Re: lost the lot

From: Matt Gibson (mattg_at_blueedgetech.ca)
Date: 02/11/05 

Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:28:18 -0800

*grin* Glad you've calmed down a bit!

Now, let's get you fixed! Do you have internet access?

If so, you might want to go to www.belarc.com and download the belarc
advisor. That'll help us to figure out what kind of components are in the
machine.

Matt Gibson - GSEC

"shaggysmum" <shaggysmum@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:18DAD90A-E049-4FB6-90C5-0AAC30DD5F5C@microsoft.com...
> thanks matt,sorry i sound peed off but i have spent a lot of time on this
> and
> i feel i am not getting anywhere.
> i am trying to sort out a good computer for myself and my kids after going
> to college and now i feel and look a complete dickhead because i cannot
> get
> anywhere.
> if my copy of xp pro is not legitimate then again that is not my fault i
> would not have bought it if i knew it was dodgy.
> i bought the whole computer with a lot of stuff already installed and i am
> now paying the price.
> naive me.i haven't got a lot of time left on this oh so cruel planet and
> was
> just trying to sort some things out so at least i did something good.
> thank you for your help and good luck with everything.
> by the way my real name is mark and you can see me on msn as
> themainmullsey
> of which in cannot even access that anymore because my id was stolen. i
> cannot sign in anymore under that name.
> i did try to get some help but to no avail and that is why i sound
> angry,sorry if i offended you or anyone else.cheers mate. mark
>
> "Matt Gibson" wrote:
>
>> So..
>>
>> A) You didn't have a legit copy of XP Pro
>>
>> B) You can't figure things out.
>>
>> This is somehow Microsoft's problem?
>>
>> Certain chipsets still need drivers to be installed manually. Your
>> motherboard (since it's more than likely onboard graphics) will come with
>> a
>> driver CD, or you should be able to go to intel's website to download
>> drivers.
>>
>> Now that you're back up, you should be able to reload your backups. If
>> your
>> drive isn't regconizing them, then there's either a problem with the
>> backups
>> (you DID test your backups right?), or you have a software problem (which
>> I
>> doubt, since you just reformatted), or you have a hardware problem.
>>
>> Get a "hardware" firewall (Linksys, Dlink, SMB...) and use that along
>> with
>> zone alarm.
>>
>> Make sure you're up to date on your windows patches, and TEST your
>> backups!
>>
>> Matt Gibson - GSEC
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "shaggysmum" <shaggysmum@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:8F27BB83-4929-4822-BDED-210B1B70218F@microsoft.com...
>> > 1st of all thank you very much 4 all your advice.
>> > secondly i did make a lot of backups on cd but now the d drive displays
>> > nothing when i put them in also i did have zone alarm pro i had mcafee
>> > virus
>> > protection ihad trojan guard trojan hunter trojan scanner mcafee
>> > stinger i
>> > had nero6 to make backups basically i had grands worth of stuff. my id
>> > got
>> > stolen all over the place i have too many passwords,some with 12
>> > lettering
>> > or
>> > numbers or both. i had someone come out and they formatted my comp and
>> > told
>> > me to get another copy of xp pro coz i didn't have the original disc.
>> > when i set it all back up i now don't even have proper colour on my
>> > screen.
>> > it doesn't recognise all my intel stuff ie extreme graphics 3.it either
>> > has
>> > no drivers or everything looks like it is conflicting. i thought that
>> > xp
>> > pro
>> > recognises hardware that is in the computer and i also thought that
>> > intel
>> > was
>> > a name that it would recognise.but sadly for me it does not.
>> > so yeah i was a bit lazy,but no it waqsn't all my fault .
>> > you just don't expect that a simple guy like myself would be targetted
>> > who
>> > is only trying to give his children a good computer after spending 6
>> > months
>> > at college and learning ecdl which don't even cover security only apps.
>> > i
>> > was
>> > too naive thinking that xp pro would help me on the other ie security
>> > and
>> > recognising what i put into it .
>> >
>> > "Shenan Stanley" wrote:
>> >
>> >> shaggysmum wrote:
>> >> > i have xp pro i have lost all my office apps all my work all my
>> >> > software which was extremely valuable all my music over 3000 albums
>> >> > and songs and therefore you can see why i am so effed off.xp pro
>> >> > looks like it sux .
>> >>
>> >> > >>
>> >>
>> >> is
>> >> likely inhibiting me from providing help...
>> >>
>> >> > >> Let's go through some maintenance first that should only have to
>> >> > >> be done
>> >> once (mostly):
>> >>
>> >> Tip (1):
>> >> > >> ISORecorder home page (with general instructions on use):
>> >> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
>> >>
>> >> Pre-SP2 version:
>> >> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/IsoRecorder/download.asp
>> >>
>> >> Post-SP2 beta version:
>> >> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/download/ISORecorderV2B2.zip
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (2):
>> >> > >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (3):
>> >>
>> >>> >>
>> >> Tip (4):
>> >> > >> Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall (~$25 and up)
>> >> http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
>> >>
>> >> BlackICE PC Protection ($39.95 and up)
>> >> http://blackice.iss.net/
>> >>
>> >> Tiny Personal Firewall (~$49.00 and up)
>> >> http://www.tinysoftware.com/
>> >>
>> >> Perhaps you can find the right firewall for your situation in that
>> >> list and set it up/configure it. Every firewall MAY require some
>> >> maintenance. Essentially checking for patches or upgrades (this
>> >> goes for hardware and software solutions) is the extent of this
>> >> maintenance - but you may also have to configure your firewall to
>> >> allow some traffic depending on your needs. Also, don't stack these
>> >> things. Running more than one firewall will not make you safer
>> >> - it would likely (in fact) negate some protection you gleamed
>> >> from one or the other firewalls you run.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Now that you have some of the more basic (one-time) things down..
>> >> Let's go through some of the steps you should take periodically to
>> >> maintain a healthy and stable windows computer. If you have not
>> >> done some of these things in the past, they may seem tedious at
>> >> first - however, they will become routine and some can even be
>> >> automatically scheduled.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (6):
>> >> The system restore feature is a new one - first appearing in Windows
>> >> ME and then sticking around for Windows XP. It is a VERY useful
>> >> feature - if you keep it maintained and use it to your advantage.
>> >> However, remember that the system restore pretty much tells you in
>> >> the name what it protects - "system" files. Your documents, your
>> >> pictures, your stuff is NOT system files - so you should also look
>> >> into some backup solution.
>> >>
>> >> I'll mainly work around Windows XP, as that is what the bulk of this
>> >> document is about. I will, however, point out a single place for you
>> >> poor souls still stuck in Windows ME where you can get information on
>> >> maintaining your system right now:
>> >>
>> >> Windows ME Computer Health:
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/computerhealth/articles/
>> >>
>> >> Pay close attention to the sections:
>> >> (in order)
>> >> - Clean up your hard disk
>> >> - Check for errors by running ScanDisk
>> >> - Defragment your hard disk
>> >> - Roll back the clock with System Restore
>> >>
>> >> Now back to the point at hand - maintaining your system restore in
>> >> Windows XP SHOULD be automatic - but I have seen the automatic go
>> >> wrong
>> >> too many times not to suggest the following.. Whenever you think
>> >> about
>> >> it (after doing a once-over on your machine once a month or so would
>> >> be optimal) - clear out your System Restore and create a manual
>> >> restoration point. Why? Too many times have I seen the system
>> >> restore
>> >> files go currupt or get a virus in them, meaning you could not or
>> >> did not want to restore from them. By clearing it out periodically
>> >> you help prevent any corruption from happening and you make sure you
>> >> have at least one good "snapshot".
>> >> (This, of course, will erase any previous restore point you have.)
>> >>
>> >> - Turn off System Restore.
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
>> >> - Reboot.
>> >> - Turn on System Restore.
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
>> >> - Make a Manual Restoration Point.
>> >> http://snipurl.com/68nx
>> >>
>> >> That covers your system files, but doesn't do anything for the files
>> >> that you are REALLY worried about - yours! For that you need to look
>> >> into backups. You can either manually copy your important files,
>> >> folders,
>> >> documents, spreadsheets, emails, contacts, pictures, drawings and so
>> >> on
>> >> to an external location (CD/DV - any disk of some sort, etc) or you
>> >> can
>> >> use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP:
>> >>
>> >> How To Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422
>> >>
>> >> Yes - you still need some sort of external media to store the results
>> >> on, but you could schedule the backup to occur when you are not
>> >> around,
>> >> then burn the resultant data onto CD or DVD or something when you are
>> >> (while you do other things!)
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (7):
>> >> You should sometimes look through the list of applications that are
>> >> installed on your computer. The list MIGHT surprise you. There are
>> >> more
>> >> than likely things in there you KNOW you never use - so why have them
>> >> there? There may even be things you KNOW you did not install and
>> >> certainly do not use (maybe don't WANT to use.)
>> >>
>> >> This web site should help you get started at looking through this
>> >> list:
>> >>
>> >> How to Uninstall Programs
>> >> http://snipurl.com/8v6b
>> >>
>> >> A word of warning - Do NOT uninstall anything you think you MIGHT need
>> >> in the future unless you have completed Tip (1) and have the
>> >> installation
>> >> media and proper keys for use backed up somewhere safe!
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (8):
>> >> Patches and Updates!
>> >>
>> >> This one cannot be stressed enough. It is SO simple, yet so neglected
>> >> by many people. It is especially simple for the critical Windows
>> >> patches!
>> >> Microsoft put in an AUTOMATED feature for you to utilize so that you
>> >> do
>> >> NOT have to worry yourself about the patching of the Operating System:
>> >>
>> >> How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
>> >>
>> >> However, not everyone wants to be a slave to "automation", and that is
>> >> fine - as long as you are willing to do things manually. Admittedly,
>> >> I
>> >> prefer this method on some of my more critical systems.
>> >>
>> >> Windows Update
>> >> http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
>> >>
>> >> Go there and scan your machine for updates. Always get the critical
>> >> ones
>> >> as you see them. Write down the KB###### or Q###### you see when
>> >> selecting the updates and if you have trouble over the next few days,
>> >> go into your control panel (Add/Remove Programs), match up the latest
>> >> numbers you downloaded recently (since you started noticing an issue)
>> >> and
>> >> uninstall them. If there was more than one (usually is), uninstall
>> >> them
>> >> one by one - with a few hours of use in between, to see if the problem
>> >> returns. Yes - the process is not perfect (updating) and can cause
>> >> trouble
>> >> like I mentioned - but as you can see, the solution isn't that bad -
>> >> and
>> >> is
>> >> MUCH better than the alternatives.
>> >>
>> >> Windows is not the only product you likely have on your PC. The
>> >> manufacturers of the other products usually have updates as well. New
>> >> versions of almost everything come out all the time - some are free,
>> >> some
>> >> are pay - some you can only download if you are registered - but it is
>> >> best
>> >> to check. Just go to their web pages and look under their support and
>> >> download sections. For example, for Microsoft Office update, you
>> >> should
>> >> visit:
>> >>
>> >> Microsoft Office Updates
>> >> http://office.microsoft.com/
>> >> (and select "downloads")
>> >>
>> >> You also have hardware on your machine that requires drivers to
>> >> interface
>> >> with the operating system. You have a video card that allows you to
>> >> see
>> >> on
>> >> your screen, a sound card that allows you to hear your PCs sound
>> >> output
>> >> and
>> >> so on. Visit those manufacturer web sites for the latest downloadable
>> >> drivers for your hardware/operating system. Always (IMO) get the
>> >> manufacturers hardware driver over any Microsoft offers. On the
>> >> Windows
>> >> Update site I mentioned earlier, I suggest NOT getting their hardware
>> >> drivers - no matter how tempting. First - how do you know what
>> >> hardware
>> >> you have in your computer? Invoice or if it is up and working now -
>> >> take
>> >> inventory:
>> >>
>> >> Belarc Advisor
>> >> http://belarc.com/free_download.html
>> >>
>> >> EVEREST Home Edition
>> >> http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en
>> >>
>> >> Once you know what you have, what next? Go get the latest driver for
>> >> your
>> >> hardware/OS from the manufacturer's web page. For example, let's say
>> >> you
>> >> have an NVidia chipset video card or ATI video card, perhaps a
>> >> Creative
>> >> Labs sound card or C-Media chipset sound card...
>> >>
>> >> NVidia Video Card Drivers
>> >> http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
>> >>
>> >> ATI Video Card Drivers
>> >> http://www.atitech.com/support/driver.html
>> >>
>> >> Creative Labs Sound Device
>> >> http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/
>> >>
>> >> C-Media Sound Device
>> >> http://www.cmedia.com.tw/e_download_01.htm
>> >>
>> >> Then install these drivers. Updated drivers are usually more stable
>> >> and
>> >> may provide extra benefits/features that you really wished you had
>> >> before.
>> >>
>> >> As for Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made this
>> >> particular patch available in a number of ways. First, there is the
>> >> Windows Update web page above. Then there is a direct download site
>> >> and finally, you can order the FREE CD from Microsoft.
>> >>
>> >> Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
>> >> http://snipurl.com/8bqy
>> >>
>> >> Order the Free Windows XP SP2 CD
>> >> http://snipurl.com/8umo
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (9):
>> >> What about the dreaded word in the computer world, VIRUS?
>> >>
>> >> Well, there are many products to choose from that will help you
>> >> prevent
>> >> infections from these horrid little applications. Many are FREE to
>> >> the
>> >> home user. Which one you choose is a matter of taste, really. I
>> >> wouldn't
>> >> list one here I had not personally used - and they all work. Many
>> >> people
>> >> have emotional attachments or performance issues with one or another
>> >> AntiVirus software. Try some out, read reviews and decide for
>> >> yourself
>> >> which you like more:
>> >>
>> >> Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
>> >> http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
>> >>
>> >> Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
>> >> http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html
>> >>
>> >> Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
>> >> http://www.pandasoftware.com/
>> >> (Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)
>> >>
>> >> AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
>> >> http://www.grisoft.com/
>> >>
>> >> McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
>> >> http://www.mcafee.com/
>> >>
>> >> AntiVir (Free and up)
>> >> http://www.free-av.com/
>> >>
>> >> avast! (Free and up)
>> >> http://www.avast.com/
>> >>
>> >> Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
>> >> http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
>> >> (Free Online Scanner:
>> >> http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
>> >>
>> >> RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
>> >> http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
>> >>
>> >> Untested (by me):
>> >> eTrust EZ Antivirus ($29.95 and up)
>> >> https://www2.my-etrust.com/commerce/buy.it.cfm
>> >>
>> >> Most of them have automatic update capabilities. You will have to
>> >> look into the features of the one you choose. Whatever one you
>> >> finally
>> >> settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily)
>> >> and
>> >> perform a full scan periodically (yes, it protects you actively, but a
>> >> full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (10):
>> >> The most rampant infestation at the current time concerns
>> >> SPYWARE/ADWARE.
>> >> I hate this stuff. It has no purpose. I have seen people try to
>> >> justify
>> >> it over and over - it's worthless. It slows down your PC, it can send
>> >> your private information to people you'll never meet and did I
>> >> mention,
>> >> it's worthless. You need to eliminate it from your machine.
>> >>
>> >> If you use P2P software, this COULD make that stop working. Find some
>> >> decent software to do the same thing - what you are currently using is
>> >> crap.
>> >>
>> >> Anyway - there is no one software that cleans and immunizes you
>> >> against
>> >> everything. Antivirus software - you only needed one. Firewall, you
>> >> only needed one. AntiSpyware - you may need several. I have a list
>> >> and
>> >> I recommend you use at least the first 5. I know that sounds like a
>> >> lot,
>> >> and you may be saying "But you said earlier that I should clean my
>> >> system,
>> >> now you are telling me to install more software - 5 pieces in fact!"
>> >> Okay,
>> >> I get your point, but please consider that this stuff has prevented
>> >> the
>> >> install of the latest service pack for some people, it has the
>> >> potential
>> >> to slow and crater your PC, it can send your private information
>> >> around
>> >> the world to people you do not know - it is all around BAD.
>> >>
>> >> First - make sure you have NOT installed "Rogue AntiSpyware". There
>> >> are
>> >> people out there who created AntiSpyware products that actually
>> >> install
>> >> spyware of their own! You need to avoid these:
>> >>
>> >> Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
>> >> http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
>> >>
>> >> Also, you can always visit this site..
>> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> >> For more updated information.
>> >>
>> >> Then, my suggestion again is that you at least install the first five
>> >> of
>> >> these: (Install, Run, Update, Scan with..)
>> >>
>> >> Lavasoft AdAware (Free and up)
>> >> http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
>> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdn )
>> >>
>> >> Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)
>> >> http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
>> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdk )
>> >>
>> >> Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner (Free!)
>> >> http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/
>> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate3 )
>> >>
>> >> SpywareBlaster (Free!)
>> >> http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
>> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate6 )
>> >>
>> >> IE-SPYAD (Free!)
>> >> https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
>> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate7 )
>> >>
>> >> CWShredder (Free!)
>> >> http://www.softbasket.com/download/s_8114.shtml
>> >>
>> >> Hijack This! (Free)
>> >> http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
>> >> ( Tutorial: http://hjt.wizardsofwebsites.com/ )
>> >>
>> >> ToolbarCop (Free!)
>> >> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
>> >>
>> >> Browser Security Tests
>> >> http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
>> >>
>> >> Popup Tester
>> >> http://www.popuptest.com/
>> >>
>> >> The Cleaner (49.95 and up)
>> >> http://www.moosoft.com/
>> >>
>> >> If used properly, you should have a malware free system now. The last
>> >> two of the first five I suggest you install are immunization
>> >> applications.
>> >> None of these programs (in these editions) run in the background
>> >> unless
>> >> you
>> >> TELL them to. The space they take up and how easy they are to use
>> >> greatly
>> >> makes up for any inconvenience you may be feeling.
>> >>
>> >> Unfortunately, although that will lessen your popups on the
>> >> Internet/while
>> >> you are online, it won't eliminate them. I have looked at a lot of
>> >> options,
>> >> seen a lot of them used in production with people who seem to attract
>> >> popups
>> >> like a plague, and I only have a few other suggestions that should
>> >> help.
>> >> This
>> >> one ends up serving double duty (search engine and popup stopper in
>> >> one):
>> >>
>> >> The Google Toolbar (Free!)
>> >> http://toolbar.google.com/
>> >>
>> >> Yeah - it adds a bar to your Internet Explorer - but its a useful one.
>> >> You
>> >> can search from there anytime with one of the best search engines on
>> >> the
>> >> planet (IMO.) And the fact it stops most popups - wow - BONUS! If
>> >> you
>> >> don't like that suggestion, then I am just going to say you go to
>> >> www.google.com and search for other options.
>> >>
>> >> Please notice that Windows XP SP2 does help stop popups as well.
>> >>
>> >> Another option is to use an alternative Web browser. I suggest
>> >> "Mozilla Firefox", as it has some great features and is very easy to
>> >> use:
>> >>
>> >> Mozilla Firefox
>> >> http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
>> >>
>> >> One more suggestion is to disable your Windows Messenger service.
>> >> This
>> >> service is not used frequently (if at all) by the normal home user and
>> >> in cooperation with a good firewall, is generally unnecessary.
>> >> Microsoft
>> >> has instructions on how to do this for Windows XP here:
>> >>
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> So your machine is pretty clean and up to date now. If you use the
>> >> sections
>> >> above as a guide, it should stay that way as well! There are still a
>> >> few
>> >> more
>> >> little things you can do to keep your machine running in top shape.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (11):
>> >> You should periodically check your hard drive(s) for errors and
>> >> defragment
>> >> them. Only defragment after you have cleaned up your machine of
>> >> outside parasites and never defragment as a solution to a quirkiness
>> >> in
>> >> your system. It may help speed up your system, but it should be clean
>> >> before you do this.
>> >>
>> >> How to use Disk Cleanup
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310312
>> >>
>> >> How to scan your disks for errors
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315265
>> >>
>> >> How to Defragment your hard drives
>> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314848
>> >>
>> >> I would personally perform the above steps at least once every three
>> >> months.
>> >> For most people this should be sufficient, but if the difference you
>> >> notice
>> >> afterwards is greater than you think it should be, lessen the time in
>> >> between
>> >> its schedule.. If the difference you notice is negligible, you can
>> >> increase
>> >> the time.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (12):
>> >> SPAM! JUNK MAIL!
>> >> This one can get annoying, just like the rest. You get 50 emails in
>> >> one
>> >> sitting and 2 of them you wanted. NICE! (Not.) What can you do?
>> >> Well,
>> >> although there are services out there to help you, some email
>> >> servers/services that actually do lower your spam with features built
>> >> into
>> >> their servers - I still like the methods that let you be the
>> >> end-decision
>> >> maker on what is spam and what is not. I have two products to suggest
>> >> to
>> >> you, look at them and see if either of them suite your needs. Again,
>> >> if
>> >> they don't, Google is free and available for your perusal.
>> >>
>> >> SpamBayes (Free!)
>> >> http://spambayes.sourceforge.net/
>> >>
>> >> Spamihilator (Free!)
>> >> http://www.spamihilator.com/
>> >>
>> >> As I said, those are not your only options, but are reliable ones I
>> >> have
>> >> seen function for hundreds+ people.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Tip (13):
>> >> ADVANCED TIP! Only do this once you are comfortable under the hood of
>> >> your
>> >> computer!
>> >>
>> >> There are lots of services on your PC that are probably turned on by
>> >> default
>> >> you don't use. Why have them on? Check out these web pages to see
>> >> what
>> >> all
>> >> of the services you might find on your computer are and set them
>> >> according
>> >> to
>> >> your personal needs. Be CAREFUL what you set to manual, and take heed
>> >> and
>> >> write down as you change things! Also, don't expect a large
>> >> performance
>> >> increase or anything - especially on today's 2+ GHz machines,
>> >> however - I
>> >> look
>> >> at each service you set to manual as one less service you have to
>> >> worry
>> >> about
>> >> someone exploiting. A year ago, I would have thought the Windows
>> >> Messenger
>> >> service to be pretty safe, now I recommend (with addition of a
>> >> firewall)
>> >> that most home users disable it! Yeah - this is another one you have
>> >> to
>> >> work for, but your computer may speed up and/or be more secure because
>> >> you
>> >> took the time. And if you document what you do as you do it, next
>> >> time,
>> >> it
>> >> goes MUCH faster! (or if you have to go back and re-enable things..)
>> >>
>> >> Task List Programs
>> >> http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
>> >>
>> >> Black Viper's Service List and Opinions (XP)
>> >> http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
>> >>
>> >> Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP
>> >> http://www.reger24.de/prozesse/
>> >>
>> >> There are also applications that AREN'T services that startup when you
>> >> start
>> >> up the computer/logon. One of the better description on how to handle
>> >> these
>> >> I have found here:
>> >>
>> >> Startups
>> >> http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> If you follow the advice laid out above (and do some of your own
>> >> research
>> >> as
>> >> well, so you understand what you are doing) - your computer will stay
>> >> fairly
>> >> stable and secure and you will have a more trouble-free system.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> <- Shenan ->
>> >> --
>> >> The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
>> >> yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
>> >> responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
>> >> getting into before you jump in with both feet.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

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