| Author |
Message |
    
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 180
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 6:37 pm: |     |
Uh, I really messed up the computer. It all started when I responded to Comcast's notice via e-mail that their Security System would no longer be effective as of Sept. 1 (I think) and that the new system would be McAfee...free downloads for Comcast customers. (Now I wonder if this was actually just a scam...I must call Comcast!)
So I downloaded the Firewall and Antivirus, via Internet Explorer, which always brings me trouble. Had major problems with McAfee windows that came up when I booted up....one said it had cleaned a virus, Backdoor something, but when I clicked "continue what I was doing," it wouldn't go away.
I also kept getting multiple McAfee pop-ups of two different programs, one was isippdrm and the other was ipigini...close anyway. I am not at home to get these exact, since I've totally messed up my home computer!
How? Well, to try and start again I uninstalled the Antivirus from McAfee from my computer. Following the advice using their online guide, also uninstalled the Windows XP2 pack. It said that could cause downloading problems and I thought that is what was giving me the earlier trouble. BIG MISTAKE! Now I read on another thread that that contains Windows firewall, so I guess I shouldn't have uninstalled it.
Now I can't access the internet to download anything...McAfee or the Windows pack. Keep getting a "Spool sub system" error. And a Win 32 error which shuts the computer down.I am also unable to use System Restore...tried that numerous times but it won't work. Sigh. Many hours later, I am sitting in the library pleading for help. I will check back tomorrow.
Can anyone recommend a person to come to my home to straighten out my mess? Or advise me on some steps I can take to try to correct this?  |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6104
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 9:51 pm: | |
Can you keep your computer going long enough to reinstall your antivirus program and then run it, without going onto the internet? You can try doing this in safe mode if you can't get a full reboot. You can also try running some diagnostic utilities to determine if any permanent harm has been done to your hardware.
Worst comes to worst, you can always reformat your hard drive and reinstall your OS.
|
Network & PC Care
Citizen
Username: Npccare
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 10:15 pm: | |
SP2 doesn't like to be uninstalled. I have seen a lot of problems with that.
It may be worth a reformat rather than hours of troubleshooting. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 2159
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 11:54 pm: | |
But won't you loose your data if you reformate?
When all else fails.....
 Problem Solved! |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6107
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 9:17 am: | |
JTA: You really do have some unresolved issues with your misbehaving computer don't you.
You will lose your data if you reformat. However, if you can get the computer started, you may be able to run it long enough to transfer some of that data to a portable disk.
Network and PC Care: If there is room in the tower for a second hard drive would it be possible to load the OS on the second drive, use that to boot the computer and then transfer data from one hard drive to the other or do both hard drives have to have a woking version of the OS system? |
TomD
Citizen
Username: Tomd
Post Number: 169
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 9:29 am: | |
Before reformatting (the most extreme thing), you could do the slightly less extreme thing and install a new version of XP on the same drive and not reformat. You'll have to reinstall all of your software  , which sucks, but you won't lose any data you have saved.
Before I'd even go the reinstall route, however, I'd try everything to get the system working again. I don't know if you can reinstall XP SP2 or not (odds are, you don't have the install file around).
One thing to try, right-click My Computer and see if you have System Restore. If you have a restore point from before all this, you might be able to turn back the clock, but I think uninstall SP might have wiped that out. |
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 181
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 4:03 pm: | |
Yes, I tried the System restore, but it doesn't work. I believe I have all of the discs that came with the computer (Dell). So TomD, is that the software you mean I should reinstall to get the XP again? Would the XP SP2 install file be a part of the discs that came with the computer?
The computer starts and I can access Word and Money, the two areas I would really want to save.
Joan, I can't run the anti-virus since I had uninstalled it due to the problems it was giving me. My plan was to install it after I uninstalled the XP SP2, the reinstall the XP. The only way to get it is to get it via the McAfee/Comcast web site via the internet. How do I run a diagnostics?
So it sounds like the best plan may be to save my stuff to a disc then reinstall the OS. I did this once before due to another virus over Memorial Day weekend last year. However, the guy from Dell walked me through it via telephone calls. I can't recall how to do this.
Thanks for the help and advice. |
TomD
Citizen
Username: Tomd
Post Number: 174
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 4:26 pm: | |
Depending on when you purchased your PC, the version of Xp you have may or may not be SP2, but it isn't really important. If you install a pre-SP2 version, it's easy enough to install SP2 afterwards.
If you reinstalled the OS before (without doing the whole reformat thing) you should be able to do it again.
Before doing that (assuming all of the McAfee stuff is gone), I'd try to uninstall and reinstall Internet Explorer. You can do that from Add Remove Programs -Add Remove Windows Components (which takes you to the XP setup).
Of course, that still might not work. Reinstalling the OS without a reformat should let you get a fresh start without deleting all of your data. You'll have to reinstall everything and you're hard drive will be kind of cluttered. I think it's a worthwhile trade-off. Just makesure you back up as much of the important stuff (MS Money, Word files, etc.)before you do anything drastic. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6125
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 7:19 pm: | |
Mimosa:
I also have a Dell (Dimension 8400) which is approximately one year old. It came with Windows XP Professional. The version of XP, which is listed on the face of the reinstallation CD is Service Pack 1a. You would use this disk (mine has a purple label while the other CDs which came with the computer have blue labels) to reinstall windows. Then you can install the drivers and applications in that order as needed.
Did you uninstall your anti-virus programs or delete them? There is a difference. If you uninstalled them, you may be able to use the program in your control panel to re-install them. Just select the program you want to reinstall, click and follow any directions that may follow.
If you deleted the programs, one or both may still be on your hard drive. Check the recycle bin, waste basket shaped icon, to see if the program(s) are listed. If so, just undelete.
Re: running utilities on Dell computer. As soon as windows cycles on, press the function key for the boot drive (check upper right hand corner of the windows screen as soon as it appears) and you will find a listing of diagnostic utilities you can use to see if there is any hard drive damage.
You can also try calling the technical support number in your owners manual for over the phone assistance. I found the technician who helped me to be very tenacious and patient.
Good luck. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 2166
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 8:10 pm: | |
My computer won't fully boot. It tries, but then recycles. Joan -Yeah, I guess you can say I have some issues with my computer.
This was us in happier days. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 7203
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 8:15 pm: | |
In the good ole days when I used Windows, I always found deleting everything and starting from scratch was faster than trying to learn what had happened and buying software and/or services to fix it.
|
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 186
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - 1:17 pm: | |
If you're still having problems on Friday, feel free to bring your PC (and XP disc) to my house in the late afternoon. I'll be happy to recover your data, at least, if we can't get the OS back to a happy place. I live in Maplewood, relatively close to downtown.
You can PM me to arrange the details! |
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 182
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - 5:22 pm: | |
Thanks Joan and TomD for your continued guidance. I spent last night backing everything up. I will attempt your suggestions next.
Case, thanks for the offer. I'll let you know if I need to take you up on that! |
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 183
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 5:15 pm: | |
Just wanted to let you know I am finally back with the computer working. Ugh!What a lot of time.
Tried to reinstall the OS using my disc, but it didn't work. Kept stalling at the installing step. Finally I caved and called Dell. Spent about five hours over two days on the telephone with Dell; spoke to folks in USA, Canada, and India.I reinstalled the Windows XP with one person's guidance. Then, after purchasing the McAfee security suite and going through the install with the dude from Dell (new guy) in Calcutta, the firewall and Privacy part wouldn't install.Reasons still unknown.So he guided me to download zone alarm and ad-aware. He assures me the zone alarm and ad-aware will serve the same purpose as the privacy and firewall components. The virus scan went in without a hitch...how unusual for me! The fellow also suggested that I do not download the SP2 for Windows from the site, but rather purchase it. Downloading seems to be causing me these compatibility problems.
Anyway, thanks to all for their offers for help and support. I appreciate your taking the time! Now I'm a happy camper.
Or will be once the dishwasher gets fixed. When it rains it pours. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6172
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 11:45 am: | |
Mimosa:
Congratulations on getting your computer up and running again.
I downloaded SP 2 recently from the Windows Update site. SP 2 now has an update, that I also installed. The update automatically picked up on the fact that I had Norton installed and turned off the anti-virus and firewall components in SP 2. Thus no compatibility problem and the components are there if I need them in the future.
If you do decide to download from the CD, be sure the upgrade is included. Otherwise, it is exactly the same program you had before and the same problem could occur. |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1195
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 3:59 am: | |
You don't need to order a CD with SP2 on it, I'll let you borrow a copy. |
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 185
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 5:32 pm: | |
Thanks! Reading about Just the Aunt's troubles with SP2 and Norton makes me nervous about doing anything for now.
When I am again feeling computer-bold, I will be pleased to take you up on this offer!
Umm, your little video kinda makes me nervous too. |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 481
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 9:52 pm: | |
mimosa
If you have to choose between Norton and SP2, choose SP2, and get yourself McAfee. SP2 has a lot of security and stability updates. |
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 186
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 4:36 pm: | |
I do have McAfee. For some unknown reason it would not fully load. The Privacy and Firewall would only partially install. That's what makes me nervous. The unknown! Even the fellow from Dell couldn't figure it out. We retried the install a few times, but still didn't work. So I don't use McAfee firewall nor Privacy for spyware and ads, but have downloaded Ad-Aware and Zone Alarm, which have kept things perking along quite nicely since Saturday, when this all got settled. Another weird thing that happened is that when I had Spybot downloaded, the CD-rom drive would no longer initiate playing a CD, had to go to run. Also, I'd take a disc out and the Control Panel (or is it my computer?) still showed the disc as being in. So Dell dude just had me uninstall Spybot and things went back to working on that drive.
Do you think the SP2 would be okay with my set up? |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6199
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 4:56 pm: | |
I have both SP2 and Norton Internet Security on my Dell Computer. I loaded the Norton first and then downloaded both the SP2 and the Update. The update noticed that Norton was running and advised me to turn off the SP2 anti-virus and firewall, which I did. No problems. I have also been able to download Spybot with no adverse effects.
I can't advise as to how sp2 would interact with McAfee or Zone Alarm. |
TomD
Citizen
Username: Tomd
Post Number: 190
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 8:27 am: | |
SP2 works fine with ZoneAlarm (and, I suspect McAfee). If you install a software firewall, like ZoneAlarm, you just need to disable the firewall that comes with SP2 (actually, I think SP2 should recognize that you are using ZoneAlarm).
There are a lot of good reasons, from a security standpoint, for Windows users to get SP2 installed.
If you have a cable or dsl connection, I don't know why you would need to buy an SP2 cd, you can just download it through WindowsUpdate. |
mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 187
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 3:59 pm: | |
How do I disable the SP2 firewall? Will it prompt me to do it?
I'm feeling braver and will probably download it (I have cable).
Gulp. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 6211
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 4:32 pm: | |
After I downloaded the SP2 Update, I was told that my SP2 firewall and anti-virus were being disabled because the program detected the Norton anti-virus and firewall software on my computer.
There is also a way to disable these programs manually though I don't remember how to do it. |
Matt Pannucci
Citizen
Username: Panuch
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 10:14 pm: | |
make sure you dont put on mcafee and norton on at the same time...ive seen bad stuff with that |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1220
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 12:11 am: | |
IF you look around this Technology section a bit, you may see a few options besides using Norton or McAfee. One of the first things I do for a client is to try to get them to stop using either one, I've seen to many headaches caused by these two popular and well marketed items. |
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