uTorrent "disc overloaded" and a wrecked PC.

[RedAitch]

Hi, I recently purchased a new Sony Vaio FW-series laptop, running Vista Premium edition. I was using uTorrent overnight one night and in the morning discovered my computer had frozen. The only clue as to what had gone wrong was the error message "disc overloaded" at the bottom of the uTorrent page. Finding that the freezing issue wasn't about to fix itself, I somewhat unwisely pulled the battery out of the unit.
Upon restarting the computer I discovered that Windows had kicked into Safe Mode. When I tried to re-enable normal Windows, I found that the PC at first froze, and now I cannot disable Safe Mode at all, with the added difficulty that full resolution is now enabled, meaning even in this mode the computer usually crashes about a minute after booting up. I have been able to transfer my music and videos to an external hard drive, but other than that the computer will not accept any new connections, and I cannot access the driver updates as obviously Safe Mode will not allow this. I have tried the various F8 reboot options, deleting uTorrent and various music and video files, all to no avail. System Restore doesn't work either, as my actually files and documents seem unaffected..
I have read on other forums about the uTorrent issue, but this issue appears to have snowballed on my computer into a big problem. I am not sure if the computer has been attacked (OneCare was enabled at the time) or if this is a complete hardware failure. Just wondering whether my computer is fried, or if there is a chance it can be salvaged...

[RecT]

Hi - It sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle!!

So, can you actually boot into normal mode? From your post, it sounds like you can but it freezes shortly after loading?

Does it freeze when in safe mode or only when attempting a normal boot?

If it only freezes in normal mode, then it is most likely a software problem. Since system restore doesn't work, and you say its a brand new computer, I suggest that you download all the updates for the computer - either from microsoft or from the sony support website. If there are none available then I would suggest a complete format and reinstallation. This will give you a clean slate from which to start. uTorrent downloads could have viruses/trojans/worms etc. embedded, so install a good antivirus program (mcafee, avg, avast - NOT microsoft or norton) before you starting using!!

If it freezes in safe mode as well, then it is more likely to be a hardware problem - but do a complete format and reinstallation anyway before taking it back.

Let us know how you get on!

RecT

[RedAitch]

Yes, that's another problem I have. Safe Mode doesn't allow installation or re-installation of drivers, so I can't connect to the internet. (I'm currently using my reliable Toshiba, running good old XP!) There are error messages which report corrupted drivers, which initially led me to believe that hardware was to blame. Strangely, although my computer now loads only in Safe Mode, and it cannot find the drivers for my graphics card, it does so invariably in full resolution, which it isn't supposed to do. This is what I think causes the freezing in Safe Mode.
If it's a hardware fault, then that's "better" for me -in relative terms- as I should be able to return it. I don't know how to completely wipe the computer, but I'll try that as a last resort. Thanks!

[RecT]

Hi,

Safe mode shouldn't allow reinstallation of drivers - its specific function is to diagnose, delete drivers, make emergency backups.

If safe mode freezes then it is not a driver problem (as no drivers have been loaded) - I very much doubt it is because your screen is at full resolution. It is either a core problem with the windows installation (ie a virus/trojan/worm has damaged a core application) or it is a hardware fault.

A hardware fault where it causes freezing has happened to me with laptops where I have left them running on a bed or something overnight and it has cooked itself due to insufficient air flow.

Make a backup of what you need and you should wipe your hard drive and reinstall from your recovery cds. Don't bother with a repair installation - just go for the full monty. It should take 30-40 minutes. It is very easy to do - just pop the disc in the drive and restart the computer (booting up from the disc).

If it then still freezes after the reinstallation then it is definately a hardware fault.

RecT

[RedAitch]

OK, thanks. I'll do the full reinstall, then! Thanks again.