Author Topic: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question  (Read 7686 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline soleil

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2151
  • Reputation: +57/-31
I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« on: October 15, 2010, 05:19:55 PM »
Ok, so I used system repair. It restored my computer to how it was before it got attacked by whatever. However, 1) I can't install my protection. It says the file is already in use (or something to that effect). 2) Sometimes when I am on certain web pages, my computer automactically goes to another page. Different pages. All random. For isntance, if I am in the DUmp, my computer will direct me to another page. It doesn't do this when I am in the Spa. I've cleaned my cookies, etc.


Any helpful hints?????

Offline Thor

  • General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13103
  • Reputation: +363/-297
  • Native Texan & US Navy (ret)
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2010, 06:38:47 PM »
Without going in depth and taking up a ton of board space, read here: http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,45925.0.html Do what is suggested.
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson

Offline soleil

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2151
  • Reputation: +57/-31
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2010, 06:57:14 PM »
Without going in depth and taking up a ton of board space, read here: http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,45925.0.html Do what is suggested.


Thanks!! Will do.

I bought Kaspersky to install, and I haven't been able to do it. Maybe I should try in safe mode? Do you have any experience with Kaspersky? I am so dumb when it comes to these things, and I should never be allowed to go buy these things without someone knowledgeable.

Offline DixieBelle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12143
  • Reputation: +512/-49
  • Still looking for my pony.....
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2010, 08:03:20 PM »
Kasperskey came free with my laptop so I installed it. I didn't realize it was only a trial period and it recently expired so I'm going back to Norton or McAfee. It worked fine but every time I booted up or woke up my laptop from hibernation, it would say "database out of date" and then have to go update itself. I'm sure that all anti-virus does that in the background but it annoyed me to see that little pop up.
I can see November 2 from my house!!!

Spread my work ethic, not my wealth.

Forget change, bring back common sense.
-------------------------------------------------

No, my friends, there’s only one really progressive idea. And that is the idea of legally limiting the power of the government. That one genuinely liberal, genuinely progressive idea — the Why in 1776, the How in 1787 — is what needs to be conserved. We need to conserve that fundamentally liberal idea. That is why we are conservatives. --Bill Whittle

Offline soleil

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2151
  • Reputation: +57/-31
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #4 on: October 15, 2010, 08:11:27 PM »
Kasperskey came free with my laptop so I installed it. I didn't realize it was only a trial period and it recently expired so I'm going back to Norton or McAfee. It worked fine but every time I booted up or woke up my laptop from hibernation, it would say "database out of date" and then have to go update itself. I'm sure that all anti-virus does that in the background but it annoyed me to see that little pop up.

I paid $50 for it, so I feel like I need to use it. But if it is funky, I don't want to do it. That is what I get for buying without having a clue!!!!!

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #5 on: October 15, 2010, 08:22:52 PM »

Thanks!! Will do.

I bought Kaspersky to install, and I haven't been able to do it. Maybe I should try in safe mode? Do you have any experience with Kaspersky? I am so dumb when it comes to these things, and I should never be allowed to go buy these things without someone knowledgeable.

Definitely try safe mode.  I've installed Kapersky on a few dozen systems.  You will have to un-install whatever you have installed previously (this may require rebooting your computer in the process).
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #6 on: October 15, 2010, 08:38:20 PM »
Kasperskey came free with my laptop so I installed it. I didn't realize it was only a trial period and it recently expired so I'm going back to Norton or McAfee. It worked fine but every time I booted up or woke up my laptop from hibernation, it would say "database out of date" and then have to go update itself. I'm sure that all anti-virus does that in the background but it annoyed me to see that little pop up.

Try Avast or AVG instead of Norton of McAfee.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline soleil

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2151
  • Reputation: +57/-31
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #7 on: October 15, 2010, 08:58:28 PM »
Definitely try safe mode.  I've installed Kapersky on a few dozen systems.  You will have to un-install whatever you have installed previously (this may require rebooting your computer in the process).

Ok, I did uninstall Webroot, which is what I had previously. I will try to install in safe mode and see where it gets me. Will I need internet access to install it 100%?

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #8 on: October 15, 2010, 09:02:28 PM »
No, you shouldn't.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Thor

  • General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13103
  • Reputation: +363/-297
  • Native Texan & US Navy (ret)
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #9 on: October 15, 2010, 09:20:04 PM »
Kasperskey came free with my laptop so I installed it. I didn't realize it was only a trial period and it recently expired so I'm going back to Norton or McAfee. It worked fine but every time I booted up or woke up my laptop from hibernation, it would say "database out of date" and then have to go update itself. I'm sure that all anti-virus does that in the background but it annoyed me to see that little pop up.

Ummm, go get Avast! It's FREE and it doesn't hog resources like Norton or McCrappy. It's better, too  :hammer: :hammer: :hammer:
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson

Offline Wretched Excess

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15284
  • Reputation: +485/-84
  • Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happy Hour
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #10 on: October 15, 2010, 09:55:11 PM »
are you using internet explorer?  generally speaking, firefox is much less susceptible to these sorts of things.  and I have never heard of it allowing a browser hijack, which is what it sounds like you are dealing with now.  you can download it here.

I am also having a lot of success with google chrome.  you can install it here

there are sites (although it is becoming quite rare) that only render properly with internet explorer.  beyond those rare instances, you would pretty much have to hold a gun to my head to make me use IE.

but that is after you get you current problem cleared up.


Offline DixieBelle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12143
  • Reputation: +512/-49
  • Still looking for my pony.....
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #11 on: October 15, 2010, 09:57:05 PM »
Yeah I'm gonna do it tonight.....
I can see November 2 from my house!!!

Spread my work ethic, not my wealth.

Forget change, bring back common sense.
-------------------------------------------------

No, my friends, there’s only one really progressive idea. And that is the idea of legally limiting the power of the government. That one genuinely liberal, genuinely progressive idea — the Why in 1776, the How in 1787 — is what needs to be conserved. We need to conserve that fundamentally liberal idea. That is why we are conservatives. --Bill Whittle

Offline soleil

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2151
  • Reputation: +57/-31
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #12 on: October 15, 2010, 10:08:03 PM »
are you using internet explorer?  generally speaking, firefox is much less susceptible to these sorts of things.  and I have never heard of it allowing a browser hijack, which is what it sounds like you are dealing with now.  you can download it here.

I am also having a lot of success with google chrome.  you can install it here

there are sites (although it is becoming quite rare) that only render properly with internet explorer.  beyond those rare instances, you would pretty much have to hold a gun to my head to make me use IE.

but that is after you get you current problem cleared up.




Yeah, I so need to use firefox. Not sure why I haven't already.

Offline Wretched Excess

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15284
  • Reputation: +485/-84
  • Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happy Hour
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #13 on: October 15, 2010, 10:37:40 PM »

Yeah, I so need to use firefox. Not sure why I haven't already.

it would solve the symptoms of your problem now.  browser hijackings are based on triggers that are buried in windows registry keys.  they only effect IE.  it wouldn't cure the disease, but you wouldn't be bothered by the hijackings.

I have a win2000 laptop somewhere around the house that I am sure is still partially infected by a particularly gnarly virus.  I managed to block the callouts and remove the autoruns (those are the things that make browser hijackings do their dirty work), but I never managed to completely clean the machine.  sometimes, the infection is so freaking bad, that reinstalling the OS is the answer, and it wasn't worth it on such an old machine.


Offline Thor

  • General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13103
  • Reputation: +363/-297
  • Native Texan & US Navy (ret)
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #14 on: October 16, 2010, 12:11:48 AM »
it would solve the symptoms of your problem now.  browser hijackings are based on triggers that are buried in windows registry keys.  they only effect IE.  it wouldn't cure the disease, but you wouldn't be bothered by the hijackings.

I have a win2000 laptop somewhere around the house that I am sure is still partially infected by a particularly gnarly virus.  I managed to block the callouts and remove the autoruns (those are the things that make browser hijackings do their dirty work), but I never managed to completely clean the machine.  sometimes, the infection is so freaking bad, that reinstalling the OS is the answer, and it wasn't worth it on such an old machine.



Send it to me!! :-) I fix it!!
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson

Offline Wretched Excess

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15284
  • Reputation: +485/-84
  • Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happy Hour
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #15 on: October 16, 2010, 12:27:46 AM »
Send it to me!! :-) I fix it!!

maybe I will.  then we would have an uninfected POS laptop.   

Offline Thor

  • General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13103
  • Reputation: +363/-297
  • Native Texan & US Navy (ret)
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #16 on: October 16, 2010, 12:32:04 AM »
maybe I will.  then we would have an uninfected POS laptop.   


IF it can handle it, I would probably throw XP on it for ya, too. I'm going to need something to do in a couple of weeks.
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson

Offline Wretched Excess

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15284
  • Reputation: +485/-84
  • Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happy Hour
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #17 on: October 16, 2010, 12:59:39 AM »


IF it can handle it, I would probably throw XP on it for ya, too. I'm going to need something to do in a couple of weeks.

I'm not sure it could push XP.  are you creating a haven for homeless, antiquated computers? :-)

Offline Thor

  • General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13103
  • Reputation: +363/-297
  • Native Texan & US Navy (ret)
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #18 on: October 16, 2010, 09:20:07 AM »
I'm not sure it could push XP.  are you creating a haven for homeless, antiquated computers? :-)

I do have a propensity to collect old things....... I'm running XP on an old Toshiba Laptop w/ a 1 GHz Celeron and 512 Meg RAM. It's painfully slow as compared to the new desktop I built w/ an AMD PhenomII X6 and 4 GB RAM. I just got another hard drive for the new desktop. 2 TB :-) Was $70 from Newegg....
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson

Offline Thor

  • General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13103
  • Reputation: +363/-297
  • Native Texan & US Navy (ret)
Re: I semi-fixed my computer I was having problems with. Question
« Reply #19 on: October 16, 2010, 05:08:25 PM »
Kasperskey came free with my laptop so I installed it. I didn't realize it was only a trial period and it recently expired so I'm going back to Norton or McAfee. It worked fine but every time I booted up or woke up my laptop from hibernation, it would say "database out of date" and then have to go update itself. I'm sure that all anti-virus does that in the background but it annoyed me to see that little pop up.

I rarely turn off my desktops and I don't have that problem. Also, most anti-virus programs have a setting as to when they update. That can be changed.
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson