Re: Sudden freezes, and bits missing

I will try this, thanks Galen. I am fully firewalled and so on with McAffey
Security, but have always had my suspicions that it misses spyware, as it
rarely updates the spyware definitions.

"Galen" wrote:

> In news:FF5C6E1D-E7CF-454A-9CBC-4616A26ECDA8@xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
> Tim <Tim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> had this to say:
>
> My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:
>
> > Recently, comp randomly 'freezes' for a minute or so at a time, then
> > returns to normal. Ctrl/Alt/Del reveals procesor usage approaching
> > 100% at these times. Can happen when running any application.
> >
> > Second problem. When accessing control panel from 'Start', it
> > crashes, the desktop clears and then re-populates itself with icons.
> > This does not happen when accessed from double click on 'My Computer'
> >
> > Third problem (maybe related). Dropdown menus no longer appear, eg
> > when right clicking on IE Explorer Icon to get to properties. The
> > outline of the drop down box appears, and if the mouse cursor is
> > hovered over the appropriate area, the menu options appear, and when
> > clicked they still work.
>
> This is so generic a problem, or list of problems, that I'm going to give
> you the malware solution first and see if that helps. Start with this, it's
> not quick nor easy, and see if you still have problems. Keep in mind that
> just because you may already have some of these applications doesn't mean
> that they're always right. When in doubt get a second opinion in other
> words. Also pay attention to the scanning in safe mode bit.
>
> Virus:
> www.grisoft.com - AVG
> www.antivir.com - AntiVir
> http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/index.cfm - CA eTrust
>
> Spyware:
> www.lavasoft.de - AdAware
> http://security.kolla.de/ - Spybot
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx -
> Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta
>
> Trojan:
> www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/ - a Squared
> http://swatit.org/ Swat It
>
> Before cleaning download this:
>
> LSP-Fix - a free program to repair damaged Winsock 2 stacks:
> http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
>
> Use that should cleaning out your PC remove or damage your in-place winsock
> and you can't connect to the internet.
>
> From the virus and trojan category pick one application, they're all free,
> download it and install it. Make sure that you update it. From the spyware
> category pick all three, download them and update them to the latest
> definitions. Reboot, press the F8 key over and over again, from the menu
> select Safe mode without networking. Do your cleaning in there. Reboot to
> regular mode and run the scans again. This isn't going to be quick or easy
> but it might just solve your problems and it should prevent you from further
> problems so long as you keep them updated and scan often. Most of them can
> be enabled to update and scan automatically.
>
> Galen
> --
>
> "My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me
> the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am
> in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial
> stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for
> mental exaltation." -- Sherlock Holmes
>
>
>
.