stop: 0x0000008e on start-up [CAN'T START]

[drmsucks]

Personally, I just back up data. If you agree, just copy the data to the new drive - you don't need a program.

Programs can always be re-installed and your operating system condition is suspect anyway at this time.

[bklyn]

yes, i thought about that. only thing is i have data all over the place on the hd. i have the usual pdf's, pictures, and music. i also have some files from old programs that should be converted.

so if i just do a basic "copy" in windows explorer, would i be able to copy most, if not all, files? i can always weed out any unwanted programs and files at a later date.

[drmsucks]

I understand - go ahead and Ghost it, if you think that you can't find all of your data.

[bklyn]

thanks. but can i do the basic copy in windows explorer? or do i HAVE to install Ghost?

[drmsucks]

thanks. but can i do the basic copy in windows explorer? or do i HAVE to install Ghost?

Sure - that's what I suggested earlier but I thought that you were concerned about missing some data.

If I were you, I would methodically look at every file (open every folder) in Windows Explorer to make sure that I got all the data.

[bklyn]

ok, i copied my HD using Western Digital's data lifeguard program. it got all everything.

i then put my old hd back into the pc, ran the diagnostic tests from Western Digital. it found NO errors. by the way, when i had the hd connected to my laptop i ran AVG and ewido(anti malware). they found nothing. i'm wondering if another antivirus may find something?

does anyone have any other suggestions?

[drmsucks]

Bklyn - This topic started 9/6. Could you please do a summary (if applicable) and state your current situation.

[bklyn]

sure:

this problem seemed to have happened after i burned a dvd from one of those dvd rental machines located in supermarkets. i noticed it after the pc had been on for about 2 days straight. it always acts sluggish when i leave it on for a while.

after burning the dvd i tried to go online and noticed my home page would load, then be redirected. when i closed all windows i noticed my background had changed. i opened  task manager and saw i had a process running called "plveadii.exe" [i think that's it]. i tried searching for it and couldn't find it. can't find it on google either. i ran spybot, ad-aware, and i scanned with AVG. after scanning AVG directed me to restart my computer. intuition told me not to restart, but i did anyway. WELL, upon rebooting, i got the BSOD.

now:
i tried the dell diagnostics(supplied with the pc); i tried memtest; i tried western digital diagnostics; i ran AVG and ewido

i still have the BSOD.   

[drmsucks]

So, all tests have come back as okay?

You have all of your data backed up?

Why not try a full system recovery to restore your operating system to factory condition? Have you tried this?

[Saviour]

The simplest thing to do in this case would be to slave the drive on a working computer and scan it for malware using better software you currently have installed...since that which you are currently using didn't protect you in the first place...if, in fact, it's an infection.

If it's a hardware issue...then you'll need to find out what's causing it, by telling us the exact BSOD stop code you're getting.

Other than that...we're just chasing our tails here.

[drmsucks]

The simplest thing to do in this case would be to slave the drive on a working computer and scan it for malware using better software you currently have installed...since that which you are currently using didn't protect you in the first place...if, in fact, it's an infection.

If it's a hardware issue...then you'll need to find out what's causing it, by telling us the exact BSOD stop code you're getting.

Other than that...we're just chasing our tails here.

Saviour - He was getting the code in the topic title; I assume that it's the same now.

A re-install will solve any suspected malware problem - if it's hardware related, as the code indicates, it won't help unless it's a faulty driver issue. He says that RAM passed memtest 86 and the hard drive passed WD tests.

[Saviour]

Try reading this...it may shed some light on the subject.

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1215554&SiteID=17

[bklyn]

Saviour: i read the article and and have a few things in common. i've already tried a lot of the things that were tried by the posters in that forum. i haven't replaced my motherboard or video card, tho. one thing that i may look at is the haxdoor virus.

drmsucks: yes all tests came out ok and i do have my data backed up. i wanna wait until i tried a few more things before i try the repair install. that would be my next-to-last option (formatting would be my last, of course)

this is VERY frustrating, but i'm the type of person that likes to solve a problem. that's why i want to find out what's wrong. and that's why i love these forums. good direction and great learning. but, if it gets TOO frustrating i can always reformat or take the pc to the shop. with that said.. i have a little more patience left. ....but just a little 

[drmsucks]

Have you swapped out the power supply?

Try a known good one of at least the wattage of your PSU.

[bklyn]

sorry it  took so long... been away on business.

i will try to either buy a power supply tomorrow, or get my friend to let me try his psu in mine.(he has a dell 8250 as well)
so can the power supply really be bad even though i can run the diagnostics through the cd drive, and accessed the hard drive via DOS? also, what about the talk about a bad motherboard. any truth to that?

a couple more things:
-i downloaded avira antivirus on my laptop and ran it on my desktop hard drive (in the external case). it found a couple of "trojans" that are keygens(i had them as 'rar' files forever)

-do you think a hijackthis scan will help?