Computer has mind of its own

Thanks for the help everyone. That's what I love about ET. We have just enough techies around to get a thorough analysis in a timely manner.

So far I've got...

Malware--This might have been the case before but now that I've got a new HD it is cured by default.
Degraded Software--New installation of the OS and all other programs.
Bad Memory--Checked this and everything is OK
Bad HD--the likely culprit, but unfortunately I didn't get enough time to remedy the situation.
Bad MOBO--Runs great with good HD.
Bad Fans/overheating--ASUS probe constantly monitors my temps, but anyway the stock Intel CPU fan was getting a little tiresome with a faint hum, so I got a thermaltake fan/heatsink today.
Overclocked CPU-- Checked for that already. I don't believe in overclocking CPUs. Not worth the risk or time for minimal difference.
Incompatiblity--Probably not the case since the comp ran for 1 1/2 years flawlessly.

Cost for a new equivalent system--- about $1500

Cost to fix the old one--- $90

Being able to fix my own computer without sending it into a Dell service shop--- PRICELESS

 

it really takes a ET village to fix your computer

 

I had the same problem as the original poster. On the Task list it turned out to be a virus (showed up on a scan). Virus file was running all the time , similar in name to legitimate process lsass.exe

 

lsass.exe is a system process of the Microsoft Windows security mechanisms. It specifically deals with local security and login policies

Are you sure it was a virus?

 

That comment was a bit facetious. I would've figured it out either way, but it is always nice to hear a few others that have had the same situation so I don't waste a bunch of time.

In total I spent about 2 hours to determine and fix the problem.

 

Your old hard drive might still be OK... likely it had just been corrupted with schmutz. You could use it as a backup of some sorts with Acronis True Image or Casper XP 4.0. (Some of us have LOTS of backup... some ETers have none.)

 

Another day, another job well done.

ET is IT.

 

I still have a hunch your problem is weak PSU and new HD is not going to solve anything
Well if you dont find any problems
for next 30 days i was wrong

 

Can't even get the computer to recognize that HD. Anyone have any suggestions on how to retrieve some of the files. My iwfe is mad that her pictures that hadn't been burned to disk are lost.

 

Take it to computer store, they have software to recover off of a HD. It might cost, but memories are priceless.