Would like to have my Sony VAIO (2010 laptop) checked

[Corrine]

An f/p is a false/positive. 

In looking at the Event Log, it shows: 

3/27/2014 9:35:56 AM, Error: Microsoft-Windows-HAL [12]  - The platform firmware has corrupted memory across the previous system power transition.  Please check for updated firmware for your system.

Since you have the OEM-installed programs on your computer, it would probably be a good idea to run "VAIO Hardware Diagnostics".  If it recommends changes, make a System Restore point before changing anything.  Should you continue getting BSODs (blue screen), I'll refer you to Sysnative forum to have the experts there take a look at the BSOD files.

[JDBush61]

Hi Corrine, I ran the VAIO Hardware Diagnostics and everything was fine. No errors detected.

In your post you stated: "3/27/2014 9:35:56 AM, Error: Microsoft-Windows-HAL [12]  - The platform firmware has corrupted memory across the previous system power transition.  Please check for updated firmware for your system."

What does that mean, in layman's terms?

John

[Corrine]

Hi, John.

From what I read about the error "Microsoft-Windows-HAL [12]", a BIOS update is often needed to solve the problem of "sleep transition" -- bringing the computer out of sleep mode (How to troubleshoot Event ID 12 with source Microsoft-Windows-HAL).  In further reading, note that the referenced article refers to Microsoft SQL Server 2008.  In double-checking your log, you have Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU] installed, not 2008. 

That led me to the download page for 2005, which lists the supported systems which does not include Windows 7:

Supported Operating System

Windows 2000 Professional Edition , Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition (32-Bit x86), Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition (32-Bit x86), Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition (32-bit x86), Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Windows Vista, Windows XP Home Edition , Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Do you require Microsoft SQL Server on your computer for work?  If so, the Microsoft SQL Server compact version that is compatible with Windows 7 is Download Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0 from Official Microsoft Download Center.

Again, before making any changes, create a system restore point.

[JDBush61]

Hi Corrine. Thank you. I do not know if my university (or more specifically, my department) requires the Microsoft SQL Server on my computer. I read through the links you provided, yet much of the jargon is over my head and I do not really understand what SQL does, why it's required, or why it would be needed on my work computer. Regardless, and as you pointed out, I do not have the correct version for Windows 7.

Only recently, somewhere over the past month, I began using the sleep mode function instead of "restart" when leaving my office for any extended period of time; i.e., lunch breaks, etc. Thus, the "sleep transition" is the problem?

Yesterday, I created a new restore point. Should I just download and install the SQL 4.0 update regardless?

John

[Corrine]

The KB Article I located referred to a different version of SQL Server but because I remembered seeing SQL Server in your log, I looked that up and found it isn't compatible with your OS.

I suggest you check first with your department at the University to find out if you need Microsoft SQL Server.  If you don't need it, then you can uninstall the 2005 version.  Ask about the following, which are probably not needed either -- or different versions if you need 4.0.  For example VSS Writer is to perform SQL Server backups with Windows OS

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU]
Microsoft SQL Server Native Client
Microsoft SQL Server Setup Support Files (English)
Microsoft SQL Server VSS Writer

[JDBush61]

Hi Corrine, I will do as you suggested.

As for my original issue, it appears that my problem with the freeze on the "starting Windows" screen (the black screen with the 4-color Windows logo that loads before the actual screen to enter the password) is now fixed. So, that's a good thing. In general, this laptop now seems to be running fine, fast, and sans glitches of any sort due to your great help! Many thanks.

A couple of questions:

1) Should I now remove the ComboFix desktop icon and all associated files (programs?) inside my box?
2) Ditto with the TFC file (program?), should I remove that? I usually use CCleaner without touching the registry files, and sometimes use the file cleaner packed with my Norton 360 software.
3) I realize that occasionally defragging a box is important. My Norton software automatically took over the defragging work (known there as "Disk Optimization", I think). Is it better to somehow stop that function in Norton and allow Disk Defragmenter to be run from System Tools in Accessories?
4) Last week I downloaded a new version on Malwarebytes from a link you posted in another thread that redirected to the Bleeping Computer site. However, the control panel looks completely different from my previous control panel and the screenshot you always post in your replies. Is this just a new version, or possibly an imposter? I find myself becoming increasing paranoid about all things security related ( :blink:).

I took a screen shot of the new Malwarebytes control panel, and than saved it to my desktop using the paint program. However, I do not know how to paste that image into this reply.

John

[JDBush61]

I forgot to ask one question regarding SQL.

You mentioned "... find out if you need Microsoft SQL Server.  If you don't need it, then you can uninstall the 2005 version. " If not needed, is it maybe still better to download the version (4.0) suited for Windows 7? Is it ever needed, or is it simply unnecessary software that merely bloats my computer in one or more ways?

Thanks,

John

[Corrine]

Hi, John.

I'm happy to know that the problem with the freeze issue is no longer a problem.  Good news!  Regarding your questions, let's start with ComboFix and go through the list:

1.  Please do the following to implement cleanup procedures and also to reset System Restore points:

Click Start > Run and copy/paste the following bold text into the Run box and click OK:

ComboFix /Uninstall

Note: In the event you wish to contribute to the ongoing development of ComboFix, the developer is accepting donations via PayPal.


2.  It is your choice regarding TFC.  Generally, CCleaner is good for cleaning up cookies but I prefer TFC for cleaning temp files. 

3.  Defragging is not as critical with the large hard drives on newer computers as it was on Windows 95 and Windows XP.  So, use which ever process you prefer.  :)

4.  Yes, Malwarebytes v2.0 was released.  It is an updated version.  A couple of notes on the new version:

• MBAM may "make changes to your registry" as part of its disinfection routine. If using other security programs that detect registry changes (i.e., Spybot's Teatimer), they may interfere or alert you. Temporarily disable such programs or permit them to allow the changes.
  
• Before scanning, make sure you are connected to the Internet and update the database by clicking on the Update Now button as shown below.
  
  
  
• Following the update, click on the large green Scan Now button to begin the Threat Scan.
  
• If Malware or Potentially Unwanted Programs are found you will receive a Prompt so that you can decide what you want to do. I suggest "Quarantine". Click the button: Apply All Actions.
  

5.  If your department does not need you to have SQL Server, just uninstall it.  In the event something changes in the future, you could then install the current version.  Otherwise, I there is no reason to install software on your computer in case it is ever needed.

[JDBush61]

Hi Corrine,

Thanks a bunch for your reply.

First, I may have spoken too soon about my original "frozen screen" problem being solved, as it happened again late this evening when I got home. I hadn't been happening all day today at work. Thus, maybe I should keep the ComboFix installed for them moment pending your next advice?

However, other then the start-up screen freeze (which I always successfully work around), the computer is running fine from what I can tell. Just a pain in the rear to have to do a hard shut-down each time it happens. Would love to fix that problem permanently.

I'll continue to let Norton handle the defragging per your suggestion.

I figured as much about the new Malwaresbytes. I've already used the new version, and as you suggested, and it found no threats.

I'll do the enquiries on my end regarding the need for the SQL Server. If not currently needed, I'll certainly remove it.

John

[Corrine]

Hi, John.

Go ahead and remove ComboFix.  Then, let's see what the outcome is with SQL Server and if removing the outdated version makes a difference.  Please let me know the decision.

[JDBush61]

Hi Corrine, I uninstalled ComboFix, and will do some more investigation regarding the SQL Server.

If you have any additional suggestions regarding my intermittent screen freeze problem, I'm all ears.
That also goes for anything else you might notice in my posted logs, such as software that might not be
needed, etc.

Best wishes,

John