Tech: Windows Problem

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows Problem
From: Grab
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 02:43 PM

Run MSConfig and see what's being run at startup (in the startup tab). System tray, task scheduler, power profile, AV, taskmon, ZoneAlarm are all OK. MS Messenger (or other similar), Real and other similar crap can have a significant effect.

JiK and Gargoyle have said everything else.

One possibility if someone *has* hacked you through you not having a firewall is that your PC is now part of a botnet and doing naughty things over the internet. If you're using ZoneAlarm, check how the internet traffic is looking when you haven't got IE or anything else open.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows Problem
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Mar 06 - 08:20 PM

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the help. That gives me something to work with.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows Problem
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 24 Mar 06 - 11:06 PM

Do you have a system restore/boot disk?

Check to see if any more than the basic four programs are running in the background - task manager/boot....remove superfulous

Run a virus program ON-LINE from any of the big providers.

Use CC-Clean to dump old files.

Use Ad-Aware - to remove the "go-to"'s

Install, and use Zone Alarm.

Do not pay a farthing for any of the above - all a available for FREE!

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

do NOT visit porn-sites.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows Problem
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 24 Mar 06 - 10:53 PM

There are almost too many possibilities to make reasonable guesses without hands-on examination of the machine.

1. The symptoms you experienced before reinstalling Windows may, or may not, give some indication of whether there was malware installed that you didn't detect and/or whether you have components that are marginal or failed/failing.

2. The complete method you used to reinstall Windows might give clues as to whether your reinstallation was "clean" enough to avoid duplication of files, cross-registrations, or other installation problems that could cause the symptoms described.

3. A reinstallation may sometimes be seen as a "new machine" and registering with Microsoft may be required to get/keep full function. There is a "grace period" of some few boots before some functions are automatically disabled for unregistered use; but if the registration is invalid lots of things will "go away." These is something of a problem with WinXP-Home, and a possible but lesser likelihood with WinXP-Pro.

4. If you installed from an older installation CD that does not include SP-1 and SP-2 you may have already picked up malware that exploits one of the holes that is patched by these two updates. Later security updates are necessary but usually attacks are not too frequent to get them on a more leisurely schedule.

5. If your Anti-Virus was not current the first time you logged onto the internet after you reinstalled Windows, or if your AV is not running properly, you may have been infected with something that interferes with your machine.

That's the short off-the-cuff list.

If you can pick one or two possibilities and provide more information it may (or may not) be possible to suggest remedies. For some, about the only thing that can be suggested is to get local help.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows Problem
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Mar 06 - 07:11 PM

I'm sorry. I am running Windows XP home Edition.

Subject: Tech: Windows Problem
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Mar 06 - 07:10 PM

Recently my computer died. Back when I had money I had it built for me with lots of memory and plenty of power so I could work with photos and play video games.

I tinkered with it and realized the problem was with Windows. I reloaded the program but now many of the features do not seem to work. DVDs do not play smoothly. The screensaver program does not kick on though I have set it up to do so. My computer seems to be running too slow, much slower than before the problem occurred.

Can anyone suggest a solution?