my laptop freezes after booting up - getting errors

[caromshot]

Both my computers use Windows XP. I haven't used my laptop in a while and just recently purchased new security software - PC Security Shield 2009 v2. I uninstalled the previous version and successfully loaded it on my laptop today but when I restart the laptop it boots to the desktop but then it freezes and I keep getting the error message:

FSM32.exe - unable to locate component

The mouse moves but I can't open anything. My task manager won't open nor will it run any disks. Please help!

Thanks!

[caromshot]

Additionally, I have had to manually shut off my laptop numerous times after it freezes. Thanks.

[Broni]

PC Security Shield has pretty bad reviews: http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/pc-security-shield-review.html
Why did you decide to go with it?

FSM32.exe is part of F-Secure Antivirus, which actually is the engine for PC Security Shield’s antivirus, which means, your security program is at fault. Contact the maker. Based on the above review - good luck.

[caromshot]

I had problems with both Norton & McAfee so I decided to try something different. PCSS has been great until now. My laptop has always been a bit flaky anyway. I'll try contacting them and see what happens. Thanks for your help.

[caromshot]

I had another thought. If the problem comes from my AV software but because the system freezes and won't allow me to uninstall the program - I can't get to my control panel - access other programs or even restore the system, how would I begin to fix this problem?

[Broni]

See, if you can uninstall it from Safe Mode.

Stay away from Norton, and McAfee.
Very good, free alternatives:

- Avast! free antivirus: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
- Avira free antivirus: http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html

- free PC Tools Firewall Plus: http://www.pctools.com/firewall/

- free Comodo Internet Security (firewall + AV): http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

If you decide to install Avast, or Avira, make sure, Windows firewall is turned on, or use PC Tools Firewall Plus.
If you decide to install Comodo, make sure, Windows firewall is turned off.

IMPORTANT! Make sure, you use only ONE antivirus, and ONE firewall.

[caromshot]

Well, I tried safe mode, which got me in but I was unable to uninstall my security software. I booted up in regular mode and before the errors started showing up and freezing everything I was able to open my control panel, which showed up for about a 1/2 second then began trying to search for it. So I'm still not able to get to where I can uninstall the AV software.

Since the laptop (Dell Inspiron 6000 with XP, service pack 2) is not my main computer and there's nothing on it that needs saved, would it be easier to start over? I have the Windows CDs that came with my desktop which is also XP, SP2 - can I use those to reinstall my OS?

Also, if I get to a point where my laptop actually works, how do you set the system restore point?

Thanks for all your help so far.

[Broni]

System Restore points are set automatically, but sometimes they simply refuse to work, or they're not able to fix the problem.
Your reinstall idea is probably good option, however using XP CD from another computer would be considered illegal.
Not all is lost since your Dell should have Recovery Partition, which normally can be accessed by pressing CTRL + F11 keys at the startup.

[patio]

I've never heard of PC Security Shield...perhaps they offer a refund ? ?

[Broni]

Maybe....http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/pc-security-shield-review.html

[caromshot]

Thanks, Broni - the recovery worked! Appreciate all your advice.

My laptop is now back to it's original state and while I'm having a little trouble with my wireless networking, that is the least of my worries. I'm just glad I can use the laptop again.

[Broni]

I'm glad, you sorted it out, and....stay away from some PC Security Shield 2009