Big problems....... systemax venture running windows xp pro. I was doing a video lesson online when lightning struck and knocked the power out in the middle of this lesson. Now the computer does not allow me to do anything except to get online as long as I don't open more than 1 window. It will not shut down at all, it does not allow me to do a restore, before the shutdown I had removed a trial version of a spyware program in the recycle bin, so when I try to empty it the computer locks up. It does not start in the safe mode, it gets to a certain point and stops. It does not install any updates without locking up so it never does install anything. Many programs lock it up and if I am able to "end now" from the task manager nothing else will open up. I tried getting systemax to send me a boot cd but no one has responded to my emails. The warranty just expired.

Hi, When lightning strikes in my area, normally what gets zapped is either or a combination of: DSL modem, AP/Router, NIC which are all hardware but in your case, I get the impression that it's software related. Although I'm tempted to say that you check your hardware, I would suggest that you fresh install windows XP Pro. If you have files that you want to retain, of course back them up and burn them to a CD or DVD. If in the current state of your PC you can't burn, then you either get another hard disk where you can install XP and run everything from there. Your old HD may then be used as a backup or file holder. Or get hold of another PC where you can temporarily install your HD as a secondary master and proceed to copy. From all indications, I get the impression that if you just repair your windows, sooner or later other problems will come up so a fresh start/install would be logical. Hope this works out for you and pls post again how things turn up or if you need further information. Good luck and kind regards.

Since there is a lightning strike involved, there could be any number of problems. The first thing I would do is open the case and visually look for anything that looks burnt or any capacitors, etc., that may have "exploded." I would rule out a power supply problem since you do have the machine on. My thinking would be more along the lines of the motherboard, hard drive, RAM, or a combination so check these first for the above mentioned problems. The downside of this is that even if there is no visual damage, there could still be lightning damage that isn't visible. This makes lightning related issues hard to diagnose. I hope this will at least head you in the right direction.