The 'Help! My computer stuffed up!' thread

[thegreatlordpancake]

Duh..

EDIT: Fixed turns out it was the wrong driver :P I Downloaded this (http://majorgeeks.com/download4181.html) and it helped alot if anyone else needs it.

[Slasher]

Npot so much a problem with my computer but i have installed cricket 07 and when i try to open the .exe it goes to the black screen as if to open up, then it goes back to the desktop, not sure why this is happening.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

Okay, I got a bit of a problem with my mate's computer... See, it crashed (as they tend to do sometimes) so he took it in to get it fixed up etc. He gets it back, and the graphics & sound are completely shit. This is a machine that used to play MS Flight Sim X with ease... Now it struggles with UT99. I presume it has the same graphics card, yet it hasn't been reinstalled or something. And the same problem with sound driver I expect(There is absolutely no sound)...

Is it just a matter of finding the driver discs and reinstalling; or is it something more techinically demanding?

Help appreciated, TC

[Surgeon.]

Okay, I got a bit of a problem with my mate's computer... See, it crashed (as they tend to do sometimes) so he took it in to get it fixed up etc. He gets it back, and the graphics & sound are completely shit. This is a machine that used to play MS Flight Sim X with ease... Now it struggles with UT99. I presume it has the same graphics card, yet it hasn't been reinstalled or something. And the same problem with sound driver I expect(There is absolutely no sound)...

Is it just a matter of finding the driver discs and reinstalling; or is it something more techinically demanding?

Help appreciated, TC

What did the repair place say they did to it? Any hardware changes? Anyway, update video/sound drivers and see what happens. Shouldn't have to worry about finding old disks, you can d/l most drivers these days.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

I think it (windows) was completely reinstalled; the repair fellas just forgetting to install the proper drivers.

Thanks Surgeon, I'll see what happens...
Cheers, TC

[Newell]

I reformatted my PC running XP and now the time is displayed in the 24 hour format. Call me a bit crazy, but I'd prefer it displayed the usualy way. How do I do this? I can't find an option anywhere.

[Surgeon.]

I reformatted my PC running XP and now the time is displayed in the 24 hour format. Call me a bit crazy, but I'd prefer it displayed the usualy way. How do I do this? I can't find an option anywhere.

Control Panel, Regional and Language Options, Customize, Time, Time Format and replace the capital H's with small h's.

[Surgeon.]

Question.

What would be causing a buzzing sound to be coming from my PC when I play graphic intensive games? The buzzing actually gets louder and softer depending on how intensive the graphics are. i.e, during silent hunter when I'm inside the sub it's pretty quiet, switch to an outside view and it's annoyingly loud.

I'm thinking loud video card fan. Anyone experienced anything similar?

[Twisted Conspiracy]

... A quick question, sorry to interfere Surg, but I have been having a bit of trouble with a few USB ports/drives not working, reading etc.

1. On (another friends laptop), their USB drives aren't being recognised; error message saying something about an illegal request, won't work because it's not allowed to or something... (Sorry, I don't know exactly what it says, I'm just going by what they told me...) Tips on fixing it?

2. A recently bought a card reader. My XP doesn't recognise it. My 2000 does. Any explanation and/or how to get it to work on my XP?

Sorry if the questions seem a bit lowly (a la boring), but any help is greatly appreciated...
Cheers, TC

[Vindik8or]

It is most likely the fan, it probably has something caught in it (like a hair, or a loose plastic sticker) that flicks on a fan cage or something several thousand times per minute.

[etnlIcarus]

See, here I was thinking it was a bee.

[Dunkurtin]

Windows Media Player is not playing songs in surround sound. Its WMP 11, running on vista ultimate 64bit etc. Surround sound works perfectly with everything else. (games etc).
Help pls.

[Italian Stallion]

What brand onboard sound? Realtek by any chance?

[etnlIcarus]

Frankly, I'm not seeing the loss.

Edit: wait a second, what? You've got music encoded in 5.1?

[Vicious]

Windows Media Player is not playing songs in surround sound. Its WMP 11, running on vista ultimate 64bit etc. Surround sound works perfectly with everything else. (games etc).
Help pls.

Music wouldn't be played in surround sound as it's stereo. Of course depending on the sound processor used there's some ways of playing it mixed and whatnot. Personally I'd stick to stereo myself, but to each their own.

[etnlIcarus]

Yeah, I was thinking not many soundcards come with Pro-Logic and even then, unless you've got really shit speakers like mine, you're better off not using it for music anyway.

[Vicious]

Yeah, I was thinking not many soundcards come with Pro-Logic and even then, unless you've got really shit speakers like mine, you're better off not using it for music anyway.

Well there's other ways of doing it too like using some DSPs in Foobar if I'm not mistaken.

In some ways though I understand wanting to use it for music if you're moving around in a large space. Hopefully though no one does it when critically listening :eek:

[Dunkurtin]

Yeah realtek. Exact same as my old computer as far as i can tell. And the music always sounded better with all the speakers on that.

[etnlIcarus]

Get better speakers.

[Italian Stallion]

Yeah realtek. Exact same as my old computer as far as i can tell. And the music always sounded better with all the speakers on that.

Firstly, go into Vista's sound options and set it to 2.0/stereo, whatever it says, and apply the settings. Then go into Realtek's options, set it to 6 speakers/5.1, apply etc. Lastly, under the main tab for speakers, go to the configuration tab, and select 'speaker fill'.

[Fenrir]

Bloody Realtek. I had to go driver-hunting on Toshiba's site because the driver I had was crashing Explorer, and Windows kept telling me the driver was up-to-date.

[Dunkurtin]

Firstly, go into Vista's sound options and set it to 2.0/stereo, whatever it says, and apply the settings. Then go into Realtek's options, set it to 6 speakers/5.1, apply etc. Lastly, under the main tab for speakers, go to the configuration tab, and select 'speaker fill'.

Ahh thankyou very much.
Now i dont have to turn my speakers up a ridiculous amount when going for playing gams to listening to music.

[Big Scib Man]

Okay apologies because I know this isn't quite the right thread for such a question but I didn't think it was deserving of a new thread just for me.

Anyway, so the other day I bought this awsome laptop at a garage sale for only $300. It was a bargain so I want to keep it however there is one minor issue, I don't have the Administrator password. The lady I bought it off has no idea what it is either. What this means is I can still use the internet but I can't change any settings or install new programs which as you may guess is quite undersirable. So what are my options? Is there anything I can do to restart the entire computer and set up a new admin account or am I stuck to a lifetime of nothing to do on my brand new laptop but play minesweeper and type up Word documents?

Major thanks and pep for any advice that leads to breakthroughs.

[Vicious]

Okay apologies because I know this isn't quite the right thread for such a question but I didn't think it was deserving of a new thread just for me.

Anyway, so the other day I bought this awsome laptop at a garage sale for only $300. It was a bargain so I want to keep it however there is one minor issue, I don't have the Administrator password. The lady I bought it off has no idea what it is either. What this means is I can still use the internet but I can't change any settings or install new programs which as you may guess is quite undersirable. So what are my options? Is there anything I can do to restart the entire computer and set up a new admin account or am I stuck to a lifetime of nothing to do on my brand new laptop but play minesweeper and type up Word documents?

Major thanks and pep for any advice that leads to breakthroughs.

Utilities to help with that are a dime a dozen (well actually free). Take a look at the page here (http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm).

[Theiffy]

Okay, minor problem here.

Every so often my pc does "System disk boot failure, press any key to boot up" or something and it wont. So i'd usually restart it and it would work after that.

Today, it did that like 10 times in a row =/ Would refuse to boot up even after 10 restarts...

I pull out my computer, and fiddle with the wires, none of them were loose but i'd thought id replug them in again and VIOLA computer is alive now!

Just for futures sake, anyone know WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON THERE? >_<

[Theiffy]

IDE cable? Is that one of the ones connecting to the HDD? <_< Where2locate

[JONO RANDOM H3RO]

Either that or you may need a need to try another cable. I was building a pc with my mate the other day and we kept getting that error too. We changed the ribbon cable and it hey presto we never saw the error again :)

[StorminNorman]

Quick question: what's the vista recovery environment equivalent of fdisk /mbr ?

[nkbswe5]

I just bought a laptop and I can't see pictures online, I installed Flash and Java but obviously it didn't change much. Hooray for possibly stupid questions!
Example:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g169/nkbswe5/Untitled.jpg

[PrattP]

You're using IE. First mistake.

Oh, and wild guess - you have an HP laptop?

EDIT: I now see that's obvious. I originally was asking totally on the basis of your default IE homepage. I had the same.

[nkbswe5]

Yeah, its a Compaq Presario. I didn't bother downloading firefox since IE was being dodgy. I'll just download Firefox and see what happens...

[Gemerald]

Yeah, its a Compaq Presario. I didn't bother downloading firefox since IE was being dodgy. I'll just download Firefox and see what happens...

Could it be a strange setting in IE disabling images?

[Big Kev]

OK, so my old compy is stuffed, bought a second hand one off a mate for 50 bucks.

6 stacker cd rom drive, 20 gig HD with 4 gig available, no idea how much ram but I transferred one of my double sided ram sticks from the old compy, and it has 2 others. but the ****er still runs slow.

In fact, I chucked in my tv card, and when I'm trying to do my vidcaps the compy near on shits itself. Does the whole "thinking thinking thinking thinking......thinking" thing.

Any advice?

[Cerebral]

It's most likely just a shit PC. RAM won't have any effect if they're incompatible with the motherboard/existing RAM or more likely - the CPU is rubbish. You could try and format it and getting it running fresh again, but the easier option would be to throw down 300 bucks and get a packaged/refurbished PC.

[etnlIcarus]

20 gig HD with 4 gig available

Any advice?Clean install.

[Pai Mel]

Get a Asus P5KPL-CM all-in-one mobo ($79), E52OO cpu ($115), 2 GB DDR2 RAM ($33) and that should be quite a good system for normal use.
The one I built 2 weeks ago was clearly twice as fast as my current Pentium IV 2.6GHz system.

[Big Kev]

Haha, thanks guys, but that info is for people with money. ;)

Thanks anyways. :D

[texta]

From the sound of things the problem is that it's probably 7 or 8 years old. A clean install will speed it up, but it's really impossible to know how fast it should be going without knowing the quantity and quality of your ram and what the CPU is.

Right click "My Computer" -> "Properties" and paste up everything it says.

[Pai Mel]

Argh! Getting XP installed on a newer system is such a pain, specially if you don't have a floppy drive to load drivers from, and also if your CD/DVD drive is SATA. Mad, mad, mad.

[Theiffy]

Help! My old computer stuffed up! (the one i gave my mother)

It started up in bios for some reason, so then i loaded up windows. It went into windows but then it froze so i restarted it and now it's going BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP and nothing is showing up on the screen.

What to do?

[Theiffy]

With some info from the motherboard manual, it turns out the long beeps mean that it's having issues with the RAM, so i took her apart and as it turns out one of the sticks is loose!

Everything is working ALL fine now :)

[Araenel]

Argh! Getting XP installed on a newer system is such a pain, specially if you don't have a floppy drive to load drivers from, and also if your CD/DVD drive is SATA. Mad, mad, mad.

wat?

Are we talking a pre-SP1 version of XP or what? I recently installed XP with SP3 and it wasn't any problem at all.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Man Linux is shit, how do I uninstall it?

[Cerebral]

Sell your computer.

[Pai Mel]

wat?

Are we talking a pre-SP1 version of XP or what? I recently installed XP with SP3 and it wasn't any problem at all.

The XP disc I have already some slipstreamed drivers and SP2. Never had problems installing it before on my Pentium IV.

I don't know quite what's happening. It gets up to the bit where Setup copies files to the hard disk, then it has to do a reboot, and then that's when I just get boot errors from then on. What's supposed to happen I think is a very long blue screen where drivers are installed but it doesn't get to that stage.

Am I supposed to F6 to load the P5Q Pro chipset SATA drivers? But I don't have a floppy drive I can't do it.

Would having Windows 7 or Vista on another hard disk be causing these issues? Cause when I just built this Q8200 & P5Q Pro system, the first OS I installed was Windows 7 Beta.

[StorminNorman]

My computer locked up and now it won't POST.

What's wrong with it?

[Fenrir]

My computer locked up and now it won't POST.

What's wrong with it?
Need more info - what were you doing at the time of/prior to the computer "locking up"? And when you say "POST", do you mean Power-On Self-Test? (if yes, BIOS/Hardware problem, not my area of expertise >_>)

EDIT:
Man Linux is shit, how do I uninstall it?
Dual-boot with Grub, by any chance? I'd just change the default menu selection to Windows and leave Linux on there, you *might* go back to it someday.

I can see why you might want to get rid of it, though; reclaiming 10GB+ of space might be useful. There's 512MB of code at the start of the HDD known as the MBR (Master Boot Record) which Grub overwrites, though, which you'll have to alter by some means to make it just load Windows, before you'll be able to drop your Linux partition(s). I'll type up some instructions for either/both solutions later.

[texta]

My computer locked up and now it won't POST.

What's wrong with it?First step, try cleaning all the dust out of your PC, reset the CMOS (by removing the battery on the motherboard, count to 100 or whatever and put it back in but make sure you don't touch the battery with your bare hands as the negative and positive are very close together and you could get some nerd sweat in it and it'll short out and go dead). These probably won't fix the problem, but it's worth a try.

It's almost certainly the kind of problem that you'll need to replace something to get it fixed (probably either the motherboard or the PSU). Try taking everything out of it except the PSU, CPU, motherboard, 1 stick of ram and your video card and see what happens when you turn it on then.

Then if that works (as best it can) then start adding each bit one by one until you find the thing that isn't working.

If that doesn't help, I'd try to find a replacement PSU and see what difference that makes, if it fixes it you need a new PSU, if it doesn't: a new motherboard.

[StorminNorman]

Need more info - what were you doing at the time of/prior to the computer "locking up"? And when you say "POST", do you mean Power-On Self-Test? (if yes, BIOS/Hardware problem, not my area of expertise >_>)

The computer functions as a gateway/firewall/server, and it wasn't being used for desktop purposes when it locked up.

In fact, I didn't even realise it had failed until I tried to force it to give the Time Capsule a new IP address.

We did all the dust cleaning and re-seating stuff. Dust is a huge problem in this house, so cleaning dust out of computers is a relatively frequent ritual here. It's not dust.

The computer did boot once after it locked up, but it froze immediately after logging into KDE.

I'm hoping it's a PSU problem, as that's the cheapest thing to replace.

[PrattP]

Does anyone know why my laptop is going funny and fuzzy when it boots, sometimes Vista not booting at all?

It happened for the first time today, I was using it, and then the screen went funny with all green squares and I had to force shutdown.

Then the only way to get it running again is to reboot when it's cooled, through a System Restore. Sometimes even that fails.

Is that a diagnosable problem? Help appreciated.

I've also tried updating the graphics card driver, and Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver, but both have triggered the above same problem.

[Vindik8or]

It's ahh... overheating?

[PrattP]

And how is that combatted? Do things like that just start to happen? Coz it's not even a year old, and as far as I can see there's nothing blocking the fan.

[Vindik8or]

Put it in the fridge.

[PrattP]

Thanks.

I can only boot in safe mode now. Vista will not boot, cool or hot.

What could be the problem now?

[Fenrir]

Put it in the fridge.
I was doing this all summer 'til I discovered that the "Power Saver" setting takes ~20°C off the CPU temp. >_>

Thanks.

I can only boot in safe mode now. Vista will not boot, cool or hot.

What could be the problem now?
Could still be overheating. How are you determining CPU temperature? Divination? Try SpeedFan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php), if you can get it onto the system in Safe Mode; you might also be able to get temperature information from the BIOS interface, which you could try after a failed Vista boot.

If you've ruled out overheating, though, I'd be worrying about those half-done driver updates. After booting in Safe Mode, go to Start > Run... (or alternatively, Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command prompt), type "msconfig" and hit Enter. Go to the "Services" tab and click the "Disable All" button, and then the "Startup" tab and do the same. Now try booting Vista normally - report back with results.

[StorminNorman]

I replaced the PSU in the computer, and now I'm getting a folorn beep instead of nothing at all, which is something.

Unfortunately, the beeping seems to indicate that the CPU has died.

[PrattP]

Could still be overheating. How are you determining CPU temperature? Divination? Try SpeedFan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php), if you can get it onto the system in Safe Mode; you might also be able to get temperature information from the BIOS interface, which you could try after a failed Vista boot.

If you've ruled out overheating, though, I'd be worrying about those half-done driver updates. After booting in Safe Mode, go to Start > Run... (or alternatively, Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command prompt), type "msconfig" and hit Enter. Go to the "Services" tab and click the "Disable All" button, and then the "Startup" tab and do the same. Now try booting Vista normally - report back with results.

Determining heat by the laptop getting to the point where you could *almost* slowly fry an egg. I installed that program, anything it should be doing other than telling me the heat of the computer? I don't know much about its functions or anything, so a basic rundown of what it can do would be great. :)

I re-installed the driver, and it now seems to be working fine. I'm gonna let it get hot again and see if the same happens.

If it does, I'll try what you mentioned above.

[Lazlow]

I replaced the PSU in the computer, and now I'm getting a folorn beep instead of nothing at all, which is something.

Unfortunately, the beeping seems to indicate that the CPU has died.

Heh when I replaced my PSU late last year, I got this shrieking piercing beep. Turns out I forgot to plug the power back into the video card.

[StorminNorman]

Yeah, I've had that before. The video card here doesn't use an extra power connector, so it's not that.

[Fenrir]

Determining heat by the laptop getting to the point where you could *almost* slowly fry an egg. I installed that program, anything it should be doing other than telling me the heat of the computer? I don't know much about its functions or anything, so a basic rundown of what it can do would be great. :)
I was only really interested in CPU temperatures, but it can be used to monitor and control a whole lot of other stuff, such as fan speeds. It won't be able to regulate much on a laptop, though, so I've only ever used it as an elaborate thermometer. I got you to install it because the CPU could easily overheat before the case starts burning you.

I re-installed the driver, and it now seems to be working fine. I'm gonna let it get hot again and see if the same happens.

If it does, I'll try what you mentioned above.
I'm guessing your system crashed from an overheat while you were installing drivers, and subsequent failures would've been related to said drivers having failed to install properly.

I suggested disabling services and startup programs because Safe Mode does this, as well as disabling most drivers - essentially, a normal startup with services and startup programs disabled was a means of testing the drivers. Process of elimination - if it worked, the problem is in either the services or the startup programs (which'd be a pain in the arse, I've been there); if not, it's the drivers.

Right now, I suggest you watch the CPU temperature(s). CPUs aren't meant to exceed their maximum temperature specification - if it seems to be getting too hot, make sure all ventilation ports are clear (there should be an inlet and an outlet) and dial back your Power Plan to Power saver. Search your CPU model for specifications relating to maximum temperature - the Intel Core2 Duo T7300 (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLA45) in my laptop tends to quit at ~100°C, for example.

[PrattP]

Well mine's sitting at around 60C now, and it's not too hot.

Funnily enough, I switched it to power saver about an hour ago, and it's been running fine and the heat has reduced.

Thanks for all your help, and if anything goes wrong again, I'll try what you mentioned above.

[Fenrir]

Alright, guys, now I need some advice.

I've been hunting through the list of driver/software downloads for my laptop on Toshiba's website, looking for drivers to go with the driverless devices listed in device manager, and stumbled upon the following file:

Intel Robson-1.0.0.1082PV-Vis3264.exe

Assuming it was in there for a reason (in hindsight a bad assumption, despite having picked my laptop model fron an extensive list there's a HD-DVD driver in there), I downloaded the file and ran it.

Now, having installed it, the system comes with two interfaces: the Intel Turbo Memory Console, and the Intel Matrix Storage Console. Neither seems to indicate any problems with the setup, though if anyone wants more info I can go about getting screencaps etc.

However, I've noticed two problems since. Firstly, I've been noticing that some applications, such as Firefox, have started freezing for a few seconds at a time, in the middle of loading a page for example.

Secondly, I have Ubuntu installed on a separate partition, and use GRUB as my bootloader - and at startup (something I only ever bother doing every 2 or so days, mind), when BIOS passes control to GRUB, one line of text appears at the top of the screen (something like "Initializing GRUB Stage 1.5..."), and the system gets no further than that. The boot menu should show up at that point, offering the usual choice between Vista, Ubuntu, Memtest etc, but nothing happens.

I managed to get around the above problem by booting an Ubuntu install disc, and then restarting the system, after which the GRUB boot menu actually loads properly and Vista loads without a problem (unless I'm not imagining things and it's actually loading a bit slower). However, after shutting down and restarting the system again, the problem is back and GRUB's menu once again fails to load.

The above has lead me to guess that the Intel Turbo Memory installer gets its claws into the MBR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_boot_record), merely assumes Windows Boot Manager is present, and blindly makes its changes, essentially mutilating GRUB. Then when Ubuntu is loaded, and takes a look at my HDD, it notices the mangled MBR and repairs it. Unfortunately, I'm guessing that when Vista is loaded, Intel Turbo Memory's supporting drivers/processes proceed to re-mangle the MBR.

Anyway, enough crapping on, the questions: is it possible to get Intel Turbo Memory and GRUB to coexist on the same system and play nice? And hell, does my system even support Turbo Memory? EDIT: Oh, and what the hell should I do? >_>

Pep in the mail for any constructive replies.


EDIT2: uninstalled Turbo Memory - uninstaller seems to've done an extremely comprehensive job, vague possibility that everything's fine now. I would've preferred to've got some real details on what the hell was going on, but I think I'll just have to stick to avoiding Turbo Memory based on the experience. I hate intuition judgements.

EDIT3: Oh, and Device Manager is back to reporting 2 Unknown Devices, instead of 1 whilst Turbo Memory was installed. ****ing rabbit hole.

[PrattP]

Sorry Fenrir, can't give you any advice. :p Too advanced for me.

But what I can say is I tried your method, and it has not worked, meaning it is a problem with the drivers? I think it is, as it's the graphics that seem to give grief - fuzziness, blinking out etc.

What should be my next step?

Oh, and just to clarify, I never tried to install any driver before the problems started happening, only after, to try and "fix" the problem. It just started to play up randomly.

[Fenrir]

Sorry Fenrir, can't give you any advice. :p Too advanced for me.
I'm considering calling Toshiba support for more info.

But what I can say is I tried your method, and it has not worked, meaning it is a problem with the drivers? I think it is, as it's the graphics that seem to give grief - fuzziness, blinking out etc.

What should be my next step?
As in, you disabled all Services and Startup Programs and proceeded to boot normally, but the same problem arose - eventually? During boot?

Whilst it doesn't sound like overheating behaviour per se, you've been keeping an eye on SpeedFan to make sure you're not overshooting your CPU's tolerance, right?

And finally, you haven't been able to tempt this problem to rear its head in Safe Mode, have you?

Oh, and just to clarify, I never tried to install any driver before the problems started happening, only after, to try and "fix" the problem. It just started to play up randomly.
You said prior, that attempting to install new drivers "triggered" the problem - this would suggest that, whilst the drivers may not've been the initial cause of the problem, they are potentially faulty now (unless you didn't ever get past the pre-install "wizard" options). Whether or not you should try to reinstall them, depends on how stable your system is in Safe Mode, I guess.

[PrattP]

As in, you disabled all Services and Startup Programs and proceeded to boot normally, but the same problem arose - eventually? During boot?

Yeah, during boot, Vista didn't show to the login screen.

Whilst it doesn't sound like overheating behaviour per se, you've been keeping an eye on SpeedFan to make sure you're not overshooting your CPU's tolerance, right?

Yep, and I haven't been exceeding the temp.

And finally, you haven't been able to tempt this problem to rear its head in Safe Mode, have you?

Safe Mode always works, however the screen is still fuzzy during being in Safe Mode. Fully functional, though.

You said prior, that attempting to install new drivers "triggered" the problem - this would suggest that, whilst the drivers may not've been the initial cause of the problem, they are potentially faulty now (unless you didn't ever get past the pre-install "wizard" options). Whether or not you should try to reinstall them, depends on how stable your system is in Safe Mode, I guess.

I did try to install them in safe mode, it was a success, however Vista booted fine, but when I logged in, the screen kinda froze, and then couldn't log me in. Basically seemed as if the screen stopped working and froze.

[Fenrir]

Sounds like it could be a hardware problem.

As a next step, and assuming you have no difficulty getting BIOS to bring up a boot menu, I'm going to suggest you attempt to boot an alternate OS. If you don't have one on your machine already, or on a disc lying around somewhere, I'd recommend downloading an Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download) GNU/Linux (current or LTS edition, up to you) CD image, burning it to a CD, booting from the CD, and selecting the option to try Ubuntu without changing your system.

If you get the same problems in the alternate OS, I hope you're still in warranty.

[PrattP]

I am in warranty by a month, thank goodness.

I'm taking it up with them, they can fix it now. :p Thanks for all your help.

[Fenrir]

Warranty doesn't generally cover software - I'd recommend you follow my instructions above to ensure that it is a hardware problem.

[PrattP]

If a BIOS test of hard drive and memory pass fine, does this mean hardware is ruled out?

HP ensured me that anything they fix will come at no cost to me, fully covered under warranty.

[Pai Mel]

Hardware parts replacement may be covered under warranty but what about labour?

[PrattP]

I believe so... No mention of any cost.

[Fenrir]

If a BIOS test of hard drive and memory pass fine, does this mean hardware is ruled out?
God no.

[StorminNorman]

If a BIOS test of hard drive and memory pass fine, does this mean hardware is ruled out?

The BIOS RAM test is pretty much useless other than for determining how much RAM the BIOS sees. It cannot report bad RAM at all.

The BIOS doesn't actually test hard drives beyond "is this drive there and responding to my simple query of its existence?"

[PrattP]

Yeah ok.

Basically, it's what HP Support told me to do, so I kinda just did it. :/ I'll await their further advice and see what they're gonna do.

[Fenrir]

As I said, try booting Ubuntu or another alternate OS. If that has the same problem, you can rule out software entirely, and rest secure in the knowledge that HP aren't going to charge you for it.

[PrattP]

HP are coming to get the computer.

I clarified, there's no charge to me whatsoever, only if tech people deem the problem stems from me dropping it, or spilling water on it, for example.

So it will now be fixed! I'm totally taking out extended warranty now too. :P

[Fenrir]

You have software warranty? Lucky bastard.

[PrattP]

Sure do. :D

Will let know how it all goes.

[BM2]

REPOSTING

So I've gotten my hands on a laptop. Now how am I supposed to connect it to my wireless network... I can SEE the goddamn network, I've stuck in the WEP keys and that kind of bullshit, but I can't actually connect. If I stick in the official USB dongle with all the shit programmed into it properly, it connects. If I try to do it non-dongle, it doesn't work. What elementary thing am I doing entirely goddamn wrong?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/_BM2_/effettino9na.jpg



WHYYYYYYYYY

[Bob the Destroyer]

What OS? Whats the exact error message and what kind of modem are you trying to connect it to?

[BM2]

Using Windows XP Pro, modem is a Netgear "Rangemax ADSL Modem Wireless Router DG834PN" and as for the error message... well, there isn't really an error message, it just fails to connect. I'm posting right now by using the dongle, but I'm pretty sure that this thing should have WiFi without the dongle, right?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/_BM2_/2658966009_896fc38836_b.jpg

[Super Mario]

Most laptops do, with mine there is an external button just above the keyboard along side volume which if you push, can turn the Wireless LAN Reciever on or off, maybe you need to push that.

[Bob the Destroyer]

Possible but I think he said he uses the dongle to get the wireless security info put in, dont think it acts like a reciever. Not 100% sure, BM2 can you view wireless networks without the dongle plugged in?

[BM2]

Yep. I can definitely see my own connection, and possibly the neighbours'.

Maybe I should try the neighbours' connection.

[Bob the Destroyer]

I dunno, sounds like you're missing some software for your wireless adapator, try doing a microsoft update and trying again

[PrattP]

Sure do. :D

Will let know how it all goes.

Well HP picked it up on Tuesday, and are delivering it totally fixed tomorrow morning. Consider me one very happy customer. :D

Supposedly it was my motherboard, needed a whole new one. Dude told me that it is a very common notebook problem, he fixes thousands a year with exactly the same problem.

HP Extended Warranty here I come!

[/backslash]

Not really a problem but I got an email from "EQG Tax Confirmination Info" entitled "About your tax return" which Yahoo has marked it in the spam folder (sometimes it marks things as spam when its not actually spam like online orders). I tried googling it but I didn't get any results on whether its real or not, there's no attachment

Should I just delete it?

[Vindik8or]

I think I have some adware that I can't pick up on my scanners. Often when I use google and click on a site link I get taken to some place completely different (but thematically similar, eg. I have just searched for 'queensland transport' and clicked the link for the government department and then ended up at some shitty travel agent website; when I hit 'back' a couple of times I end up at the site I was originally after).

So far I have only noticed this happening in Opera when I use the built in search bar, if it happens in IE, or when I manually go to google, I will update you fellers. On a (possibly) related note, Opera has taken to crashing to the desktop, just cuz it feels like it, apparently. Any help would be much pepreciated.

/backslash, you should definitely just delete it. There are a lot of scams going around regarding the ruddbux.

[obsolete]

I think I have some adware that I can't pick up on my scanners. Often when I use google and click on a site link I get taken to some place completely different (but thematically similar, eg. I have just searched for 'queensland transport' and clicked the link for the government department and then ended up at some shitty travel agent website; when I hit 'back' a couple of times I end up at the site I was originally after).

So far I have only noticed this happening in Opera when I use the built in search bar, if it happens in IE, or when I manually go to google, I will update you fellers. On a (possibly) related note, Opera has taken to crashing to the desktop, just cuz it feels like it, apparently. Any help would be much pepreciated.

/backslash, you should definitely just delete it. There are a lot of scams going around regarding the ruddbux.

Have you tired reinstalling Opera might fix it or clear all the cookies and cache.Firefox even >_>

[Vindik8or]

To add to my woes, Steam won't connect anymore. I've tried forwarding the ports, but it doesn't have any effect.

[Fenrir]

I think I have some adware that I can't pick up on my scanners. Often when I use google and click on a site link I get taken to some place completely different (but thematically similar, eg. I have just searched for 'queensland transport' and clicked the link for the government department and then ended up at some shitty travel agent website; when I hit 'back' a couple of times I end up at the site I was originally after).

So far I have only noticed this happening in Opera when I use the built in search bar, if it happens in IE, or when I manually go to google, I will update you fellers. On a (possibly) related note, Opera has taken to crashing to the desktop, just cuz it feels like it, apparently. Any help would be much pepreciated.
What anti-malware applications are you using/have you used in attempting to fix this problem?

[Vindik8or]

Ad-aware, spybot search & destroy.

An update on the Steam business - forwarding ports has had no effect. Some advice on the Steam forums was to delete the Steam.dll. That didn't work. I'm pretty annoyed that whole pile of my games have essentially been turned into hard drive fillers.

[Vindik8or]

Hijackthis.log
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 12:43:43 AM, on 10/03/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16791)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WgaTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NVMixerTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\LCDMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\G-series Software\LGDCore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BP.EXE
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\nHancer\nHancer.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDClock.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDPop3.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\Applets\LCDMedia.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint II\SetpointII.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logishrd\KHAL2\KHALMNPR.EXE
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\nHancer\nHancerService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\usnsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Opera\opera.exe
C:\Program Files\uTorrent\uTorrent.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.hyper.com.au/forums/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
O1 - Hosts: AmsServer
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AnyDVD] C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NVMixerTray] "C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NVMixerTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Hardware Abstraction Layer] KHALMNPR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [amd_dc_opt] C:\Program Files\AMD\Dual-Core Optimizer\amd_dc_opt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Kernel and Hardware Abstraction Layer] KHALMNPR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launch LCDMon] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\LCD Manager\LCDMon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launch LGDCore] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\GamePanel Software\G-series Software\LGDCore.exe" /SHOWHIDE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-Watch] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [\\NOBUKA-369A8EF1\EPSON Stylus CX3500 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BP.EXE /P44 "\\NOBUKA-369A8EF1\EPSON Stylus CX3500 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus CX3500"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [nHancer] "C:\Program Files\nHancer\nHancer.exe" /tray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Steam] "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -silent
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: SetPointII.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineSweeper.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1169203417453
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MessengerStatsClient.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {BE833F39-1E0C-468C-BA70-25AAEE55775E} (System Requirements Lab) - http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/sysreqlab.cab
O16 - DPF: {C3F79A2B-B9B4-4A66-B012-3EE46475B072} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MessengerStatsPAClient.cab56907.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{39E4486B-EF4F-436B-9D8F-4DD7F4595FB3}: NameServer = 203.0.178.191
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
O23 - Service: Macromedia Licensing Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macromedia Shared\Service\Macromedia Licensing.exe
O23 - Service: nHancer Support (nHancer) - KSE - Korndörfer Software Engineering - C:\Program Files\nHancer\nHancerService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe

--
End of file - 9848 bytes

[Fenrir]

Vin:

http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe

[Fenrir]

Well, I went over both log.txt and info.txt, and found nothing. I've gotta think about this one, let me know how that MBAM scan turns out.

[Vindik8or]

Nothing was found on MBAM.

[Rambo]

So I've gone and ****ed my computer by opening a dodgy.exe.

When I double clicked it, all these applications started opening in task manager, my anti virus wouldn't open and RPG Maker XP (the app I wanted to launch at the time) wouldn't open due to a virus. It said file corrupted, run a virus check and reinstall. I found out it was a thing called "services.exe" and stopped it from running and deleted it from the sys32 file.

When I rebooted my computer this morning I noticed that my login screen had changed from the standard picture and click, to more like a network login with drop down boxes. To top it off my internet isn't working on that computer. It won't connect to Steam, any browsers etc.

I'm downloading MBAM now due a cousin that recommended it, and running it in safe mode.

EDIT: Trying to run it in safe mode and explorer shuts down on me. So I can't run in safe mode at all. System restores points will initiate then unable to complete for some reason. MBAM got my log on screen working again, but still no net.

On closer inspection, I pressed quick scan, doing a full scan now.

[Fenrir]

Nothing was found on MBAM.
I'll want a log file from it, anyway. Run MBAM again, go to the Logs tab, open the log which corresponds to the scan you just did (if you've only done the one scan, it'll be the only log there), and c&p the contents here.

Anyway, to the next dilemma. I have two other scanning utilities to throw at you, but both are browser-based, and with your browsers crashing sporadically, you might not be able to finish either one of them. Regardless, I'll post instructions, and you can give either one a shot.


First, the ESET Online Scanner:

Using Internet Explorer, go to http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/
The scanner is ActiveX-based, and so only compatible with IE. For reference, Vista users should launch IE as Administrator.

-Tick the "YES" checkbox to accept the terms, and click the Start button
-Allow the ActiveX component to install
-Click the start button - the Scanner will update (this could take a while)
-Check both "Remove found threats" and "Scan unwanted applications"
-Click Scan

When the scan has finished, a log file should be located at
C:\Program Files\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt
c&p the log here.


And secondly, the Kaspersky Online Scanner:

Go to http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/kavwebscan.html
I ran this one in IE, too, but it appears to be browser-independent. Vista users will need to launch their browser as Administrator for this scan, too.

-Click the Accept button to accept the terms
-You will be prompted to install an application from Kaspersky - click Run (this could take a while)
-When the downloads have finished, click on Settings
-Make sure the "Spyware, Adware, Dialers, and other potentially dangerous programs" and "Archives" boxes are checked
-Click on My Computer under Scan

Once the scan is complete, it will display the results. Click on View Scan Report, click on Save Report As..., and save it as a text file. c&p the contents here.


If your browser crashing prevents either scan from working, it might be worth installing a trial of the full product offered by either ESET or Kaspersky. Install, scan, uninstall. I wouldn't bother doing this if the scans finish and report nothing, though - as far as I'm aware, the full versions won't pick up anything the online scans miss.

Also, I've been researching Google-hijacking adware, and an app known as Spy Sweeper (http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer-products-spysweeper.html) has been recommended. The free flavour should suffice, or a trial version, but I can't say I know enough about it. I'll look into it more later.

[Fenrir]

Oh, and Rambo, I'll need a HijackThis Log.

Firstly, keep in mind that you can do serious damage to Windows with this utility if you do anything stupid with it. (anything stupid being defined as anything you're not told to do, and especially clicking any "Fix" button without prior instruction)
Download the HijackThis Installer from here (http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download), install, and then run HijackThis (this may occur automatically).
Click "Do a system scan and save a log file". You might get a warning, something about a Hosts file - don't worry about that, just click "OK". It's also likely to take up to a minute, and might stop responding during - so be patient. When it's done, a Notepad window will pop up, displaying a log file. c&p the contents of that file here, and close HijackThis.

[Vindik8or]

MBAM log:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34
Database version: 1828
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

10/03/2009 9:27:24 AM
mbam-log-2009-03-10 (09-27-24).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|F:\|)
Objects scanned: 219540
Time elapsed: 1 hour(s), 16 minute(s), 39 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Rest to come in edits.

[Rambo]

Thanks for the help Fenrir, but I'm going to system reinstall. I've needed to do this for a while, this just gave me a reason.

[Vindik8or]

Pfft, I've never done a reinstall ever. You give in too easily.

[Rambo]

Once you try a reinstall, you will realize how easy it is.

But more importantly, I need the computers internet to do school work and ****ed if I'm going to use the laptop. It's a slow piece of shit.

[Rambo]

Yeah this is about right.

While reinstalling Windows, it has asked me if I'd like to continue installing my sound drivers (realtek) even though they aren't microsoft approved. I want to click yes but my ****ing mouse and keyboard aren't working. Anything?

[Vindik8or]

ESET:
# version=4
# OnlineScanner.ocx=1.0.0.635
# OnlineScannerDLLA.dll=1, 0, 0, 79
# OnlineScannerDLLW.dll=1, 0, 0, 78
# OnlineScannerUninstaller.exe=1, 0, 0, 49
# vers_standard_module=3922 (20090309)
# vers_arch_module=1.064 (20080214)
# vers_adv_heur_module=1.066 (20070917)
# EOSSerial=9de518f9ecf34540906e46c9c8e5259d
# end=finished
# remove_checked=true
# unwanted_checked=true
# utc_time=2009-03-10 10:12:06
# local_time=2009-03-10 08:12:06 (+1000, E. Australia Standard Time)
# country="Australia"
# osver=5.1.2600 NT Service Pack 3
# scanned=380153
# found=0
# scan_time=5471

[Fenrir]

Yeah this is about right.

While reinstalling Windows, it has asked me if I'd like to continue installing my sound drivers (realtek) even though they aren't microsoft approved. I want to click yes but my ****ing mouse and keyboard aren't working. Anything?
Alright, some context - which version of Windows? Are the keyboard/mouse connected via USB, or PS/2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PS/2_connector)?

[Rambo]

Ok I fixed that.

But now I'm having different issues. I went through the reinstall, but all my stuff is still here, the same problems, but I can use internet now. I'm going to get a hijack this log now.


And my anti virus is picking up a hell of a lot of viruses. It's saying that stuff like IEXPLORER.exe, rundll and msmgs are viruses too.

[Rambo]

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 8:09:56 PM, on 10/03/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Unable to get Internet Explorer version!
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft LifeCam\MSCamS32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\TightVNC\WinVNC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\reader_s.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Nokia\Nokia PC Suite 6\LaunchApplication.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Grxp4exe.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Xbox 360 Accessories\XboxStat.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\PC Connectivity Solution\ServiceLayer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\vVX3000.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\reader_s.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\RocketDock\RocketDock.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexStoreSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\2bc0b3c55 e0c166e04844934d1c7c342\update\update.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Desktop\HiJackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://start.hu.tl
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
R3 - URLSearchHook: free-downloads.net Toolbar - {ecdee021-0d17-467f-a1ff-c7a115230949} - C:\Program Files\free-downloads.net\tbfree.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Groove GFS Browser Helper - {72853161-30C5-4D22-B7F9-0BBC1D38A37E} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveShellExtensions.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Windows Live Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: free-downloads.net Toolbar - {ecdee021-0d17-467f-a1ff-c7a115230949} - C:\Program Files\free-downloads.net\tbfree.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SkyTel] SkyTel.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GrooveMonitor] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCSuiteTrayApplication] C:\Program Files\Nokia\Nokia PC Suite 6\LaunchApplication.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gravis Xperience Driver Support] Grxp4exe.exe /init
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [XboxStat] "c:\Program Files\Microsoft Xbox 360 Accessories\XboxStat.exe" silentrun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe" MSRun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinVNC] "C:\Program Files\TightVNC\WinVNC.exe" -servicehelper
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LifeCam] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft LifeCam\LifeExp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VX3000] C:\WINDOWS\vVX3000.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [services] C:\WINDOWS\services.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\WINDOWS\System32\reader_s.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [RocketDock] "C:\Program Files\RocketDock\RocketDock.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\reader_s.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [services] C:\WINDOWS\services.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')

[Rambo]

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [nidle] "C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Application Data\nidle\nidle.exe" 61A847B5BBF728103B9D3B466188719AB689201522886B092C BD44BD8689220221DD3257 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [services] C:\WINDOWS\services.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [services] C:\WINDOWS\services.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [services] C:\WINDOWS\services.exe (User 'Default user')
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Windows Live Search - res://C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll/search.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Windows &Live Favorites - http://favorites.live.com/quickadd.aspx
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1202300467218
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1202300456015
O16 - DPF: {784797A8-342D-4072-9486-03C8D0F2F0A1} (Battlefield Heroes Installer) - http://t1.battlefield-heroes.com/patcher/westpatcher.cab
O18 - Protocol: grooveLocalGWS - {88FED34C-F0CA-4636-A375-3CB6248B04CD} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveSystemServices.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service (ImapiService) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\imapi.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NMIndexingService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
O23 - Service: ServiceLayer - Nokia. - C:\Program Files\PC Connectivity Solution\ServiceLayer.exe
O23 - Service: StarWind AE Service (StarWindServiceAE) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Alcohol Soft\Alcohol 120\StarWind\StarWindServiceAE.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: VNC Server (winvnc) - TightVNC Group - C:\Program Files\TightVNC\WinVNC.exe
O23 - Service: Windows Live Setup Service (WLSetupSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\installer\WLSetupSvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service (WMPNetworkSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNetwk.exe (file missing)

--
End of file - 11566 bytes

[Fenrir]

But now I'm having different issues. I went through the reinstall, but all my stuff is still here, the same problems, but I can use internet now.
Eh, that'd be about right. How'd you manage to re-infect a fresh install, dodgy.exe again?

Skimming over the log I can already spot a few undesirables, but I'm out of time, so I'm going to have to give it a thorough look tomorrow.

And my anti virus is picking up a hell of a lot of viruses. It's saying that stuff like IEXPLORER.exe, rundll and msmgs are viruses too.
"iexplorer.exe"? I'd pick on that myself, too. A Google of "msmgs" suggests to me that it's possible malware - I doubt it's an alias for something innocent like "msnmsgr.exe".
You can probably go ahead and get Avira to tidy those up for you, Quarantine idealy. If it does actually break Internet Explorer or something, atleast you can (probably) restore it.

That "rundll" bit might be a neat clue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WkD_Bot), btw - read a bit into the "Working method" section.

Otherwise, download and install Spybot S&D (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html). Follow the 7-step wizard it brings up when you first start it up, doing whatever it recommends - most importantly, get it to do a scan. With any luck, I won't be getting you to fire up regedit.

[Rambo]

And once again, I'm sorry for getting you to help so much.

I didn't fresh install :P I simply repaired it.

It's formatting now, so all should go smoothly. I'm not that bad to ruin a fresh install. And no more crackspider for me anymore.

EDIT: Ok I did ruin a fresh install. No viruses or anything, but Anti Vir had already told me there was stuff of concern when I launched it the first time after the fresh install. So I told it to remove a couple of things, but now some things aren't working. Like Catalyst Control Center and Music rescue won't work even after re installs.

[Rambo]

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 12:59:18 AM, on 3/11/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\msco rsvw.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\MSC\mcmscsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\mcafee\mna\mcnasvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\mcafee\mcproxy\mcproxy.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\MPF\MPFSrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\MSK\MskSrver.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\MSC\mcregist.exe
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\reader_s.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\reader_s.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee\msc\mcuimgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Desktop\HiJackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
O2 - BHO: scriptproxy - {7DB2D5A0-7241-4E79-B68D-6309F01C5231} - C:\Program Files\McAfee\VirusScan\scriptsn.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SkyTel] SkyTel.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Explorer] C:\WINDOWS\system32\msrstart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mcagent_exe] C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\Agent\mcagent.exe /runkey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MWLExe] C:\PROGRA~1\Mcafee\MWL\MWLGuiSt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McENUI] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\MHN\McENUI.exe /hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PWRISOVM.EXE] C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\WINDOWS\System32\reader_s.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\reader_s.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-484763869-57989841-725345543-1004\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\reader_s.exe (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\reader_s.exe (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [reader_s] C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\reader_s.exe (User 'Default user')
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O23 - Service: afisicx Service (afisicx) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: mabidwe Service (mabidwe) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\mabidwe.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: McAfee Services (mcmscsvc) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\MSC\mcmscsvc.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Network Agent (McNASvc) - McAfee, Inc. - c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\mcafee\mna\mcnasvc.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Scanner (McODS) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\VIRUSS~1\mcods.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Proxy Service (McProxy) - McAfee, Inc. - c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\mcafee\mcproxy\mcproxy.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SystemGuards (McSysmon) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\VIRUSS~1\mcsysmon.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Personal Firewall Service (MpfService) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\McAfee\MPF\MPFSrv.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Anti-Spam Service (MSK80Service) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\McAfee\MSK\MskSrver.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Wireless Network Security Service (MWLSvc) - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Mcafee\MWL\MwlSvc.exe
O23 - Service: sopidkc Service (sopidkc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\sopidkc.exe (file missing)

--
End of file - 5169 bytes

[Fenrir]

EDIT: Ok I did ruin a fresh install. No viruses or anything, but Anti Vir had already told me there was stuff of concern when I launched it the first time after the fresh install. So I told it to remove a couple of things, but now some things aren't working. Like Catalyst Control Center and Music rescue won't work even after re installs.
Anti Vir as in Avira Anti Vir? I'm not seeing any traces of it in your HJT log, so I'll assume not - but if you were running Avira, use either it or McAfee, not both. Running two antivirus solutions on the one machine just leads to conflicts.

Have you downloaded the ~100MB or so of updates you're likely to be hounded about by Windows Update yet? There are likely to be a heap of drivers and other utilities in there that you need for your system to function properly.

As for the antivirus detections, I'm going to want log files or similar information about those. I'll dig up some instructions on that later on if you're unsure what to do.
Having browsed over your log a bit, I'm a bit worried about the "sopidkc" service on the end; but I'll look over it properly when I get a chance to later.

For now, get Spybot S&D as I mentioned in my last post.

[Rambo]

Avira Anti Vir. I uninstalled it.

It kept on picking up files that weren't viruses and telling me to delete/quarantine them. I Should have quarantined them, but I did delete some, which I think is the reason some programs aren't working.

Downloading Spybot now.

EDIT: Ok, all is downloaded and run. Found 14 errors, would you like to see the log?

[Fenrir]

Yes._

[Fenrir]

Hide: You don't.

UAC (the permission-for-everything idiocy you refer to) was introduced to make sure that malicious applications can't obtain permission to **** your system without your explicit approval. When your screen darkens and that dialogue box appears, that is actually practically everything being suspended by the kernel - which prevents an automated process, such as malware, from selecting the "Continue" option of its own accord.

If you disable UAC, you are a retard.

[AranchineD]

If you disable UAC, you are a retard.

Or don't want to waste 10 minutes just renaming a folder.

Is there actually more than an 'On' and 'Off' switch for it, because that would be super.

[etnlIcarus]

When your screen darkens and that dialogue box appears, that is actually practically everything being suspended by the kernelSo UAC assumes a privilege escalation exploit has already occurred and suspends all-things userspace? I don't imagine there's much in the way of system services/other threads running in kernelspace it can suspend without causing issues so isn't the whole feature kind of redundant?

[Fenrir]

So UAC assumes a privilege escalation exploit has already occurred and suspends all-things userspace?
No.

Most running processes on a Vista system, whether the user is an Administrator or not, are not running with administrator privileges. In order to perform certain actions, these applications must request Administrator privileges via the UAC. If you are not logged in as an Administrator, you are prompted for an Admin password; if you are, however, the prompt offers "Continue" and "Cancel" options.

I don't imagine there's much in the way of system services/other threads running in kernelspace it can suspend without causing issues so isn't the whole feature kind of redundant?
It's not something I know a lot about, but you could get more info from this article (http://cybernetnews.com/2008/05/30/vista-uac-secure-desktop-explained/). The basic aim is to prevent malware from manipulating UAC prompts and clearing itself for tasks requiring Admin access - and also to prevent it from keylogging your passwords, etc.

Unix/Linux machines enforce similarly frustrating security mechanisms via the sudo command, as far as I recall - atleast in my experiences in my admin Ubuntu account, I usually had to give applications admin privileges explicitly via the terminal with a sudo command and password.

[Hide & Reason]

I've been using Vista comfortably for months without UAC ever being invasive, and it just now comes up. I'd rather stick to clean browsing circles and take my chances than have to greenlight transferral of files, but if there's a way to make that mechanism neither seen nor heard yet enabled then hit me.

[etnlIcarus]

No.

Most running processes on a Vista system, whether the user is an Administrator or not, are not running with administrator privileges.Isn't that what I said?
Unix/Linux machines enforce similarly frustrating security mechanisms via the sudo command, as far as I recall - atleast in my experiences in my admin Ubuntu account, I usually had to give applications admin privileges explicitly via the terminal with a sudo command and password.Sudo (or the gksu frontend, which I assume is what you're referring to) isn't anything so sophisticated or invasive. Gksu/kdsu just darken the screen for dramatic effect. My point was that (as your link confirmed); anything that's already running with high privileges continues to do so, regardless of UAC 'lockdowns'. This would obviously include device services, win32 (if it's still called that), etc. If malware wants to steal passwords or click "Allow", isn't it these lower level services it has to subvert?

My knowledge of Windows is a little out of date but it just struck me as a redundant - well, this is windows. I guess the better safe than sorry mentality applies.

Edit: also need help. Went into JB today to check out some external HDDs. They all seem to be these really complex bits of kit, presumably with onboard firmware to power their, "one touch", features. Guy there pretty much confirmed my suspicion; I would not be able to reformat these drives. He suggested I look into an 'external case and regular HDD'. Can someone point me in the right direction?

[Araenel]

Look into external hdd caddys (http://www.pcsuperstore.com.au/product-details.php?g_ProductID=10957). Pretty certain there's cheaper ones, but just hit the first decent link to give an example.

[etnlIcarus]

Look into external hdd caddys (http://www.pcsuperstore.com.au/product-details.php?g_ProductID=10957). Pretty certain there's cheaper ones, but just hit the first decent link to give an example.
From the specs:
File System: FAT16/32/NTFS.

Is it possible to get a 'caddy' that just shows up as a generic USB mass storage device; one that I can format with a filesystem more befitting my OS?

[Araenel]

idk use ur googles.

[Pai Mel]

I think I may have killed my CPU. :'( Was trying to overclock my Q8200 to 3.3GHz. I already had a stable OC of 466 x 7 with mostly AUTO settings, but I wanted to take it to 3333MHz cause it's just a nicer looking number and I've read some people who have achieved that or higher.

I read this review: http://www.custompc.co.uk/reviews/238137/intel-core-2-quad-q8200.html and they managed to OC the Q8200 to 3.3GHz...


"We spent some time on our attempts but the chip wouldn't advance beyond 3.3GHz. This 3.3GHz clock speed was achieved by keeping the multiplier at seven and raising the FSB from 333MHz to 471MHz (1,884MHz effective). To remain stable, the vcore required a massive boost from 1.3625V to 1.55V.

We also had to overvolt the motherboard, pushing the Northbridge to 1.7V, the FSB to 1.4V and the PLL to 1.9V."


So I tried those voltage values instead of AUTO values and I booted up fine to Windows 7, started an encoding video test and about 2 mins in, the computer screen gets glitchy and the computer shuts down.
After that I couldn't get my machine to post anymore. The hard disk activity blinks about once a second, all the case fans and hard disks seem to be running, but nothing on my monitor screen. There's no beeps.

Tried unplugging the power, clearing the CMOS with the jumper and also removed the CMOS battery for 20 seconds. Several times.

There was just the one flukey time it managed to post and I got into BIOS and changed to default speeds, but when I saved and exited, it wouldn't post anymore.

What do I do? I don't have any other socket 775 CPUs or motherboards to try and replace it and find the faulty part.

So upset. Only had the system for about a month.

[Vindik8or]

You buy a new CPU. Everytime you overclock, you're basically taking the risk that you will ruin the component.

[Italian Stallion]

You buy a new CPU. Everytime you overclock, you're basically taking the risk that you will ruin the component.
It's hardly a risk if you do it properly. Copying settings (particularly voltage settings) that someone else managed to get it to work with is just stupid. Especially when that voltage setting is something like .2-.3 higher than stock. Over the past 1 & 1/2 - 2 years every CPU I've had has been overclocked and I've never had an issue with one dying. You generally do it step-by-step and it usually gets to a point where it'll boot, but fail at benchmarking tests so you back it off, play with the voltages, etc.. or it just won't boot. But at least you have the option to reset your CMOS - it doesn't just kill your CPU unless you raise the volts so high.

Anyway, as for what you can do? I'd remove the power for a good half an hour or so, more if you can. Completely disconnect the power to it and try to power the machine on, that'll use the last reserves of power in the PSU. Remove the CMOS battery for the whole time as well. Try re-seating everything while that's happening, RAM, GPU & even CPU if you can be stuffed. Make sure all the power cables are connected properly internally too.

If it's still not working after that, I'd probably suggest it's the motherboard. If it were the CPU you'd likely get some beeps to indicate as much. Otherwise, it might be the PSU?

[buckstwits]

if i get some more RAM do the latencies (ie 5-5-5-15) have to match the original RAM?

[Readman]

Having problems with purple flickering on my monitor. The problem has been progressively getting worse over the last day and a half - at first it was confined to a couple of websites, but now it's pretty much everywhere I go.

What can I do? I've tried the really obvious stuff - restarting, etc.

[Fenrir]

I've been using Vista comfortably for months without UAC ever being invasive, and it just now comes up. I'd rather stick to clean browsing circles and take my chances than have to greenlight transferral of files, but if there's a way to make that mechanism neither seen nor heard yet enabled then hit me.
There are a few options available to you. You could disable UAC temporarily for the file transfer, or loosen the security policy of the directory(/ies) you're seeking to manipulate. Both of these things are possible, but I'd recommend that you restore the previous security settings (ie re-enable UAC, etc) after you're finished.

Anyway, there's a list of tasks that require UAC clearance here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Account_Control#Tasks_that_trigger_a_UAC_prom pt
And you definitely don't want malicious applications to be able to do any of that.

I'm guessing that you're transferring files to/from %ProgramFiles% (usually C:\Program Files\), maybe data that an application is accustomed to storing in its program's directory, for example game saves. This is actually irresponsible design on behalf of the developers of said application - data such as game saves and the like should be stored elsewhere, such as in the user's account directory. You shouldn't run into this problem too often, though, as most developers seem to've fallen into line.

Sudo (or the gksu frontend, which I assume is what you're referring to) isn't anything so sophisticated or invasive. Gksu/kdsu just darken the screen for dramatic effect. My point was that (as your link confirmed); anything that's already running with high privileges continues to do so, regardless of UAC 'lockdowns'. This would obviously include device services, win32 (if it's still called that), etc. If malware wants to steal passwords or click "Allow", isn't it these lower level services it has to subvert?

My knowledge of Windows is a little out of date but it just struck me as a redundant - well, this is windows. I guess the better safe than sorry mentality applies.
Like I said, I'm not sure on the specifics myself. There's precious little I know about things like mouse spoofing, remote administration tools, etc.

If I were to guess, I'd say that if you were to subvert a device driver with a buffer overflow, for example, you probably couldn't fit enough shellcode into the buffer for it to OK a UAC prompt without having to get further instructions from the application the secure desktop has suspended. Then again, DEP should prevent buffer overflows from ever being exploited in a device driver, so I'm probably way off the mark here.

Edit: also need help. Went into JB today to check out some external HDDs. They all seem to be these really complex bits of kit, presumably with onboard firmware to power their, "one touch", features. Guy there pretty much confirmed my suspicion; I would not be able to reformat these drives. He suggested I look into an 'external case and regular HDD'. Can someone point me in the right direction?
Pick a computer store, really. They all tend to stock cases for laptop drives with the standard UMS/SATA dumb caddy, for somewhere around the $20-$30 price range (drive sold separately, obviously).

From the specs:
File System: FAT16/32/NTFS.

Is it possible to get a 'caddy' that just shows up as a generic USB mass storage device; one that I can format with a filesystem more befitting my OS?

I wouldn't be surprised if the specs are just for show, really - but I'd recommend you go to a store and buy one from someone who knows for sure.

I think I may have killed my CPU. :'( Was trying to overclock my Q8200 to 3.3GHz. I already had a stable OC of 466 x 7 with mostly AUTO settings, but I wanted to take it to 3333MHz cause it's just a nicer looking number and I've read some people who have achieved that or higher.

I read this review: http://www.custompc.co.uk/reviews/238137/intel-core-2-quad-q8200.html and they managed to OC the Q8200 to 3.3GHz...
The reason the manufacturer undercuts the theoretical maximum clock rate of the processor, is because in practice, each processor is born slightly different from the next. In fact, the CPUs in a range or series are normally born on a common manufacturing line, tested, and the better ones are simply set a higher clock rate and given a different model name.

The reason they were able to get their unit to 3.3GHz and yours couldn't handle it? Well, at some point, as the manufacturing process improves, more of the CPUs made turn out capable of higher clock rates - but as there is still demand for the lower-end models, they set them up with the lower clock rate and brand them accordingly. The dilemma, though, is in the fact that you can't really tell whether yours is the dunce branded appropriately, or one of the good chips with its clock rate reduced to suit your price range. They got lucky - you didn't.

So I tried those voltage values instead of AUTO values and I booted up fine to Windows 7, started an encoding video test and about 2 mins in, the computer screen gets glitchy and the computer shuts down.
After that I couldn't get my machine to post anymore. The hard disk activity blinks about once a second, all the case fans and hard disks seem to be running, but nothing on my monitor screen. There's no beeps.

Tried unplugging the power, clearing the CMOS with the jumper and also removed the CMOS battery for 20 seconds. Several times.

There was just the one flukey time it managed to post and I got into BIOS and changed to default speeds, but when I saved and exited, it wouldn't post anymore.

What do I do? I don't have any other socket 775 CPUs or motherboards to try and replace it and find the faulty part.

So upset. Only had the system for about a month.
Here's the real kicker: if you're able to get the BIOS up again, you may end up having to underclock the CPU to get it to run stably.

From what I gather, most (if not all) damage caused by overclocking can be attributed to heat damage - expanded semiconductor material causing separate paths in the CPU to link and short-circuit. That becomes a permanent problem, the channels of conductive material become permanently expanded and so the CPU is more sensitive to heat. (or something of that nature, I'm not really in my element here)

One summer, the CPU on my family desktop cooked in the heatwave - ultimately the cheap solution was to underclock the thing to half its recommended clock rate. It's been crawling along ever since, for probably a good 3 years or so now. :rolleyes:

[Readman]

Having problems with purple flickering on my monitor. The problem has been progressively getting worse over the last day and a half - at first it was confined to a couple of websites, but now it's pretty much everywhere I go.

What can I do? I've tried the really obvious stuff - restarting, etc.

This problem has just mysteriously solved itself.

[Pai Mel]

I just installed a Thermalright HR-01 Plus a few days ago and my CPU was barely hitting 50C (68 - 71C per core) on full load and that's OC'd to 3.2GHz. I just didn't expect the CPU to fry with only a further 100MHz increase and voltage increases of 1/2 volts. Oh well, you live and learn. Prior to this I was actually anti-overclocking -- well I didn't have the option anyway since I've been on Macs since 2000.

[Pai Mel]

Removed the CPU and peripherals. Only a stick of RAM and video card is installed in the mobo. Still wont post. I would have thought it would at least come up with a "No CPU Detected" error.

So I think now it's the motherboard that is carked. Or perhaps BOTH. Oh dear. There goes the money I was saving towards an i7 system.

And the thing is I have to buy the same motherboard again as replacement or one that has Marvel RAID SATA support (Drive Xpert) so I can retrieve the data from my RAID stripe.

:(

[edit: update]

I chucked my CPU in my brother's computer and it worked fine. And I left it in there and took his Q6600. At least with this quad I can reach 3GHz with a lower FSB as it has a higher multi and more cache than my Q8200. My brother will be too lazy to take my CPU put of the system again so his Q6600 is pretty much mine now, muahaha.

Now just have to buy a new mobo.

[Rambo]

Hey Fenrir, you remember the problems I was having before? There here again, and after a fresh install.

It's picking up things like Reader_S.exe and services.exe again. It was running fine until I started up RPGxp maker. I restarted my computer to get that network login box instead of the picture to login. So I uninstalled RPGxp Maker and everything associated with it. I just can't seem to understand why a vaild program would contain viruses, maybe it's not actually a virus but is picked up as one. Anyway, I'll try to fix it by myself.

I restarted my computer again to get even more messages wrong (CCC.exe won't start which is the ATI catalyst control center, AVG will pop up with about 5 things that it wants me to take care of). I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose my internet soon.

****ING SHIT ****.

God, I just got everything ready after 2 fresh installs. Why does this have to ****ing happen?




__________________________________________________ ___

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 2:51:02 AM, on 3/25/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sopidkc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tdctxte.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mmc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDO WS\system32\vmware-ufad.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\makehm.exe,C:\WINDOWS \system32\ndetect.exe,
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: Groove GFS Browser Helper - {72853161-30C5-4D22-B7F9-0BBC1D38A37E} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\GRA8E1~1.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SkyTel] SkyTel.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe" MSRun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PWRISOVM.EXE] C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GrooveMonitor] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [nidle] "C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Application Data\nidle\nidle.exe" 61A847B5BBF728103B9D3B466188719AB689201522886B092C BD44BD8689220221DD3257 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [nidle] "C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Application Data\nidle\nidle.exe" 61A847B5BBF728103B9D3B466188719AB689201522886B092C BD44BD8689220221DD3257 (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O18 - Protocol: grooveLocalGWS - {88FED34C-F0CA-4636-A375-3CB6248B04CD} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\GR99D3~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: afisicx Service (afisicx) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: sopidkc Service (sopidkc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\sopidkc.exe
O23 - Service: tdctxte Service (tdctxte) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\tdctxte.exe

--
End of file - 5627 bytes


__________________________________-

I swear to God whoever figures out what is happening, there is money in it for you. between $30 and $50. Just someone figure out whats going on. My internet has been slowed (no I'm not capped, 360 works fine) to dialup, I checked it at Speedtest.net. My Windows firewall has been turned off and says "for your security this is controlled by Group Policy". What the **** is that about?

[Fenrir]

Eh, sleep first - I'll go over the log when I wake up.

[Stevorooni]

When I boot my PC, it starts to load Windows then it will just shut down.

I turn the PC on again and it repeats the process. After about 4 times it finally works like normal and boots.

I've tried this with both Vista and Windows 7 (I'm dual booting) and it happens with both, even with the 'last working configuration' option it gives me, which indicates to me that it is a hardware issue.

One interesting thing to note is that it wasn't doing this until I moved house. When I moved the computer I pretty much just slapped it standing up on the backseat of my car then packed stuff around it so it wouldn't move much, so I'm wondering if something inside jiggled out of place during the drive.

Any suggestions on what it could be? I'll crack the case open to make sure that everything is plugged in properly but other than the ritual of powering on 4 times the machine is working fine.

[Rambo]

When you start the computer, hold F8. When it gives you a list of options, select the one that says something about rebooting on error.

I wish I could remember the name.

Well anyway, today I've canceled things with friends so I can get my computer working properly, I've got my laptop on next to me and I'm ready to kill some virus scum.

EDIT: Ok so I checked with telstra on their website, I'm capped. Looks like there will be no virus removing for me today. Or for another 10 days. *Sigh*

Do you think it's worth me sending it in to Austins computers and getting professionals to look at it?

[Stevorooni]

When you start the computer, hold F8. When it gives you a list of options, select the one that says something about rebooting on error.

I wish I could remember the name.

Tried that last night, did the repair thingy, still no change. Also opened the case to make sure everything was in order and nothing was loose.

It's strange how it always takes turns itself off 3 times before working on the 4th time.

I might try booting straight into safe mode tonight and see if it does the same thing. Then I'll use the method I used to fix my guitar hero controller, I'll punch it and call it a dickhead.

[Fenrir]

It's picking up things like Reader_S.exe
Do you mean "Reader_sl.exe"? That'd be Adobe Reader's "speed launcher" - apparently a lot of people consider this bloatware, but it's safe.
If you really do mean "reader_s.exe", that's very likely to be a malicious file.
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/reader_s.exe.html

and services.exe again.
Whilst C:\Windows\system32\services.exe (which appears in your log) is a crucial part of Windows, once again it's possible that you've misread a similar filename, like "service.exe"...
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/service.exe.html

EDIT: now I recall you saying you deleted "services.exe" from system32 before. I should've caught that earlier, stupid move - but irrelevant now.

Whilst we're on the subject of detections, I assume these files are being picked up using AVG?

It was running fine until I started up RPGxp maker. I restarted my computer to get that network login box instead of the picture to login. So I uninstalled RPGxp Maker and everything associated with it. I just can't seem to understand why a vaild program would contain viruses, maybe it's not actually a virus but is picked up as one. Anyway, I'll try to fix it by myself.
Are you using a keygen for this?

C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sopidkc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tdctxte.exe

F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDO WS\system32\vmware-ufad.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\makehm.exe,C:\WINDOWS \system32\ndetect.exe,

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [nidle] "C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Application Data\nidle\nidle.exe" 61A847B5BBF728103B9D3B466188719AB689201522886B092C BD44BD8689220221DD3257 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [nidle] "C:\Documents and Settings\Aaron\Application Data\nidle\nidle.exe" 61A847B5BBF728103B9D3B466188719AB689201522886B092C BD44BD8689220221DD3257 (User 'Default user')

O23 - Service: afisicx Service (afisicx) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe
O23 - Service: sopidkc Service (sopidkc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\sopidkc.exe
O23 - Service: tdctxte Service (tdctxte) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\tdctxte.exe
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/afisicx.exe.html
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/sopidkc.exe.html
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/makehm.exe.html

Five nasties, it appears - I'll dig up other sources on "nidle.exe" and "tdctxte.exe" at some point.
Anyway, I'll come up with some instructions to tackle that in a sec, if you haven't already tended to the problem. Sorry for the delay, btw - I've been busy.

My Windows firewall has been turned off and says "for your security this is controlled by Group Policy". What the **** is that about?
I'll look into that.

[FrozenSoul80]

While trying to install Riven on my XP machine I keep getting the following error:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d56/FrozenSoul80/error.jpg

How do I fix this? It's shit like this that made me stop PC gaming.

EDIT: Managed to fix the problem myself. Turns out one of my system 32 files was ****ed.

[BM2]

My wireless connection keeps inexplicably disconnecting and then reconnecting after random periods of time, regardless of signal strength. What the heck is happening?

Is my computer becoming self aware?

[Pai Mel]

Used to be the same for me until I switched from the more secure WPA2 to the crap WEP encryption protocol. Just turned out that my wireless router (D-Link) WPA support is pants.

[BM2]

That's an intriguing possibility. But for no apparent reason, my wireless connection is stable all of a sudden. I haven't made any changes.



Was it something that the neighbour was doing that was dicking around with my wireless? I hate that guy!

[Rambo]

Do you mean "Reader_sl.exe"? That'd be Adobe Reader's "speed launcher" - apparently a lot of people consider this bloatware, but it's safe.
If you really do mean "reader_s.exe", that's very likely to be a malicious file.
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/reader_s.exe.html


Whilst C:\Windows\system32\services.exe (which appears in your log) is a crucial part of Windows, once again it's possible that you've misread a similar filename, like "service.exe"...
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/service.exe.html

EDIT: now I recall you saying you deleted "services.exe" from system32 before. I should've caught that earlier, stupid move - but irrelevant now.

Whilst we're on the subject of detections, I assume these files are being picked up using AVG?


Are you using a keygen for this?


http://www.threatexpert.com/files/afisicx.exe.html
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/sopidkc.exe.html
http://www.threatexpert.com/files/makehm.exe.html

Five nasties, it appears - I'll dig up other sources on "nidle.exe" and "tdctxte.exe" at some point.
Anyway, I'll come up with some instructions to tackle that in a sec, if you haven't already tended to the problem. Sorry for the delay, btw - I've been busy.


I'll look into that.

I can't thank you enough Fenrir, as soon as I am uncapped, I'll follow those instructions....

But another problem has arisen. I haven't touched my computer in a couple of days, and when I launched it today, AVG usually picks up about 5 different things, I click ignore (because I'm capped, and don't know if I should delete them etc) and keep on going. Today when it launched, about 50 different infections popped up, proclaming things like notepad.exe and things that are white listed (critical system file that shouldn't be removed) were infected. I haven't touched the AVG pop up just yet, and I never used a Keygen on this fresh install. Also Services.exe is still alive this time, the first time I deleted it was before the restarts.

Wow. I can't believe how much it's grown in a couple of days. I don't know whether its relevant, but about a week ago I ran AVG command line in safe mode and it told me I got 53 infections removed. It got me my log on screen back, but not much else.

Remember Fenrir, at the end of this, $35 is coming your way :D

[Fenrir]

But another problem has arisen. I haven't touched my computer in a couple of days, and when I launched it today, AVG usually picks up about 5 different things, I click ignore (because I'm capped, and don't know if I should delete them etc) and keep on going. Today when it launched, about 50 different infections popped up, proclaming things like notepad.exe and things that are white listed (critical system file that shouldn't be removed) were infected. I haven't touched the AVG pop up just yet, and I never used a Keygen on this fresh install.
Alright, another HijackThis log would be handy. I'd write up some instructions now, but they could be completely useless if something new has hatched.

Also Services.exe is still alive this time, the first time I deleted it was before the restarts.
You mean before the reinstall?

Wow. I can't believe how much it's grown in a couple of days. I don't know whether its relevant, but about a week ago I ran AVG command line in safe mode and it told me I got 53 infections removed. It got me my log on screen back, but not much else.
Thing is, if you haven't touched the computer in a while, nothing should've "grown".
Based on your last HJT log, you don't appear to be running a firewall. There is the possibility that the current infections your system has have downloaded more malware with which to infect your system - it'd explain the boost in detections. Do you have another computer you can access the internet with? If so, I'd recommend that you keep the infected computer offline.

Also, do you happen to know where AVG keeps its log files? They'd be helpful.

Remember Fenrir, at the end of this, $35 is coming your way :D
Not really necessary; I'm not even sure that I'll be able to fix the problem yet.

[Rambo]

Thanks for that, I'll try to keep it disconnected for now.

I just tried to run MSconfig because when I started the computer today, explorer didn't run so I manually ran it and I needed to check if a virus had unticked the startup box or something. Turns out I can't run msconfig because I don't have the permissions. I'm the only admin on this machine btw.

[Rambo]

So I retried the safe mode and AVG command line in which I saw it get rid of a lot of infections, but some that were good files too. I then returned to normal mode and logged in, in which it brought me to my desktop and nothing else happened. I then tried to ctrl+alt+delete to run explorer but it didn't pop up. I'm pretty sure that AVG has got rid of tskmanager.

[Fenrir]

Could you get those logs I asked for? (another HijackThis log, and try to find AVG's logs)

[Rambo]

So after that AVG command line, I came back to normal mode and everything was gone. I'd basically bricked windows, things like notepad weren't there etc. So I gave up and fresh reinstalled.

I'm sorry to waste you time, and I know what programs not to install this time around. You've been a great help and I guarantee I'll be back in this thread within the week. Let's hope not.

[Pai Mel]

That's what I do on the rare occasion I get virus/spyware. Reinstalling Windows is usually faster than doing a full system scan.

[Vindik8or]

Well my computer has gone all gunnysack. The thing won't connect to any network. It can see that there is a network cable plugged in, but it will not connect to my router and in turn the internet. Need urgent helps. I leave it on to run uTorrent last night, come in this morning and nothing is working.

EDIT: More info. I'm posting from my gf's computer, connected through the same router. Changing the port that the network cable is plugged into doesn't change the situation on my computer so I'm thinking it's not the router's fault. The MSN messenger troubleshoot/repair doohicky has come up with every problem from the DNS to port access to the Gateway, no idea what to do there.

I ran a smart scan of Adaware and it picked up an unknown Sfsync error, whatever that is, so I quarantined that shit just in case and I'm running Avira Antivir right now.

[Vindik8or]

What would be the torch test for finding out if your network adapter hardware (onboard) is broken?

[Gemerald]

I'd probably suggest running an isolation test to try and diagnose where the fault is whether it's the router, the cable, or the notebook. Can you take your computer and swap it with your girlfriends computer. This could tell you whether it's an issue with the ethernet cable or the ethernet port your computer is connected to.

[Vindik8or]

Okay, I swapped the cables around. GF's computer worked fine, mine had no change. That completely rules out the router (was fairly sure it wasn't the issue), and pretty sure the cables aren't the issue. I also noticed that I've only got orange lights coming from the ethernet port on my computer. And under Fenrir's guidance I've reinstalled all my system drivers including ethernet controller, so I don't think it's software unless there's some crazy setting somewhere I've ignored.

[Gemerald]

Okay, I swapped the cables around. GF's computer worked fine, mine had no change. That completely rules out the router (was fairly sure it wasn't the issue), and pretty sure the cables aren't the issue. I also noticed that I've only got orange lights coming from the ethernet port on my computer. And under Fenrir's guidance I've reinstalled all my system drivers including ethernet controller, so I don't think it's software unless there's some crazy setting somewhere I've ignored.

Yeah that's fine, I just wanted to rule out the small stuff first, that's all. Strange for it to suddenly fail/stop if you had just left it downloading a torrent. Perhaps if there is no change in the situation after the drivers being reinstalled, we can rule that it's a hardware issue?

Is it a desktop or a notebook?

[Vindik8or]

It's a desktop. I wouldn't put it past being hardware, this motherboard has given me the shits from almost right after I pulled it out of the box. Unfortunately it is a socket 939 and I happened to get it shortly before those were superceded.

[Lazlow]

Just reformatted, and installed my video card drivers from the CD. Then went to the Nvidia site, grabbed the lastest drivers, and installed them.

Under these new drivers scrolling in Firefox is slow, and moving and scrolling windows in slow. The Nvidia tray utility is also gone.

Checking the device manager, the video card adapter has an exclamation mark and the properties states the device can't function properly.

I'm trying the Nvidia site again, and this time letting it auto detect my hardware, but other than that I'm pretty stumped.

[Vicious]

It's a desktop. I wouldn't put it past being hardware, this motherboard has given me the shits from almost right after I pulled it out of the box. Unfortunately it is a socket 939 and I happened to get it shortly before those were superceded.

Just want to double check though. You're not getting any connectivity right? If you're getting limited connectivity then odds are it's the software, but if you've changed cables, tried different ports on the router, and still get no change it's definitely the ethernet.

If you are strapped for cash though you can always get a PCI NIC, simple cheap fix till you replace the machine entirely.

[Gemerald]

Just reformatted, and installed my video card drivers from the CD. Then went to the Nvidia site, grabbed the lastest drivers, and installed them.

Under these new drivers scrolling in Firefox is slow, and moving and scrolling windows in slow. The Nvidia tray utility is also gone.

Checking the device manager, the video card adapter has an exclamation mark and the properties states the device can't function properly.

I'm trying the Nvidia site again, and this time letting it auto detect my hardware, but other than that I'm pretty stumped.

Did you download a beta driver or the wrong driver?

[Vindik8or]

You should uninstall your display drivers, restart, run CCleaner (maybe restart again) then install the new drivers. Also make sure you've disabled your malware and antivirus detection stuff while you install. With nVidia right click on the desktop to get the control panel, and you can turn on the notification tray there.

[Vindik8or]

Just want to double check though. You're not getting any connectivity right? If you're getting limited connectivity then odds are it's the software, but if you've changed cables, tried different ports on the router, and still get no change it's definitely the ethernet.

If you are strapped for cash though you can always get a PCI NIC, simple cheap fix till you replace the machine entirely.

Yeah, I've tried all of those different things. It says, "limited connectivity" in the notification tray, but I can't find anything that it is connecting to. I can't even access the router's settings page through sticking the local IP into my browser (on that computer).

How does this (http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=121&bid=5&sid=10857) look for a replacement to tide me over to new-computersville?

[Lazlow]

Nevermind, just browsed the Nvidia forums.

Apparently, despite listing compatibility as far back as series 6 cards, only Series 8 cards and above function properly with Forceware 182.50.

i upgraded from 182.06 to 182.50 a geforce 6600 agp, and had a very slow vertical refresh like there were no drivers installed at all.
also no nvidia control panel available.

Are series 6 agp based cards supported by 182.50 drivers?

According to Nvidia Support, yes, but the truth is NO. Try the 182.47 developer drivers.
I'm surprised you could use 182.06, did games play alright ?

A later post hinted that the next set of drivers will be cutting out Series 7 & 8 support.

[Vindik8or]

Nevermind, just browsed the Nvidia forums.

Apparently, despite listing compatibility as far back as series 6 cards, only Series 8 cards and above function properly with Forceware 182.50.



A later post hinted that the next set of drivers will be cutting out Series 7 & 8 support.

Oh snap. I just upgraded my drivers to 182.50 as well. I run a 7950GX2, and I haven't noticed any change in graphics performance, though I've only been playing Homeworld.

[Lazlow]

When I rolled back a message popped up about SLI being turn off... so maybe that has something to do with.

FTR, I'm running an ASUS N7600GS AGP card. >_>

This is apparently Nvidia's response to the problem:

I get "This device cannot start (Code 10)" when I try to install a new video card. How do I fix this?

The Code 10 error is most often a result of not having the option "Assign IRQ to VGA" enabled in your motherboards system BIOS. Please note: Making changes to your system BIOS can cause your computer to malfunction or become inoperable. If you are unsure how to make BIOS changes, don’t. Seek assistance from your system administrator or technician. If you are familiar with making changes to your BIOS, you may proceed with this section.

To enter the system BIOS for most PC’s, you need to repeatedly click the “F1” or “Del” key on your keyboard as soon as you turn on your computer until it brings you to the system BIOS. If this does not bring you to your system BIOS, consult your motherboard manufacturer or system manufacturer for more information. Once inside of the system BIOS, search for the option “Assign IRQ to VGA”. Check that this option is enabled and then save these settings. Exit the system BIOS and boot back into Windows. The error code should be gone.

So I guess if you don't have that option, you're screwed.

[Vindik8or]

Picked up and installed the new network card, everything works just fine. Thankyou all, pepper to the people.

[BM2]

My wireless connection keeps inexplicably disconnecting and then reconnecting after random periods of time, regardless of signal strength. What the heck is happening?

Is my computer becoming self aware?

OK, I've discovered that it might have something to do with tiny periods of inactivity that makes the modem forget about the connection. Constantly running uTorrent with speed limited to <1kb/sec means that the connection doesn't drop out!


Is there a slightly smarter solution to this problem? Do modems usually have some kind of timeout length setting?

[Pai Mel]

Would a Command Prompt window running a Ping command work?

[Clockw0rk]

I was using PC-Cillin as my virus scanner/firewall but it gave me framerate issues in games. I got rid of it and I'm now using Nod32 as my virus scanner, but it has no built in firewall so it's switched back to the Windows one.

Can anyone recommend a good firewall program?

[Fenrir]

ESET do have a firewall, albeit a terrible one.

Anyway, this (http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php) might help you pick a firewall.

[Starscream]

Is Dosbox compatible with any gaming controllers (aside from the old joysticks with variable sensitivity)?

[Richie]

My laptop can't connect to the internet anymore because I accidentally lost the password for it.

The router is set up as follows: Network Authentication WPA-PSK then and data encryption is TKIP. There is 8 blocked out digits below which I'm assuming is the password that I somehow changed. What I need to know is how to find out what it is or change it to something else.

Thanks in advance.


Also to log onto my router, via the 192.168.0.1 thing it asks me for a username and password, which I have but no longer seem to work either. Can anyone tell me how I can find out what that is as well.

[Fenrir]

This is probably an RTFM situation, but I'll play along. What are your router's brand and model?

[Pai Mel]

To login in to your router, the default (until you change it) is usually:

name: admin
pass: 1234

Or sometimes a blank password. There is usually a tiny button on the rear of the router that will reset it to factory default, including passwords, but it will wipe out all your other settings as well! So only factory reset if you have a record of the settings.

But once you've logged in to your router using your web browser, you can also change your WEP/WPA password.

[Lazlow]

my routers default password is neither a blank space or 1234... FAIL!

[Richie]

Brand and model is Netgear CG814WG.

Ok I managed to get in, it turns out it is just the default shit but optus wrote an actual username and password that they must have never put in or something.

So my laptop is back on the internet, but here is my main problem and why I lost the connection in the first place.

We just bought a wireless printer which I could not get to connect to the network, which was the WPA with data encryption TKIP. I thought that the passphrase might be incorrect, even though I got it from the underside of the router and I know no one in my family would be able to change it anyway. So I logged into my router changed the password and it still didn't work.

So I thought **** it and just changed my settings from the WPA to the WEP with a basic network key that I should go back and edit now that I think about it. So my question is now is it ok to change to the WEP? Are we more exposed to malicious people now?

[Fenrir]

So my question is now is it ok to change to the WEP?
It's probably not necessary. New WiFi-aware devices tend to support WPA completely, you're just missing something in the manual.

Are we more exposed to malicious people now?
Yes, definitely (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy#Flaws).

[Pai Mel]

Hmm, I've only owned two routers ever, one a D-Link and one a Netgear, and they both had a default login of admin and 1234 at factory default. So I assumed that was just normal practice. :p

[Fenrir]

Unless one company has a monopoly over the product, never assume anything is normal practice. Even when there's a frickin' consortium or ISO workgroup dictating standards, there's always someone out to blow it all off.


BTW, that someone is usually Microsoft.

[Vindik8or]

I am wondering why I cannot get an 8.15 GB file onto an (allegedly) 8.5 GB dual layer DVD. I am using Nero and it is saying that the file is 8.3 GB (FAIR ENOUGH), but that I only have 8.15 GB of space on the DVD.

[big_b]

Does anyone know if its possible to get a new headphone jack for a acer laptop? My ones buggered.

[Vicious]

Does anyone know if its possible to get a new headphone jack for a acer laptop? My ones buggered.

Probably, but it depends on the design. You'll either need an OEM or call Acer and ask for one (which will cost money obviously). Depending on how it's implemented you may need to solder wires or a new jack. If you can't do this you probably should hire someone that can solder or just send it in to Acer.

[TrinityJayOne]

<connectivity issue>
I know it's fixed now, but did you make sure you had DHCP enabled on both router & PC, or if done manually that everything was matched up correctly? (subnet etc).

[Vindik8or]

Probably not, because I have no idea what that is.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

Right, so my mate has this computer, they got it rebooted (as in, Windows completely reinstalled) a while back and who ever did it hasn't reintalled the sound device or video card etc... I think. Anyone with explicit instructions with what to do that could help out will be met with immediate pep. Cheers, TC.

[Vicious]

Right, so my mate has this computer, they got it rebooted (as in, Windows completely reinstalled) a while back and who ever did it hasn't reintalled the sound device or video card etc... I think. Anyone with explicit instructions with what to do that could help out will be met with immediate pep. Cheers, TC.

What type of computer is it? Is it an OEM (like Acer, Dell, etc) that has a specific model? If so you can just go to their website and download the drivers from them.

If on the other hand it's custom or has a lot of parts that were added in after the fact . . . then it might have to be popped open with each part noted and looked up.

Get back to us once you figure out what type of computer it is and what's been done with it since they got it. After that we'll be able to help quite a bit more.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

*Watch this space*

[Clockw0rk]

As I mentioned in the Win7 thread, my PC crashes whenever I run FlashGet. I'm really not sure what the exact problem is but I'm wondering if there's some sort of update I can get for my motherboard drivers so I'm not just using the Windows default ones?

1. How do I check what sort of motherboard I have? I'm pretty sure it's an Asus P5K-SE but obviously want to make sure before I break my PC.

2. Where can I get drivers for it? This seems like a silly question but Google wasn't very helpful last night.

[Araenel]

your mobo model will show on the splash screen right at the start when you boot up. All drivers will be on the asus website.

[AranchineD]

Okay, my laptop's been a mother****er lately, but I've got it working good enough for to use all my programs (although it's still temperamental so I'm probably going to have to send it off to get it properly fixed) except any Office 07 program. When I try to open Word, Powerpoint, etc. I get an error message saying

"This application has failed to start because it's side-by-side configuration is incorrect."

I've googled the problem but I've gotten a number of different answers, so what's the right way to go about fixing this?

[Stevorooni]

So my computer is still being a dickhead and turning itself off only at the windows loading screen, after multiple tries it finally boots up fine with no problems after that.

If I go into a startup menu or somewhere before the 'windows loading' screen and leave it there for 10 minutes it won't turn off, but then on the Windows Loading screen it still does.

It even does it in Safe Mode.

I have tried:

- Running the error recovery tools

- Making sure the heatsink was on properly and checked the CPU temp which was all in normal range, didn't apply more of that heat paste stuff though but there was some on there.

- Formatting hard drive and reinstalling windows

- Swapping the hard drive out in case the old one had a faulty boot sector.

- Replacing the battery

My plans for nutting out the problem are as follows:

- I'm going to try testing the memory one stick at a time. - Didn't work! Still switched off

- I'm going to buy some compressed air and clear out all the dust from everywhere.

- Buy some of that heat paste stuff and apply it between the heatsink and cpu.

- Hopefully get hold of a spare PCIExpress video card to test. - Realised that I could take the video card out and just use the on board video. Still switched off.

- Throw my PC into the ocean

Any other recommendations? As the problem only occurs on the Windows Loading screen and nowhere else I don't think it could be the motherboard or PSU or even internal wiring because if it were then it would switch off at any time would it not?

Once it eventually gets past the Windows Loading screen it works fine with no other issues.


I'm being driven mad by this, please help me Hyper, you're my only hope!

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Question. The new monitor seems to have some very slight, I'd believe you'd describe it as "ghosting" (I can see 3 very (very) faint mouse pointers sitting under the main one).

You can only really notice it when you're about a foot from the monitor, but is that something I can adjust/fix?

Hmmm?

EDIT: Disregard, I just worked out it was because I was running that one through a splitter.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

My portable HDD with all my movies and TV shows on (one I was in the process of converting all my DVDs onto) has become corrupted :( What I want to do is delete the folders somehow but use a recovery program to get the programs back. Unfortunately, because they are corrupted, it tells me I can't delete them so I can recover them. If I format that drive will recovery work?

[Italian Stallion]

If they're already corrupted, you'll only be recovering corrupted files? If that was somehow actually going to work, wouldn't it be easier just to copy them straight across to another HDD?

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

The thing is I've got them in folders and I can't get into the folders to see if it's just the entire contents folder that's corrupted or just the physical location of the folder on the HDD (meaning not the physical location of the data of the video files).

To be honest I feel I'm clutching at straws, but I'd rather not have to go through copying the 150-odd DVDs I'd already copied, plus some other stuff I'd have to download again.

Edit: Running CheckDisk. Hopefully it will come up with something.

[JubeiSaotome]

ComboFix just saved my life. It's a lightweight malware remover. Fixes your PC and spits out a log. Check it out in dire needs.

[Fenrir]

Wouldn't let any "prefessional antivirus specialists" know you used it, though.

[Vindik8or]

Yeah, they tend to get very pissy when they find out that someone who isn't them recommended its use.

[Readman]

Hey Vin, there's some great threads in OT, why don't you post in them?

[FX-GTZ]

My portable HDD with all my movies and TV shows on (one I was in the process of converting all my DVDs onto) has become corrupted :( What I want to do is delete the folders somehow but use a recovery program to get the programs back. Unfortunately, because they are corrupted, it tells me I can't delete them so I can recover them. If I format that drive will recovery work?

Give this a try:

http://www.recoverdatasoftware.com/file-repair-software

Recover Data Offers the most comprehensive File Repair Software & Tools. Our File Repair Software can restore, repair or rebuild corrupt files. After Every successful data recovery process, many files tend to get corrupted due to high interference with the software. A file may get corrupted due to common reasons which are as follows:

* Virus Attack
* Software Malfunctioning
* Due to Bad Sectors in the Disk
* Media corruption

Download a trial here: http://www.recoverdatasoftware.com/tools/download.php?id=6


Also if some were in zip files:

Recover Data for Zip - Zip File Recovery Software is a program for repairing Zip archive files. Zip File Repair Software can reconstruct a specified zip file and restore all the files and folders while recovering the contents of the faulty zip file where possible.

Software Key Features - Zip File Repair Software

* Repairs corrupt Zip files
* Repair partially damaged ZIP archives.
* Extracts files/folders from ZIP archives with CRC errors.
* Extracts multiple ZIP archives at a single time.
* Extracts files/folders from partially downloaded ZIP archives.
* Repair Corrupt zip files created using Winzip, Winrar and other compressed utility archives.
* Easy-to-use, intuitive wizard-driven interface.
* Supports all Windows versions, including Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista.

http://www.recoverdatasoftware.com/tools/download.php?id=38

[Vindik8or]

Hey Vin, there's some great threads in OT, why don't you post in them?

How about copying them into the outer-forums somewhere so that I can read and contribute, maybe you can quote my replies back in there? Double your postcount overnight!

[Tr1gger Vandal]

Okay, so this isn't exactly my computer stuffing up, but it's something I can't seem to get to work.

I can't connect to your average browser or java based online game - eg, online poker/scrabble/wordscape. I'm aware of the need to port forward - I managed to fix it for the 360 a while back to set the 360 NAT setting to open, but am not entirely sure what to do for regular online games that don't specify ports to forward; those ones that people seem to be able to access without any hassle usually. The weird thing is that a PC that was previously connected to this gateway was able to access these types of games without any problem.

If I log into my gateway (Motorola SBG900), set a static IP for my PC, then enable DMZ for it, these online games seem to work; but I'm hesitant to do this as it's apparently a fairly big security risk? (clarification on how dangerous this is would be appreciated).

Turning off all the firewalls doesn't seem to help either, the only thing that appears to work is enabling DMZ. My housemate's Steam client doesn't work either, but I assume he just needs to portforward for this (and he is lazy and hasn't tried yet).

I spent half the day yesterday trying to figure it out with portforward.com and various tech sites but nothing seems to answer my specific problem and I'm getting kind of frustrated (though I'm pretty noobish at this and am quite probably missing something obvious).

Any suggestions for fixing this would be much appreciated!

[Lazlow]

Okay problem with my mum's work computer.

From what I gather the auditor came in and plugged in his USB stick into one of the two front ports (4 at the back). It apparently wouldn't be recognized so he yanked it out.

Now none of the USB ports (bar 1, with a Canon MX7600 printer/fax/scanner hooked up to it) will work.

I checked the device manager and one of the USB ports had an exclamation mark, with a read out that said something along the lines of a device being prepared for safe removal and to unplug it. There were no USB sticks plugged in, only three printers in the back (aforementioned Canon, HP Officejet K7100, and a Zebra P330i card printer).

First thing I did was try to update the drivers on the marked one, but the wizard couldn't find better software than what was already installed. So I unplugged everything in a USB port and rebooted the computer - only one of the 3 printer plugs in the back made the chime when a device is unplugged.

The exclamation mark was gone, but none of the front 2 or back 2 USB ports would read the test stick I was using (couldn't fit it into the upper 2 ports at the back, due to a fat VGA plug). When I did plug a stick in, I'd constantly get the yellow speech bubble popup telling me the device couldn't be recognized, which continued after disabling two ports I thought were the front (they were marked unknown) or when I eventually yanked the stick out.

So I plugged all the printers back in, and rebooted again.

Same situation - only the Canon printer was being recognised (HP & Zebra marked offline and wouldn't go online or print) and the front 2 ports still wouldn't work (this is when I found the Canon gets recognised as a mass storage device)

I've tried to find some USB drivers online, but have only found Audio/Network/Chipset/Bios updates for the motherboard.

And this is where I leave it as I can't reboot the PC anymore - it takes the bar tills offline when I do and its now the dinner rush.

Specs:
Intel D945GNT
P4 3.4Ghz
1GB RAM
WinXP Pro

[Vindik8or]

Sounds like the auditor's stick had AIDS. You should try some antivirus/malware scans, see what comes up.

[BB2K]

That happened to me once, after a few weeks or so it started working again, but that wouldn't help you much >_>

[Pai Mel]

I think I've caught a virus that stops my puter from reading from my DVD drive. Doesn't matter what type of CD/DVD I insert, I can never explore the content and also if I try to read from the drive my puter gets sluggish and sometimes Explorer has to restart.

Anyone know of a fix?

I may just reinstall Windows.

[Ad-Rock]

I think I've caught a virus that stops my puter from reading from my DVD drive. Doesn't matter what type of CD/DVD I insert, I can never explore the content and also if I try to read from the drive my puter gets sluggish and sometimes Explorer has to restart.

Anyone know of a fix?

I may just reinstall Windows.

I have a similar problem where my computer picks and chooses which CD/DVDs it will read. Some (like the orange box) will work first time every time, others never work (like DoW2)... I looked it up on the internet and it involved uninstalling the disk driver, removing the CD/DVD player from my computer, then restarting the computer, plugging it back in and reinstalling the driver. But apparently that is only a temporary fix. So I said "**** it" and have to spend a least 2 hours installing games via our home network.

I think the cause (in my case, from what I read) is something to do with iTunes or other Apple software, and apparently its common to certain ASUS laptops.

EDIT: Of course, this was all read from various internet tech forums so it could all be complete rubbish.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Try a lens cleaner and see what happens. Not saying it will or won't work, but it could simply be that the CD/DVD lens is dirty.

[Pai Mel]

I got my drive working again but I'm not sure how. All I know is the last action that was effective was this:

I tried to boot into my Vista partition that I haven't used in about a year (I use XP), so I could verify that it was not a hardware problem. I wasn't able to boot into Vista successfully, got the BSOD. But then I remembered that Vista chucks a fit if it detects a hardware change, and I also remembered that my PC was overclocked when I was last using Vista.
So I went into BIOS and restored my saved overclock settings, rebooted and this time Vista booted up fine. The DVD-R drive was working just fine in Vista.

I then rebooted back into XP and it was working fine again there too.

[Fenrir]

I'm not sure what just happened to my system, but I'll post some of this up and see if anyone can make sense of it. The system is Windows Vista Home Premium SP2 32bit.

My system crashed - white screen of death - which, while undesirable in itself, is a common occurrance that I'm used to and can probably attribute to the straining hardware.The problems, however, came at startup when I restarted the system.

Symptoms noted so far:
Desktop background reset to default
Taskbar resized to default
Quicklaunch icons rearranged erratically
Start menu recent programs list reset to default
Start menu right-panel links reset to default
Sidebar removed from startup (possibly among others)
Certain sidebar gadgets behaving erratically, particularly a network traffic monitor gadget
SpeedFan doesn't minimize at startup
Speefan produces error when attempting to save settings to C:\Program Files\SpeedFan\speedfanparams.cfg
C:\Program Files\SpeedFan\speedfanparams.cfg doesn't exist
Fonts in firefox changed
Synaptics tap-to-click setting reset to default (ie on)
Menu bar in explorer windows set to not appear (ie default)
Possible performance improvement (sic)

Can anyone pick a common source of disruption which could produce all of these symptoms?
I'm mostly worried about SpeedFan, and the sidebar gadgets, as the rest seem harmless - but the whole scenario worries me.

[Dunkurtin]

No doubt you've already thought of this but installed anything recently? Tried a system restore?

[Fenrir]

Recently? Practically everything - Visual Studio 2008, Mercurial 1.3.1 (TortoiseHg 0.8.1 specifically), Netbeans 6.7.1 (the 302MB bundle here (http://www.netbeans.org/downloads/index.html), full install), JDK 6u16, Omnis Studio 4.3.1, Notepad++ 5.4.5, and various updates to other apps; also uninstalled a lot of other crap. I er, tend to do this sort of thing in bulk.

I'll look into system restore tomorrow, I guess. Hopefully I can grab a restore point from after I installed all of that crap. >_>

[Fenrir]

System restore didn't go so well. There were only two restore points available, in fact I suspect that the earliest restore point of the two (midday yesterday) was incomplete, and was used when my system crashed yesterday. I'm at a loss to explain why I don't have earlier restore points on here, especially with all the installs and updates I've done recently - for all I recall, I might've culled system restore's memory allocation a while ago.

Anyway, the font problem was prevalent throughout the system, not just in Firefox, and I've settled that one. In amongst some comparisons between Microsoft and Apple font rendering techniques (http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2007/06/12.html), I discovered ClearType (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClearType), and managed to use info from here (http://www.wittysparks.com/2008/07/19/smooth-or-anti-alias-font-in-windows-firefox-ie/) and here (http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/04/23/disable-and-turn-off-cleartype-fonts-in-windows-vista/) to get it switched back on again.
On this note, I've learnt something today: I'm addicted to Microsoft's font-rendering scheme, and, whilst I rarely print anything out, and can justify my favouritism with the fact that I do 97% of my reading off a screen, the first article probably makes a good point - this is probably one of the things that turned me off of Ubuntu*. :(

I think I'll get by just reconfiguring things as I go. The most serious issue appears to be Windows Sidebar at the moment, as I have no idea how to get the Weather gadget to retrieve data from the internet, or the Network Traffic gadget to so much as display anything other than the skin, or see any of the network interfaces at all. SpeedFan was on my list of programs to update, so I'll just do a full reinstall, or pick a replacement app.

Anyway, that's enough from me.


*Not that I know how these guys render their fonts. I'm not even sure whether they even have Arial installed by default.

EDIT: "Microsoft Visual Studio is configuring itself for first time use."

Also, SpeedFan's missing .cfg file is among this list (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa378870%28VS.85%29.aspx).

...shit.

[Pai Mel]

How about using your Windows installation disk to do a Repair Windows Partition?

[Fenrir]

Firstly, my laptop didn't come with an install disc, and the original HDD (which has a restore partition, nfi whether or not it's capable of anything other than a complete flashing) has long since been removed, and possibly damaged beyond responsiveness subsequently. I still need to test the drive and the USB-SATA caddy thing separately. >_>

Secondly, I'm not sure what a repair would even *do* to my system. There don't seem to be any config/settings/executable/etc files missing (apart from that SpeedFan one, which I found the program will generate itself when given sufficient permissions); rather, I've had a slate of "default" files forced on me, which is probably what a repair disc would do, anyway.

If I can get my hands on an install disc, I might give it a try to see if I can get my sidebar gadgets to see network data, though.

[Ashmaran]

It sounds like your windows logon profile got corrupted/lost. That's where all your customisations and user specific program data is stored. Not sure where they are stored in Vista, but in XP for me they're in C:\Documents and Settings.

Have a look in there, see what's what. Compare yours to the default user. Maybe if you are lucky there will be a second copy with your username that's inactive you can scavenge settings from without having to redo everything.

[Fenrir]

%USERPROFILE%, specifically; C:\Users\{user} by default in Vista. The HKCU hive (ntuser.dat) is stored in there. :(

Now that you mention it, though, I should probably be checking to see whether these problems persist in another user account. The sidebar problems are really proving persistent, so I'll give that a try now. Thanks, Ash.

EDIT: Yar, everything seems fine in a new account. Chances are my account's HKCU is damaged. FML.

[JONO RANDOM H3RO]

My desktop has a really annoying problem. Everytime i connect to my wireless network my computer freezes. It connects and about a minute later I have to hard reset because it's frozen.

Using a PCI D-link DWL G510 Rev c wireless card.

PC Spec:

i7 920 , 6gb ddr3 running on Vista 64 bit home premium.

I've installed the latest drivers ( which are old but apparently support 64 bit vista) but it still does the same thing. Thinking of grabbing a usb adapter tomorrow and seeing how that goes any other suggestions? I would try connecting via ethernet but the net connection location doesnt make this an easy thing to do without a very long ethernet cable ( which I dont have and if i go and buy one wil be about the same price as a usb wireless adapter).

[TAT]

My desktop has a really annoying problem. Everytime i connect to my wireless network my computer freezes. It connects and about a minute later I have to hard reset because it's frozen.

Using a PCI D-link DWL G510 Rev c wireless card.

PC Spec:

i7 920 , 6gb ddr3 running on Vista 64 bit home premium.

I've installed the latest drivers ( which are old but apparently support 64 bit vista) but it still does the same thing. Thinking of grabbing a usb adapter tomorrow and seeing how that goes any other suggestions? I would try connecting via ethernet but the net connection location doesnt make this an easy thing to do without a very long ethernet cable ( which I dont have and if i go and buy one wil be about the same price as a usb wireless adapter).
It seems your issue is a common one (http://www.google.com.au/search?q=D-link+DWL+G510+freezing+issues&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a)

One suggestion was to go to this site: http://www.ralink.com.tw/ and try downloading their drivers. This thread (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/588418.html) has the explanation in it.

[Second]

SATA DVD drive disappears shortly after fresh installing of windows XP pro.
Halfway through installing some of the motherboard's chipset drivers it reboots, comes back and the drive is gone. Found in device manager and the drive has been disabled and cannot be enabled (it just fails to do so). Device shows up in bios, able to access the drive, so, I'm attempting for another clean install and seeing how it goes this time.

[Italian Stallion]

Are your HDDs SATA too? If so, there's obviously no issues with that?

Perhaps just stick with the default driver instead of upgrading the SATA one? Or download another version from the net... or install Windows 7. >_>

[Second]

Reinstalled windows. Yeah, the HDD is SATA also. I'm going a bit slowly, seeing if anything else stuffs up.

[Pai Mel]

http://meldavid.com/images/no_subs_in_mpc.jpg

I don't know what has caused it but subtitles has suddenly stopped working in Media Player Classic for me under Windows 7. All I get now is splashes of dots instead of text as shown in the above pic.
Was working fine a few days ago. I don't remember installing anything new.
I am using the inbuilt subtitile generator in MPC (by ticking the auto-load subtitles in options).

[Pai Mel]

Fixed it thanks to videohelp forums. Had to delete MPC preferences in the Registry. Apparently you shouldn't be using MPC AND MPC Home Cinema on the same computer as their settings can screw each other up.

[/backslash]

Trying to get 75hz or 70hz at least working on my Dell 2209WA @ 1680x1050. Anybody else have this monitor? I tried using Powerstrip but it doesn't understand me when the refresh rate doesn't work at all and I have a very fuzzy flickering screen for longer than I'd like and wondering if I'm damaging my monitor

Apparently Nvidia's old drivers work better than the new ones for overriding this constant "test failed" when setting a custom resolution. If I use my normal display options it only lets me use 59hz or 60hz, even with the 'hide modes that this monitor cannot accept' unticked

edit:

Found the answer from googling. Yay! No more tearing

At least with nvidia drivers, to get my 2209wa in 1680x1050 @75Hz over DVI, you have to set up a custom resolution. When setting up the custom resolution you must select Advanced >> and change the Timing standard to CVT Reduced Blanking. If it's left on Auto then the GDI refresh rate is 75Hz but the "actual refresh rate" (as the nv control panel calls it) remains at 60Hz, verified still 60Hz in the panel OSD. The custom resolution won't actually use CVT reduced blanking by the way, it'll use DMT timing mode.

I've no explanation for why that is, it might just be a nvidia control panel bug with the auto timing mode. Either way, the panel's OSD and nvidia control panel will only report an actual refresh rate of 75Hz if you use the Advanced >> button to control the timings.

I had this behaviour in Vista x86 and Windows 7 x64 both.

Once the panel is getting a genuine 1680x1050@75Hz signal it works nicely. I did some tearing tests to verify the screen does physically refresh at 75Hz, i.e. the panel's internal signal processing doesn't reduce it back to 60Hz like some monitors will.

If anyone wants to double-check that, i used Portal with net_graph 3 enabled in console to see my current FPS, first with v-sync disabled to find a nice area where tearing is easily visible, then switched to v-sync enabled, checked the net_graph was locked at 75 FPS and verified the tearing was gone. If the screen was downsampling the 75Hz to 60Hz, then 75Hz v-sync would still show tearing, akin to 75fps at 60Hz without v-sync.

I only have a weakling 8800GTS 640MB so i often can't run the latest games with v-sync enabled to get rid of tearing, so i'm happy to say the jump up to 75Hz reduces tearing quite noticeably on this screen. It's still there a bit, and you can still tell a difference when v-sync is enabled, but it's definitely an improvement.

Aside from making tearing in games much less of an issue, it's also pretty good for removing judder from HD blu-ray movies watched on the 2209WA. 24fps into 60Hz always gives some ugliness on panning shots, but it's almost eliminated with 24fps into 75Hz. A 72Hz custom res is also an option, although personally i use Reclock to speed up the movie to 25fps and resample the audio, for perfect v-sync movie playback.

[Watchers]

How long will it take to defrag a 127GB partition on my HDD given that it's my main install drive (i.e. all my games and apps get installed and uninstalled from here), and I haven't defragged it at all since I began using it just over 2 years ago?

[Lex]

forever if you use windows defrag, slightly less than forever if you use something like PerfectDisk.

[Watchers]

I was hoping for a measurable unit of time :(

[/backslash]

I was hoping for a measurable unit of time :(
I'd guess about 12 hours. Last time I did one it stopped halfway through and wouldn't resume

[Vindik8or]

JKDefrag is a pretty sweet free defragger. It can be interrupted at anytime with no issues, and it works pretty quickly too. The first time you defrag (after a long time) expect to leave that shit on overnight, but if after that you keep regular defrags up, say one a week or month, it shouldn't take more than half an hour.

[Watchers]

Yeah, I was thinking of leaving it on overnight, or better (since it's ****ing noisy and in my room) during the working day. I just wouldn't want to get home and find something crashed 6 hours in. Anyway, thanks guyz.

[Fenrir]

The procedure entry point OsThunkD3dContextDestroyAll could not be located in the dynamic link library d3d8thk.dll.
^The latest symptom, present in at least all admin accounts. Also happens for a few other applications, including CEC_MAIN.exe (camera software). Vista has also reverted to the Windows Vista Basic scheme, which is pretty much undoubtedly related.

I'm gonna have to jump ship, here, I can't take not having my Vista eye-candy. I need to get my hands on an install disc.

[Watchers]

Well, I used MyDefrag, using a 'fast optimise', left it running all day (around 12 hours) and it completed..... 4%. **** that. It'd be quicker for me to back up, reformat and reinstall Windows than wait for that shit to finish.

[Vindik8or]

How much are you defragging? I'd say go with the slow optimise first, it sounds like the thing got suspended on some unmovable files or something - slow optimise is more stable.

[Watchers]

Maybe. I might try it for a couple of hours at a time on the weekend and see what sort of progress it makes.

I'm defragging a 120GB or so partition.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

How do you check what your interenet usage is? As in GBs or whatever. (Christ I'm a n00b...) Help appreciated. ;)

[9warbane]

How do you check what your internet usage is? As in GBs or whatever. (Christ I'm a n00b...) Help appreciated. ;)

For a while I used shaplus bandwidth monitor (http://www.shaplus.com/bandwidth-meter/). Had no problems, it's pretty useful.

[Vindik8or]

How do you check what your interenet usage is? As in GBs or whatever. (Christ I'm a n00b...) Help appreciated. ;)

Often times you should have some indicator available either from your ISP, or directly on their website (generally requiring you to log in), and it will give you details more specific to your plan, such as your peak and off-peak limits.

The iiNet one I'm on is really spiffy now, it even gives you such useless stats as how much you should be using per day given your current quota allowance.

[Kotche]

I use http://martybugs.net/software/iiUsage/ with my iinet and it just polls the iinet toolbox ever so often and gives you a instant glance at your usage etc.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

Hey sweet, figured it out - thanks guys. ;)

[Spazzallo]

So my mother in all her wisdom yesterday disconnected our modem. Now that we're trying to plug it back in, we have two computers connected by cable to the modem working EXTREMELY slowly whilst the 360 and laptop upstairs are working fine. Any ideas what the problem may be? We're on the phone to Telstra at the moment but can't get past the stupid computer!

[tau]

Well ****.

I'm now getting internet explorer windows adverts for russian brides popping up randomly and every antivirus i've tried is being blocked, including AVG, Adaware, Spyware doctor and Avast. Firefox is also crashing on start and MSN is failing to connect.

Help?

[TAT]

Are you able to transfer the infected HDD to another PC and scan it with it's antivirus programs?

[Kotche]

If you can download this, use it:

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button

[tau]

Great.

It installed, updated and began scanning. As soon as it started, it closed. Now when I open it, it says "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

The same error is happening with some of the virus scanners.

:'(

[Silverwolf]

Sounds like its time to format.

[tau]

I did, a month ago. >: (

:'(

[Silverwolf]

Well you are terrible for messing up your system so quickly.

[Fenrir]

Great.

It installed, updated and began scanning. As soon as it started, it closed. Now when I open it, it says "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

The same error is happening with some of the virus scanners.

:'(
Tried safe mode?

[TAT]

Well you are terrible for messing up your system so quickly.
He's saying what we're all thinking

[tau]

Formatting is the fail way of fixing a computer, which is why I'm not saying it.

Yeah, tried safe mode. :(