******!!!!!!

**loops** · 02-07-2005, 06:31 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

for starters....ban the niece from the computer!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. You want technological advice

....nevahmind. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

**QK13** · 02-07-2005, 06:46 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

Originally posted by loops:
[qb] for starters....ban the niece from the computer! [/qb]

THAT was my FIRST step!

I'm seriously considering banning EVERYONE but ME from using the computer. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

**Rebycman** · 02-07-2005, 07:01 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

You will probably have to format if its so hosed that anti virus, adaware, spybot wont get rid of infections.

In the future delete any desktop shortcuts and even go into your Start > Programs and remove any shortcuts you don't want users to use there too. Some programs I even go in and rename so they cant be loaded no matter what (namely microsofts messenger IM client, I rename it to messenger.bad so it cant ever load).

It would also be a good idea to install a browser like FireFox (www.Mozilla.org) and let it be your 'default browser'.

Cleaning up an infected PC is a pain in the arse. For me it is usually faster to reformat the drive and reinstall the OS. Personaly I keep 2 hard drives in every box I own so I can dump off files to the 2nd drive, format and reinstall OS then copy my files back off the backup drive. Your mileage may vary.

Regards,

-Reby

**Nanook** · 02-07-2005, 07:12 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

msn messenger=bad??? Reby, could you please elaborate? I used to use ICQ, but I hated it.

**Rebycman** · 02-07-2005, 08:17 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

I quit using Instant Messengers(IM) when I got out of the video game industry. I used to use 2 IM clients, and ircN to shoot the breeze with co-workers and friends online. The problem with IM's are plenty, starting with:

1) Poor design (some IM's are better than others. I'm talking about everything from the GUI to the backend design)
2) Security risks (IM's have been exploited to send popup ads to client machines. I had this happen just last week when I reformatted my XP Pro box. Within 3 minutes of going back online I had already been infected, easy to fix but none the less things havent changed in 5+ years of IM design - note: patches fix most of this, if the user actually goes and gets them...which they usually don't...DOH!)
3) Virus designed for IM's (virus/trojan/malware/spyware are now being designed to spread via messenger and other IM clients, try a google search for 'messenger' and 'virus' you'll see what I mean)

I am a purist geek, I try to use the KISS method (keep it simple stupid) whenever possible. I am also annoyed with messenger (and Microsoft for that matter) for auto-installing this unsafe junk on PC's by default. I suppose I shouldnt complain, I get paid more money to fix Microsoft's problems...but its still annoying. I don't mean to pick Microsoft, its not just messenger but all IM clients (ICQ, Yahoo, ect).

Now you know why I'm such a forum troll [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] its because I don't use IM's.

-Reby

**QK13** · 02-08-2005, 12:21 AM

Re: ******!!!!!!

I am using MSN Explorer as my browser, I know it's probably just IE in a tuxedo, but HOW do I make something my default browser. Actually I was told how in another thread, but I can't figure out which file name to use.

MSN help desk leaves a lot to be desired.

Sad part is, I reformatted just a short time ago, I was all nice and fresh when the "children" decided to go online!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

**Rebycman** · 02-08-2005, 12:34 AM

Re: ******!!!!!!

The default browser is a setting in the browser options (Usually Tools > Options). When/If you install FireFox you will be automaticaly promted 'Would you like FireFox to be your default browser?'. Answer Yes, and that's it.

Under the hood MSN Explorer is just IE. There are safer free products that do a better job, imho. I really, really like FireFox as my web browser(no I don't own their stock [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] )

-Reby

**QK13** · 02-08-2005, 12:44 AM

Re: ******!!!!!!

Thanks Rebycman, I used Netscape Navigator for a while, but when I got DSL, MSN8 came with it and I installed it with the fresh install of windows.. So I use it for the pop up blockers, not much else.

I'll try FireFox. Thanks.

**Nanook** · 02-08-2005, 01:20 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

Thank you Reby for the info on the 'messengers'.

It never occured to me that they would be a source of virus attack, but from what I read it would take an act of opening a flie sent to you from an unknown source, but then, I suppose if someone else you message with did such a thing, and then sent you a file from thier machine, you would get the virus..... now that's scarey! I'll rethink file recieving on the messenger for sure!

**QK13** · 02-08-2005, 02:32 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

I installed firfox this morning.
Seems to be pretty cool.

I may still format as pop ups keep coming in thru IE, even tho I made FF my default browser.

Also the pages get hijacked... I'll be reading or typing and suddenly I'm on a different page... Red something or other... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

I hate these dyam machines!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

**Rebycman** · 02-08-2005, 03:02 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

You still have some adware/spyware or possibly even a virus or two on that machine. Do you run a firewall and anti-virus? If not you could try installing ZoneAlarm (an egress software firewall free for home users), and AVG (free anti-virus) to see if they stop the problems. If not I'd download ZoneAlarm, and AVG, burn the exe installers to a CD. Then go ahead backup any files you want to save and format, reinstall the OS.

Before you go back online install AVG and ZoneAlarm FIRST! After that go ahead and hit windows update and get the patches for your operating system. From here you should be off and running, install FireFox and set it as default browser and you should be ready to restore any backups of your files/documents/bookmarks/etc.

Good Luck,

-Reby

**QK13** · 02-08-2005, 03:06 PM

Re: ******!!!!!!

I use McAfee V.scan online. I actually PAY for the service, it updates automatically and yet I STILL get this #!@#)*( coming thru!

Lawd a massy! Thanks for all your help reby, what do yu do for a living? Yuh a smawt sumaddy eh?

******!!!!!!

******!!!!!!

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