machine, but in the end I had no 
choice. Sometimes you gotta know when to fold'em.....