Re: lost the lot

From: Matt Gibson (mattg_at_blueedgetech.ca)
Date: 02/12/05 

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 12:08:40 -0800

Mike,

Can you surf the internet?

If so, go download that program I mentioned. It will help us out a LOT in
getting things running for you.

Matt Gibson - GSEC

"shaggysmum" <shaggysmum@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1085C73D-D825-45C1-8C30-993B139ED516@microsoft.com...
> thanx for all your help matt,i have learnt a lot and i have you to thank
> for
> that.
> i still don't have any sound though because i cannot get anywhere with
> information about e machines,inc imperial revision 0.90,i need the drivers
> for my sound coz they seem to be on the motherboard.
> everywhere i go about e machines they laugh coz i guess they are trying to
> say they are crap.by the way i put an old graphics card in only coz i
> didnt
> have any good colour before,i guess i need the drivers for that as well.
>
> "Matt Gibson" wrote:
>
>> *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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