Re: Adaware help
 

Sounds like there's something in your startup that no longer exists. If you run msconfig, you should be able to see what's in there and hopefully eliminate it.

Re: Adaware help
 

It also can mean that you are heavily infected. Certain viruses and trojans are designed to hijack security software. It may very well be the reason why NOD32 failed to install plus if you had an older version of Norton already installed there could have been conflicts between the old and new.

Follow Bungleu's advice and if you can access the internet try to link to the NOD32 online scanner that I gave and let them install their Active X. If you can run it let it clean.

Then go to SuperAntiSpyware and download and install their free version. Let it do its work.

Lastly, if you so wish, google BitDefender and allow them to install and clean. Whenever I am cleaning someone's system I find these work very well.

* Let us know if they work.

Re: Adaware help
 

..says browser is not supported and I can't launch IE.

..can't run msconfig..

Re: Adaware help
 

Do you have CCleaner on your desktop or loaded elsewhere on your system? If so, do the following:

Close all browsers.

Run the program and make sure all the boxes are ticked under the Windows and Applications tabs, including "Advanced" tabs(except for the Old prefetch Data option, this should be unticked)

Click the run cleaner button.

Do this at least twice.

*** Also, are you able to enter Safe Mode when booting up by pressing F8?

Re: Adaware help
 

I was able to run Windows update. I allowed all the updates available and of course it opened IE as well. I passed the link for ESET and I'm running the scan now.

2 threats so far..
..have not done the restart yet as per Win. update. Thought I would do the scan first.

I will be out of the house most of the day. I'll update ASAP.

Re: Adaware help
 

Variol, this sounds as if you have an aggressive, tenacious rootkit. Your PC is almost certainly in a botnet now. The reason you are seeing this behaviour now is because you are trying to remove it, and it's fighting back. The rootkit/trojan (or whatever it is) is resisting removal by disabling common repair techniques. You may be in for a long tough road; here is what you need to do..

1. Get VERY familiar with running apps in Safe mode. You will be living in this mode for a while.

2. If the Virus is denying internet access, you will have to transfer troubleshooting apps from another PC via flash drive. This means you need access to a second PC.

3. You may HAVE to do this...remove your infected HDD and make it a slave in another PC that has a good updated AV on it. Run the AV checks on the slave drive......and run it several times.

4. Get a rootkit detector, at least two, and have them check the slave drive. There are free rootkit detectors on the web.

5. If a lot of the advice you are getting sounds unfamiliar, then you may want to get professional help with the PC.

And even if you do all this, you may not be able to remove the problem. You may have to "nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure" (reformat the HDD). I hope you have your data backed up. Hope this helps.

Re: Adaware help
 

Elfbane has excellent. excellent advice. And he beat me to the slaving of the harddrive!

If you have a friend who knows how to build/fix PCs, even if he only does it as a hobby, have him read Elfbane's advice and follow his directions.

Re: Adaware help
 

I do have savvy friends all over; Titusville, Northfield, Michigan..

I'm just about to re-install ESET..

It found 2 bugs as I mentioned, but I had to go and the system seems to have bebooted. Probably due to the update I ran.

Re: Adaware help
 

I do have savvy friends all over; Titusville, Northfield, Michigan..

I'm just about to re-install ESET..

It found 2 bugs as I mentioned, but I had to go and the system seems to have bebooted. Probably due to the update I ran.

Re: Adaware help
 

I just did the CCleaner thing. I'll probably never get onto another forum again! :(

I downloaded and bought STOPzilla. It gave me a registry scanner to download. It says I have 709 registry issues. Is it worth buying, or will something else do this as well?

I now have Zonealarm, ESET, Adaware, STOPzilla and I don't know what the heck else..

Edit: Could someone also tell me how to put those icons next to my "Start" in the task bar, or start menu bar; whatever you call it? I usually put Firefox and T'Bird in there. Seems like things are working again; thanks everyone.

Re: Adaware help
 

Variol, I am really glad to see things are working again. ESET as I said is an excellent antivirus and CCleaner is a great little tool.

I call attention to two things Elfbane has mentioned in his response posts.

1. If you haven't done so already uninstall Norton and to do this fully you *have* to go to their website, find the version that you had installed and let their removal tool do it's work.

2. Download malwarebytes and let it do its work.

Also, check out this link by one jbeard. http://www.tech-101.com/system-security/topic198.html

It is an excellent short tutoral on PC security. The one place I disagree with him is his firewall recommendation of Sunbelt (though COMODO is very good). I would place Online Armor's free version well above Sunbelt (as do many tech sites). If ZA is working for you and it keeps you protected so be it.

You may also want to consider SuperAntiSpyware's free version and run it after you run Malwarebytes. It is another excellent tool but if you go with the free version keep in mind you will have to update manually the definitions. Also, it will be a resident software which means it is always in the background running but like NOD32 it takes very little resources to run.

Re: Adaware help
 

I just want to clarify that I did/do not have Norton installed. I just couldn't remember who worked for them.

I'll try out the Malware thing. I'm still waiting for a response from STOPzilla, but they do have a toll free number and the 30 day guarantee.

BTW,
Since I can't keep track of the heck does what anymore, will these programs tell if I have the program that does the same thing, running at the same time?

Re: Adaware help
 

Okay, I now understand on the Norton.

Here is a good simple rule for security: Router, one antivirus, one firewall, and one antispyware. This is the software that is called resident protection meaning it is always running in the background which is what you want.

If you know what you have installed and it has a good reputation you'll be fine. You have:

a. NOD32 Antivirus. It automatically updates as much as 5 times a day.

b. ZoneAlarm firewall.

c. No antispyware yet. Adaware can scan but at your discretion. That is why it won't interfer with a resident scanner because it only engages when told so.

* Therefore, with 2 of the 3 standard security measures in place plus your router you are in layered protection mode rather than just one security suit doing it all. I am a big proponent of the layered method.

* In other words, you know what you have loaded now and as long as they are updated you'll be fine. Occasionaly scan or you can set times when they do automatically.

* And as for STOPzilla, I read your other post. That is pure bunk. I hope it works out for you.

Re: Adaware help
 

malwarebytes wabts me to buy their stuff for $39.95. Is there another option? It won't clean without that.

Re: Adaware help
 

Just go to SuperAntiSpyware and download and install their free version. Then click on Scan your Computer and then Perform Complete Scan. Let it run. If it doesn't find anything that is great.

If you decide to keep it you'll have a nice antispyware program on your PC -- for free. :cool: (I personally run the $ version on my main rig because there are a lot more options that I can utilize but use the free one on our second PC).

Re: Adaware help
 

Go here..
http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes...-10804572.html

This ia a supposedly free version of Malwarebyte's Anti-malware. Don't be distracted by the full version that can schedule scans and auto-update,,,just load the free version, update it manually, and run it.

Re: Adaware help
 

May I ask another question?

We use "Windows Live One Care" for the spousal unit's Dell. It's straight forward, does what it needs to do, tells me what it found, ask me what I want it to do next, then executes, probably the best software I have ever encountered coming out of Redmond! Never found anything, but works good in scanning and cleaning up 'dead' file droppings.

How does it compare to all of these that have been listed?

The Dell is a bit dated, four years now, WinXP home "Dell" edition, it is multi-layered. DSL modem with software control and hardware settings, router with hardware/software controls, standard MS soft firewall, and Norton Corporate Edition (CE) for anti-v, and finally, MS Defender as malware protection.

I'm happy, she's happy, the rig is protected, and it all seems to come together quite nicely. :2cents:

Re: Adaware help
 

Felix, I would say if your experience with this Dell does everything you want it to I would say for the most part let it be. Stability is the main concern with good protection.

Next to a person's internet habits a router is the very first, best defense which you have. Norton's Corporate Edition is considerably better offering than the standard Norton offering that most people get. Just make sure it continues to update.

Two things I would definitly consider changing is...

1. The standard XP firewall is very poor. Believe it or not two of the best rated software firewalls are free. One is COMODO and many people use it but it takes some tweaking so I would say to not install unless you or someone else you knows how to configure.

The other firewall is Online Armor. I have the $ version on my main rig and the free on my second family PC plus a laptop. The $ has more options but the free has HIPS which is a great thing to have especially in a free offering.

Short for host-based intrusion prevention system, HIPS is an IPS or intrusion prevention system designed for security over host-based systems where intrusions and infections are dealt with at the individual workstation level to provide a more effective level of security.

Keep in mind, a new firewall will take time to learn your internet and downloading habits so you will receive pop-ups to ask if this what you really want to do. For some people its a pain but I say it is a very good thing because the firewall is doing what it is designed to do: Protect my computer.

If you decide to go with another firewall make sure the Windows one is disabled.

2.There are much better offerings than MS Defender though from what I understasnd it isn't bad. You've seen me mention SuperAntiSpyware (SAS). I have the $ on my main rig and I love it. It has a lot of configurable settings and for an additional $19 I get free lifetime updates. I also run the free version on my second PC and my laptop. As with anything free you get less options but SAS never fails to give the definition updates that they do with their $ version. You just have to do it manually.

* I'm sure Elfbane can lend you his expertise with some other solid options as well.

Re: Adaware help
 

I don't really have that much to offer you, Felix. Just the standard advice, here goes;

1. First off, if you are happy with the way spousal units PC is running, then let it be. I don't think Defender runs particularly well with XP, even though it was desisned for it, but it seems to be working fine for you.

2. ONE anti-virus, ONE firewall. This advice doesn't mean the router firewall, BTW. Nowadays most vendors package an anti-spyware with their AV, so you will be running an AS as well.

3. I don't have any particular advice on a firewall. There are dozens out there. I am guided somewhat in my choices because my spousal unit wants LOW NAG (preferably NO NAG) security operation. If the software nags her, she nags me. In revenge I put Vista on her machine.

4. There are other useful apps out there that do bang up jobs, and are free. You have read about them in this thread. My advice with them is to use them, but don't let them become resident. Just load them up when you need them....don't let them start up with the PC.

5. Now that you have read the advice in #4, I have an exception. I like an app called WINPatrol. It loads up with PC boot and it's job is to alert you to Registry changes. You can then allow or deny the change. Be aware that WINPatrol will do this even when you are loading a new program that requires Registry changes when it installs. Give it a try here...http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/fil...scription.html

6. As for Windows Live OneCare, I have no negative experience with it. All installations I have seen have worked fine.

I hope this helps. I'm A+ certified and a retired Navy AT1 and I've worked on computers professionally and as a hobby since '77. My strengh is the repair side though,, I'm not that strong on the ranking of apps,,,but I do like free!

Re: Adaware help
 

I downloaded Spywarefighter, which is free for 30 days. I ran for about 5 hours, found 80 problems and quarantined some, but not all of them.

I think some of the other border of false advertising. They all say "free download", but then it finds a bunch of stuff and want your money to take any action. ..kinda dirty I think. Then you gotta un-install it, 'cos it's useless on your PC.

I'll try the malware link Elfbane, but I'm doubtful..

Re: Adaware help
 

Grounds for divorce!!

Malware did install, run and remove some stuff. It does not look like it's current active though. Is this correct? I do not see an icon at the bottom for it.

Re: Adaware help
 

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware does not become resident. It will only run when commanded.

Re: Adaware help
 

Variol, what are your current symptoms? Also, STOPzilla is not all that good IMO. I don't see where anyone recommended that in this thread.

Re: Adaware help
 

Nobody recommended anything at the time, so i just did a search and that was the first one to come up. That's why I ask for links, or specific brands of software, so I have the right stuff.

Re: Adaware help
 

If you ever decide to give SuperAntiSpyware free a chance...

http://www.superantispyware.com/

Look under the Popular links box for the free download. You may on occasion get a reminder to try upgrading to the $ version but you never have to and they will update regardless (but you have to manually do it).

Re: Adaware help
 

If it does a good job, I don't mind paying for it. These people need to make money too. ..I hope they're not the ones causing these issues though. I would be a brilliant scheme!

Re: Adaware help
 

LOL! But what you say has some truth to it especially those that pop up and say, "You've been infected! Download so and so to fully remove, blah, blah, blah." The truth is...

1. They're the ones that infected you so that...

2. You'll download their product to remove it. When all the time...

3. Their product is one giant malware.

* I've seen this happen way to often and had to fix a few systems, including on my brother-in-law's PC but he doesn't want to heed my warnings but wants me to fix it.

*** But SAS is fully legit (listen to me, it sounds like I'm one of their salesman, but I'm not!). Compare their $ version to the free and decide what is best for you.

Re: Adaware help
 

Ok, here is the result:

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2658/spyware.jpg

I'm guessing this is a "false positive"? I have not taken any action yet.

Re: Adaware help
 

Adware.WinSrc is *not* a false positive. Either delete or quarantine.

Re: Adaware help
 

Ok, it's gone.
The other is fine though?

I took the other 2 out and I'm on the phone to get my money back from STOPzilla.

Re: Adaware help
 

Personally I would let SAS delete. There is a reason it flagged them. I think Variol once you get everything situated you are good to go with NOD32, SAS, Adaware, CCleaner, (I couldn't remember which firewall you have), and a router.

Re: Adaware help
 

I don't know what I have anymore either!!

I know I put one of the recommended ones in though..

Re: Adaware help
 

My friend who works at Ashley Furniture just sent me an email. The bottom of it has the eset.com link in it. Kinda interesting..

Re: Adaware help
 

No link was present. What did it say?

Re: Adaware help
 

It just said www.eset.com

I guess that's who they use for their anti-virus.

Re: Adaware help
 

Thanks much for the link. I didn't even realize they had released Version 4. I'm tempted to upgrade but I still have 15 months left on my present version 2.7.

Re: Adaware help
 

Could someone answer my earlier question about how to put icons next to the Start button, to work as a quick start button? I had them there before, for Firefox and Thunderbird.

Re: Adaware help
 

i just right click and drag the shortcuts onto mine. it won't work if the toolbar is locked so you will need to "unlock the toolbar". i.e. right click on it and choose you guessed it "unlock the toolbar". thats it.

as an aside, i just scanned my yoke with superantispyware and 264 detections! ha ha. christ.

Re: Adaware help
 

I just tried it again and it does not work. The taskbar is unlocked.

Re: Adaware help
 

don't need to right click but just drag the shortcut onto the toolbar making sure the little black vertical bar appears, when it does, let go and voila the new shortcut will appear. thats the easiest way, i'm sure there is a way to explore the quickbar thing but not sure how to.