Windows XP Pro....PIA problems

[bentwings]

Ok I really didn't want to start a new thread but I just couldn't find anything to tack this onto. I also read "sticky" and updated my signature by using the Belarc advisor as noted here.

Here are the problems
1. Outlook exp gets a "run time error" every time I sign on. 2 gray boxes. click on the close or exit and get rid of them...listen to the @#$% gong sound and start over by clickin on OE. Then all is Ok for most of the sessions using e-mail. I can live with this but it is a real PIA.
2. Most serious..I frequent forums engineering, automotive, model aircraft mostly. When entering a post such as this, right in the middle of entering a comment (like this) the system logs me off with the "MS has encountered a serious error...) box and asks to send report or close (exit) Then the system kicks me back to my start window (win xp default I think)
3. Item 2 above also occurs when entering a site and responding to the site's request for information. For example I try to send a resume or type a cover letter. These can maybe take an hour to develope and it is very frustrating to lose the whole thing.
4. Item 2 also occurs in ms word. For example when I built my resume. Fortunatey I was wise to this and frequently save so not all was lost but it means going back and reopening word and my files.

This all started about Feb of this year and has gotten worse.

I hope I have provided enough information for y'all to help me. I have more info regarding my computer but I didn't want the sig. to get too big.

I'm not a computer wizz by any means and prefer to use it as a tool rather than something to dig into. I have enough hobbies already.

If this isn't enough info ask and I'll try to provide.
thanks
bentwings

[Jazz]

Hi bentwings

For starters, do the following and post back with results: -

1. Don't use OE, it is a serious vunerability waiting to happen!

2. Reinstall IE: -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318378

3. Learn to save all data!!! (Noted the comment in Note 4.)

4. Do a repair installation of Office.

Have you run an online AV scan lately?

http://www.pandasoftware.com/actives..._principal.htm

Do you use p2p, especially, KaZaA?

Used the following free tools lately, just to be on the safe side? Run them regularly.

Turn off System Restore, prior to performing the following and re-enable it after, if you wish to do so: -

http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

The reason you need to disable System Restore, is that many of these pests/virii hide within the Restore files. These are protected by Windows, therefore the scans will delete the pests/virii from its initial location, but not from the Restore folder.

System Restore is unpredictable and unreliable at the best of times and seldom works as intended. It is much better
to use a disk imaging or backup utility such as Norton Ghost 2003. Tried and tested, IMO.

Run an online AV scan, as some virii are designed to disable installed AV. In addition, I take it that you have a quality, updated and properly configured AV and Firewall on your system: -

http://www.pandasoftware.com/active...n_principal.htm

Dl, install, update and run the following free apps on a regular basis: -

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ (Ad-aware)

http://www.lavahelp.com/howto/fullscan/index.html (Ad-aware Tutorial)

http://www.safer-networking.org/ (Spybot-S&D)

http://www.net-integration.net/reviews/spybot2.html (Spybot-S&D Tutorial)

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html (SpywareGuard)

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html (SpywareBlaster)

http://209.133.47.200/~merijn/downloads.html (CWShredder)

http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ (McAfee Stinger)

[bentwings]

Jazz
Thanks for the huge response. It looks like I have a pile to check out.

I do appologize...I led you astray. I use ms outlook not out look exp. I've used both and just got confused.

I'll answer a few questions now and more later.

I do a weekly scan for virus but rarely find anything. I often get notes that a dangerous file has arrived (email) and follow the advice to remove or quarantine it. I also watch MS for updates and add those that seem to apply. This computer is not networked however it is vital to me.

Yes I'm a pack rat when it comes to saving things. As it turns out I rarely use old things. But you never know.....

I probably should put a lot of stuff on a cd or 2. I haven't even used that facility yet. This guy is really out in rt field. huh.?

To my knowledge kazaa is not on my system as I strictly forbid down loads of any music file, unknown shareware. I do not allow chat rooms, on line messaging...in fact the kids are not allowed to use this computer for any online things due to previous abuse. No one out side of my family at home is allowed to touch this thing.

p2p..?? pardon me for being dumb. I'm just a mech eng. and live in a world of gears and shafts and have no knowledge of bits and pieces. what is this?? I hope I haven't caught it.

system restore...as it turns out I was able to use this contrary to a lot of na sayers.. It fixed a problem with email and MS Word page format. However what you are saying is scary and is certainly taken as good advise.

I will have to check Norton Ghost 2003.

I do have Symantec with the firewall. I really hope the fires haven't burned through LOL.

I will try to run the programs listed either today or tonight and see what happens.

I use this computer for engineering things mostly and houshold matters and sending and receiving email. . I rarely down load programs except proven engineering stuff. I vist a few special interest tech forums..like this...put my .02cents in when appropriate. pretty boring I'm told.

As a side note in the last 3 weeks about 75% of the popups have disappeared. Great...they were very annoying. Possibly my symantec is working. Even on a couple sites notorious for popups they have disappeared. Maybe the site owners have listens to us.

I do clean cookies and history daily. only those I really need remain. Surprisingly the list is not long.

Anyway I'm going to proceed as you noted and I'll post results as soon as possible.

thanks again !!!!

bentwings

[Jazz]

No problem......

It really is advisable to do an online Anti-Virus scan, as per my comments.

KaZaA is p2p. I.e. Peer 2 peer. One computer/various computers to another/to others. It is really like going to an orgy without using a condom, IMO, as there are so many 'nasties' in the wild. You would be amazed at how many peaople use p2p without adequate security installed on their systems! In addition, some virii, etcetera, are no longer initiated by user 'double-clicking'. They activate, for want of a better expression, on their own accord!

As noted, I cannot stress the importance of regular backing up of important data. So many users either forget, or cannot be bothered to backup and cry when their ‘University Thesis’, used as an example, has gone up in smoke!

Re: KaZaA – Good. Another point to make using p2p software, is the inevitable spyware. adware, virii, trojans, etcetera, that are doing the ‘circuit’. In addition, the majority of downloads are theft of copyright anyway. However, that is another story altogether.

Browse to the following links as a testimony to using KaZaA and p2p in general: -

http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,61852,00.html

http://users.sisna.com/mjmcmillan/myweb2/P2P.htm

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/kazaa.htm

Good luck……

[bentwings]

Hi again,
Thanks for the education on p2p. I've heard the term but just didn't connect. My day is complete..I learned something. LOL
I am scared to death now.
From what you said there is no doubt that Kazaa is here. I think something the kids did earlier brought it on.
I did read up the back up proceedures you listed...after getting logged off a few times. I do have the backup utility installed. I did check it and it looks like it will run fine. I need some CD's so I'm off to the store.
I have considered just installing a new HD and backup the files I need and reinstall Win XP and any programs i need. It will cost some $$$ but It may be the solution.
Additionally I have given some thought to a new computer just for internet and use this one (existing) for my stuff. Need more thought and $$$ than available now however.
I will run the weekly V scan while I'm gone. It takes awhile.
When I installed the Symantec somewhere there was an option to scan outgoing as well as incomming mail, I chose to do this so my email is scanned both ways.
Well off to the store.
bentwings

[Jazz]

Re: KaZaA; download the following free program, in order to eliminate all aspects of KaZaA and the bundled software that comes with it: -

http://www.spychecker.com/program/kazaagone.html

I have considered just installing a new HD and backup the files I need and reinstall Win XP and any programs i need. It will cost some $$$ but It may be the solution.

http://www.infohq.com/Computer/addin...ive-review.htm

http://members.aol.com/mbs1058/2nd_hd.html

Don't forget to do the online Panda AV scan as well.
Just ensure that your installed AV and Firewall are always updated and properly configured. Correct configuration can be obtained via your AV/Firewall vendor.

Don't forget to include compressed files in your normal and email scans!

[bentwings]

Yesterday while going through the list you gave, I did a virus scan and the dam thing deleted something and when I came back to get on the web it would not hook up. I called the provider (charter) and spent an hour trying things and the guy final said that he thinks something got corrupted in the OS. Just what i didn't need. It looks like the TCP/IP is gone as far as I can tell. Honestly I was just searching around and I see some blanks in the internet set up? I really can't give much discription as I wasn't looking for anything when it happened. The VS usually takes 15-30 minutes and the delete list just had a few files that come on email..unknown senders etc. I did not see any virii.

I talked to a local computer repair place and they said they may be able to fix it with some kind of repair software they have otherwise it is reload time. Fortunately I can access the computer files ...just not get onthe web.

To top this off, a little while later I was in the middle of a job interview on my cell phone and it logged me off!! Talk about embarassing.

I am at the career center and can still access my email..send and receive, it's just 20 miles out of the way. At best I can maybe hit here twice a day.

I'm going to back up what files I can then deal with the "box"

Thanks for the help
bentwings

If you respond I'll catch it here. Luckily I can do email

[Miz]

Download LSPFix.exe (it's free), put it on a floppy, copy it from the floppy to the harddrive of the problem computer and run it.

If the problem of not getting online is due to a damaged winsock from the malware that was removed, LSPFix will repair it.

[Jazz]

Jees, talk about bad luck! I guess it just wasn’t your day, dude! ;-)

However, if you used Panda’s online scanner, it would only identify a virus and automatically disinfect it. That is rather odd, to say the least!

As far as the IP/TCP is concerned, if the fix by Miz does not work, you ‘should’ be able to reinstall IP/TCP by doing the following: -

Try this first. You never know, it may even work - Type “sfc /scannow” into Start – Run, without the quotes, noting that there is a space between c and / and hit OK. Just have your XP CP handy.

Then, try the following: -

Start – Settings – Network Connections – right click your Internet connection – select Properties – click on IP/TCP and click Install. After checking the usual suspects afterwards, Username, Password, correct number, etcetera, that should do the trick. Don’t forget to activate your Symantec Firewall, AV, etcetera, prior to going online again.

Regarding the PC repair shop, I would not bother wasting money, however, that is your call, as all they would be able to do is either ‘System Restore’, if you use it, or perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP. Try System Restore first. Seeing that you cannot access the Internet. Do the following: -

1. Backup all important data, movies, music, etcetera, prior to performing the reinstallation.

2. NOTE: You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling Windows XP

Method 1: Reinstall Windows XP from Within Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP from within Windows XP, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer.

2. Insert the Windows XP CD in your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

3. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page that appears, click Install Windows XP.

4. On the Welcome to Windows Setup page, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type box (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.

5. On the License Agreement page, click I accept this agreement, and then click Next.

6. On the Your Product Key page, type the 25-character product key in the appropriate Product key boxes, and then click Next.

7. On the Get Updated Setup Files page, select the option that you want, and then click Next.

8. Follow the instructions on the remaining pages of the Windows XP Setup Wizard to reinstall Windows XP.

Method 2: Reinstall Windows XP by Starting Your Computer from the Windows XP CD

To reinstall Windows XP by starting your computer from the Windows XP CD, follow these steps:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

NOTE: Your computer must be configured to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. For more information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, see your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer.

2. You receive the following message on the Welcome to Setup screen that appears:

This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:


To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Press ENTER to set up Windows XP.

3. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.

4. Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.

5. Follow the instructions on the remaining screens to reinstall Windows XP. After you repair Windows XP, you may be required to reactivate your copy of Windows XP.

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

310064 HOW TO: Troubleshoot Windows XP Setup Problems When You Upgrade from Windows 98 or Windows Me

After You Perform an In-Place Upgrade

After you perform an in-place upgrade or repair installation, you must reinstall all updates to Windows. To reinstall Windows updates, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

For additional information about how to troubleshoot specific Windows XP Setup issues, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
312369 You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows XP
312368 Data Loss May Occur After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows XP

For additional information about Windows XP Setup, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
286463 Release Notes for Windows XP Setup Contained in the Pro.txt File
306824 Release Notes for Windows XP Setup Contained in the Home.txt File
286647 Windows XP Read1st.txt File Contents

Post back with the results and good luck with the job interview as well!

[bentwings]

Wow thanks for the reply!!
Sorry for the delayed return. My computer went from bad to worse and I'm still trying to find a job. This has curtailed my computer work and I simply had to take it to someone to fix. I was able to get to the unemployment office to use their computers for a limited time and copy this info and take it to the comp shop. They welcomed it!! hopefully that means something. I hate taking anything in to get fixed but this is a must do thing. My son originally put this comp together about 2 yr ago unfortunately he lives 800 miles away. I will try to download the info as noted above and try it out. I was able to backup everything I could find before the computer went to worse. LOL if you can. So far it is as you say....the guy says I may lose some files but that's ok I think. I just want the d... thing to work and get back on line. I told him if he has to reformat the hard drive 15 times to get to work go a head...just get it done.
Fortunately I have discs for all of the programs I use.

Well I must resume job hunting. I get back shortly hopefully with my own piece. THANKS AGAIN
bentwings

[Jazz]

Sorry to hear about the employment situation and hope that it gets resolved sooner rather than later.

You showed my message to the guys in the PC repair shop.

Regarding the PC repair shop, I would not bother wasting money, however, that is your call, as all they would be able to do is either ‘System Restore’, if you use it, or perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP.

They must have loved that comment. *LOL*

Good luck dude.....

[bentwings]

I hope it was alright to show your comments. i guess i should have asked first. The place is ok ..at least they will listen and will try to fix things rather than go on "fishing trips."
The thing is still there maybe tomorrow. They are really busy from all of the boxes awaiting work.
I do have a phone interview this week....yeah. about time. Maybe i can make a machine to make chips less expensive LOL.

I'll keep in touch. Looks like there is a lot I can do when my unit gets home.

bentwings

[Jazz]

No problem bentwings LOL ;-)

I was only jesting...

Good luck with everything, especially the job hunting!!!

[bentwings]

I finally got my box back. At first there really wasn't much changed. no internet, missing files, things changed around...on and on. I tried to work with it but it still got worse. I had already tried some of the fixes suggested before sending it off but it just kept getting worse untill it would barely open windows after about 5 minutes.
Got tired of it. Luckily I made a backup of the important stuff and had discs for the rest of the software.
My son has a "wipe" program that totally cleans the HD. He sent it to me and walked me through the process. He said don't worry about it and don't mess with it. I haven't a clue what it is but it sure wiped out everything. I don't think I could have done better with a rare earth magnet.
I reinstalled the full XP Pro and ser pac 1 as well as MS updates.. While it still isn't exactly as before it is a lot faster than ever. It now boots up in about 45 sec. IE comes on instantly as does outlook exp. I'm not real happy with OE but I can change it as necessary. A couple of my graphic intensive programs now run perfectly. The belly in my screen display is gone and I am able to run one level higher screen res.
My cd/cdr seems slower but doesn't quit in the middle of lengthy transfers as it did before.
The only problem is my printer. Actually I had to give up my original Epson 1270 for my wife's 870. Long story...don't ask. As it turns out the d...m printer won't print. It seems installed ok. I think there is something wrong with the ink system. The printer was only used about 3 mo and very little at that. I'm going to get new ink cart. tomorrow so maybe that will fix it.
The shop actually didn't charge me for the work even though they had about a whole day into it. The guy said I could install XP myself and save some $$$ so I was for that. I'm going to take a pizza over to them Friday for lunch.

I want to thank y'all for the help. I was able to write down the file url's so I can try to fix any future problems before they get out of hand.
Sure is nice to be back on line.
bentwings

[Jazz]

Glad you are back online bentwings.

It is always better to do a completely clean installation of any OS, IMO. That way, you know that you are starting with a clean system.

Re: Your DVD/CDROM. Even though they are relatively cheap, at least here in the UK, I would advise you to invest in a laser lens cleaner prior to changing drives, to see if that helps.

Re: The printer. Check the manufacturers website to see if there are any software/driver updates.

The shop actually didn't charge me for the work even though they had about a whole day into it. The guy said I could install XP myself and save some $$$ so I was for that. I'm going to take a pizza over to them Friday for lunch

I have never known a puter repair shop not to charge for services rendered, however little they actually do! Make mine a thin crust, well done, mushroom, chilli and double garlic one man. LOL

Good luck with the job hunting........................