Re: Error messages on startup

NJBS wrote:


"John John" wrote:


WanActivate.exe? Is that a typo? Do you mean WinActivate.exe? WanActivate.exe sounds like malware to me.

John

NJBS wrote:


No it's WAN. What do I do about malware?


Malware is the abbreviated or shortened form of "malicious software", it's a term used to describe unwanted pests on a computer. http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-501&cop=mss&p=malware&x=0&y=0

Do an up to date virus scan on your machine. Also run a couple of spyware/adware scans on your machine, these are two of the better free spyware scanners:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
http://www.safer-networking.org/

When it comes to unwanted pests you shouldn't rely on one removal too only, it is best to have a couple of different tools, no one tool can remove or identify all the pests, one tool might pick up what the other leaves behind. You can also get general instructions on cleainig up these pests here: http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware


Is this something I can solve myself without knowing anything about computers or will I have to take it back to the shop?

Run your AV/Malware removal tools, scan your computer and see if they can find pests to remove. You should at least learn about these utilities, you shouldn't have to rely on others to run virus and malware scans. If you get a particularly nasty and difficult pest to remove then you may want to consider having a competent computer repair person do it for you.

If you need more help after you do your scans post to the group again and someone should be able to help or direct you to the proper resources for more in depth help.

John

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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Error messages on startup
    ... "John John" wrote: ... WanActivate.exe sounds like malware to me. ... When it comes to unwanted pests you shouldn't rely on one removal too ... Run your AV/Malware removal tools, scan your computer and see if they ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Error messages on startup
    ... NJBS wrote: ... WanActivate.exe sounds like malware to me. ... Also run a couple of spyware/adware scans on your machine, these are two of the better free spyware scanners: ... When it comes to unwanted pests you shouldn't rely on one removal too only, it is best to have a couple of different tools, no one tool can remove or identify all the pests, one tool might pick up what the other leaves behind. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Error messages on startup
    ... "John John" wrote: ... WanActivate.exe sounds like malware to me. ... When it comes to unwanted pests you shouldn't rely on one removal too ... Run your AV/Malware removal tools, scan your computer and see if they ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: administrator without admin rights
    ... The error is often the result of malware. ... is free of pests and malware. ... See here for instructions on how to ... When I am logged in with an adminstrative profile, I am, sometimes, told I do not have administrative priviledges. ...
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