Memory/Back Up Questions

[ff18wife]

My computer seems to be having a serious memory problem, at least that what it appears to be. When I first turn it on, I get a password screen (not supposed to happen!), I tab to cancel since my mouse does not work, nor do I have sound. I have been given 2 suggestions - first to try to install Norton AntiVirus, run it and see if it helps. Second, back everything up and do a full recovery (last resort!!!) Which brings me to my second question, when I go to START/PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/SYSTEM TOOLS/BACK UP, what does that do and what will it back up??? Sorry to sound so naive but I've never done a back up before although I probably should........
Any assistance/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[crisc]

Your problems don't sound related to memory to me.

Regarding your unwanted login screen, here is a FAQ written by cdogg about it's removal: faq615-1553

As far as your mouse/sound issues, did you lose both of them at the same time? Did you recently install a new mouse or sound card? Sometimes when you add a new device, it conflicts with another, causing both to not work. Do either of these work when you boot into safe mode?

 

[ff18wife]

crisc-
Everything happened at once. I had done a Disk Cleanup which seems to have initiated the problem even though it was supposed to optimize.
I will check the FAQ next chance I get.
Thanks!!!