Re: Accessing Web Problem



"Malke" wrote:

> Thom @ Pewaukee wrote:
>
> OK, I'm going to respond to these items inline. The first thing I want
> you to look at is the last thing I suggest about the firewall. Read
> that first and test. If you still can't get on line after changing the
> firewall settings, the connectivity problem might be caused by malware.
> If that is the case, I'm going to suggest you take the machine to a
> good local professional (not a BestBuy or CompUSA type of store). I'm
> not saying this to hurt your feelings. It is just that it is apparent
> from your post that your skillset may not be up to this. I think the
> most efficient thing to do is have someone fix the computer for you.
> But I will give you my comments and suggestions anyway so you can
> decide what is best for you.
>
> > 1) I deleted my temp and Temp internet files. I couldn't get into
> > the Safe Mode. I pressed all the buttons, F1, F8, delete, etc., but
> >couldn't find the button. My XP brochure doesn't tell me either. So
> >I ran it in regular mode.
>
> To get into Safe Mode, repeatedly tap the F8 key as the computer is
> starting up. This should get you to the correct menu. You absolutely
> cannot clean up a machine in Regular Mode. You must be able to get to
> Safe Mode. If you still can't get to Safe Mode in this manner, then in
> Regular Mode do:
>
> Start>Run msconfig [enter]
>
> On the boot.ini tab check the /SAFEBOOT option. Restart the machine and
> it will go into Safe Mode. You will need to run msconfig again and
> uncheck /SAFEBOOT to get back to Regular Mode when you are finished
> scanning.
>
> > I'm not sure what you mean by the antivirus. I understood this to
> > mean the
> > Spbybot, etc. programs. I do get a window, a microsoft window, that
> > says my
> > antivirus program is outdated. I thought my EZ Armor software was
> > suppose to do that and it's suppose to be up to date, good until
> > August some time.
>
> Spybot and Ad-aware are not antivirus programs. Your EZ-AV is the
> antivirus, and the August date refers to when your subscription runs
> out. The reference to "outdated" means that your virus definitions may
> be old. Virus definitions must be current to the minute. Of course, if
> you haven't been able to get on line, they won't be to the minute.
> Hopefully the definitions will only be a few days old though.
>
> > 2) I ran Spybot S&D and Ad-aware. I did notice that there were a
> > number of
> > malware items listed in the scan. I hadn't used the computer since
> > the
> > previous scan. So, I presumed they weren't deleted by my previous
> > scan. I
> > ran HijackThis and three items came up. None listed malware. Because
> > I was
> > concerned with your note about the expert tool. I exited without
> > deleting anything.
>
> It does rather sound like you might have something on the system, but I
> can't tell from the information here. Run a HijackThis scan and post
> the log at the AumHa HJT forum (not here, please). Make sure you read
> the posting FAQ first.
>
> http://aumha.net
>
> > 3) I disabled/enabled System Restore. I have Windows XP, Home
> > edition.
> >
> > 4) Although I could access the internet, I could not access any
> > sites. I got that error page, can't find site, can't find page,
> > (Something like that.)
>
> Doesn't sound like you're on line, then.
> >
> > 5) I couldn't find a firewall program. Although, now that I think
> > about
> > it, that microsoft window did have a button for firewall. I haven't
> > paid much attention to the Windows antivirus/firewall/et. al window,
> > because I never purchased a Microsoft Antivirus program.
>
> XP SP2 automatically enables the Windows Firewall. Since you mentioned
> that you have EZ-Armor you probably have EZ-FW in your system tray
> also. This is a firewall and you should disable the Windows Firewall
> from its applet in Control Panel. *IMPORTANT*: Only do this if you are
> sure you have the EZ Firewall installed!
>
> There is no Microsoft antivirus program. You always need third-party
> antivirus software, like EZ-AV.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS MVP - Windows Shell/User
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> In Memoriam - MVP Alex Nichol
> The world is diminished without him.
>

OK...
I got into the Safe Mode, pressing F8, and ran Skybot and Ad-Aware. EZ
Firewall is installed. I didn't get a chance to rum HijackThis. I did
everything with exception of that. I tried to access the internet and got
the "This page Cannot Be Displayed". I was connected at 32Kbps and, after
clicking on an icon in the lower part of my screen, noticed an update being
downloaded. I had clicked on my Microsoft update in favorites. I didn't
have time to complete the process, but will try again tonight, along with the
HijackThis program, noting the log, and forwarding to http://aumha.net.

I'm hesitant to take my machine into a shop. It cost me $125 last time and
I still lost a lot. I can copy everything to a CD and reinstall Windows. I
know this takes time and I will have to upgrade Windows SP1 and SP2. I wish
I could download SP1 and SP2. The only other upgrade I would have is with my
internet provider. I'd rather do this and buy a new motherboard and with a
better processor. Just thinking.
.