Re: Many problems

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Chuck (none_at_example.net)
Date: 11/09/04 

Date: 9 Nov 2004 01:58:09 -0600

On Mon, 8 Nov 2004 17:58:03 -0800, ***Wolverine***
<Wolverine@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Hi Chuck,
>Thank you for the instructions on how to enable a firewall. I do know how
>to create a shortcut, but what I've run into in the past is that I run those
>programs (not the ones that you mentioned--yet), and they find some adware
>that are listed as "low" problems, but I don't know which ones I'm suppose to
>delete because some of them say they are from Microsoft. I guess I'm afraid
>to do anything without step-by-step directions.
>I don't think I have that Service Pack 2 on my computer. Should I download
>it? I've seen so many e-mails saying that people have problems after
>installing it, so I haven't done so yet.
>I don't have the oportunity to be on my computer for very long, so it may
>take me a little while to try to enable the firewall, but please check for my
>response occasionally. Thanks for all you help.

SP2 is a good idea for many reasons, if installed correctly, but will not fix
all possible security problems. The most useful accessory is a well-tuned
interface between the chair and keyboard.

As far as the adware FUD, I sympathise with you. Uncertainty about adware /
spyware detections is always a problem.

Reading alt.comp.virus, alt.computer.security, alt.privacy.spyware,
microsoft.public.security, and microsoft.public.security.virus is a good way to
stay informed. Also CERT at <http://www.cert.org/>, and SANS at
<http://isc.sans.org/>. And a very active and reliable forum is SpywareInfo at
<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/>. And the BBR/DSLR Security forum at
<http://www.dslreports.com/forum/security>.

As far as knowing what to delete, that will only come with experience. Find
products that you can trust, and use them. The tools that I suggested -
AdAware, HijackThis, and Spybot, will all keep backups of anything that they
remove. Of course, the experts at SWI Forums (and others) will help you in
diagnosing problems identified by HijackThis (please don't use HJT without
expert advice).

With proper preparation, SP2 is not a problem. The complaints that you see
represent a very small percentage of the total number of SP2 installations that
go without any problems. Many forums run a poll from time to time: "Have you
implemented SP2 yet, and did you have problems?", and the great majority of the
answers that you'll see say "No problems".

However, most security experts also advise that the SP2 firewall, while better
than nothing, does not constitute a reason of its own to implement SP2. Third
party firewalls, like Kerio, Sygate, or Zone Alarm, are far superior to WF, and
work with multiple versions and SP levels of Windows.

Whatever you do, please do something. Immediately. On many ISP services, you
can be infected by the worm of the month within 2 MINUTES of connecting to their
service, if your computer is otherwise unsecured. Once infected, your computer
can be used to infect others, to serve as a tool to attack others, or for spam
distribution. And occasionally (too rarely, unfortunately) owners of infected
computers, when identified, may lose their internet service without warning.

I'll keep an eye on this thread, so please post here with any more concerns.

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Many problems
    ... Hi Chuck, I started taking the steps that you listed on 11/4/04, but I've ... >>Thank you for the instructions on how to enable a firewall. ... SP2 is not a problem. ... > can be used to infect others, to serve as a tool to attack others, or for spam ...
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  • Re: Outlook wont send after XP SP2
    ... I'm afraid that doesn't help Andreas - I've tried it with & without ... It was working fine until I installed good old SP2. ... using McAfee Personal Firewall Plus as my default firewall, ... The error code I'm getting is 0x800ccc79 - on your forum you mention ...
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