Messages

9551

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 04, 2014, 01:23:40 am »

I use Norton 360 usually without any problems, but I don't use any other AV program with it.

While it appears you can run Avast with other AV programs because Avast doesn't have its own firewall, running two AV programs together can cause problems.

When you open Norton (although don't know which version you are using), click on Support and it will run a check on its installation and look for any other problems.

Process Explorer doesn't flag Norton for me and I think I would prefer Norton to Avast.

Symantec have a Remove & Reinstall tool which you can also use if Norton has become buggy.

https://support.norton.com/sp/en/uk/home/current/solutions/v60392881_EndUserProfile_en_us

Once it has fully reinstalled and activated the product, you need to manually check for updates (at least I do) until you get the non needed.

If you are intent on removing Norton then use the NRT to ensure all of it is gone.

https://support.norton.com/sp/en/uk/home/current/solutions/kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us

9552

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 03, 2014, 10:45:36 am »

As well as running Combofix, you can also still run ESET Online Scanner in Safe Mode with Networking and while  either of these programs will pick up Trojans/Viruses etc. they may not see PuPs as malware.

I've seen both MBAM and SuperAntiSpyware report that they have found and removed PuPs just for them to return.

You could try JRT in Safe Mode to see if it fares any better, but I've found a safe download site for AdwCleaner which is specifically designed for dealing with PuPs and is probably also best downloading and running in Safe Mode with Networking https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/

This program doesn't install on your computer unless you select Save and then run its .exe Application from wherever you have your computer set to save downloads.

With this program, click on Clean and it may list items in the Results window below - if there is anything in there that you want to keep, then uncheck those boxes - otherwise when the Scan has completed, click on Report and it will show you what it has found.

Close the Report then click on Clean, follow the prompts and it will produce another report of what it has cleaned after the reboot.

9553

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 03, 2014, 01:29:07 am »

If the keyboard is eliminated as a cause and this is an OEM machine, then backing up your personal files to external media and doing a factory reset would probably be the best option.

And Congratulations on the birth of your new grandson 

9554

General Computer Support / Re: Print Spool will not stay active. SFC / Scannow shows corruption but no repair

« on: September 03, 2014, 01:20:13 am »

Glad you were able to get it fixed and Thanks for the update.

9555

General Computer Support / Re: BFE won't start

« on: September 03, 2014, 01:03:12 am »

I have the manual steps for that ESET services repair procedure which includes download links for BFE and the Firewall, but a factory reset is as good as a reformat/reinstall so you will now be virus free and if when a system is badly damaged following an infection, either usually is the best option.

9556

General Computer Support / Re: Cannot get access to the internet

« on: September 03, 2014, 12:49:38 am »

Normally when the WiFi icon is showing as normal but with connectivity problems, it's usually because of the AV program blocking - but in Safe Mode with Networking, the AV and all 3rd party programs are isolated.

The Event Viewer may have more info on this but open a command prompt as an administrator and enter -

netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt
exit

Then reboot and see what connectivity is like.

9557

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 02, 2014, 04:10:20 pm »

Can you also try JRT again in Safe Mode with Networking to see if it will complete as nothing should be loaded then to interfere with it.

Some of the malware scanners don't always see PuPs as malware whereas JRT is like AdwCleaner in that it specialises in removing them.

9558

General Computer Support / Re: Deleting Microsoft Defective Updates

« on: September 02, 2014, 04:04:13 pm »

Try a restore point to before the updates and click on Scan for affected programs.

9559

General Computer Support / Re: ie11 protected mode question

« on: September 02, 2014, 01:38:30 pm »

Sorry - forgot about that one as it's default checked in IE 10 Win 7 x64 bit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-vista/what-does-internet-explorer-protected-mode-do

9560

General Computer Support / Re: dangerous website blocker is incomplete with Firefox 31

« on: September 02, 2014, 01:29:36 pm »

This article explains and provides Trusteer Rapport Uninstaller http://www.trusteer.com/support/uninstalling-rapport-using-safeuninstall-utility

Choose any of these AV Uninstallers for any previous AV programs you have had installed in the past - uninstalling from Programs and Features doesn't fully do it and run each one twice, rebooting in between. http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/

9561

General Computer Support / Re: ie11 protected mode question

« on: September 02, 2014, 01:20:17 pm »

Explanation of Enhanced Protected Mode http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2864914

Also when you check the box for Enable Enhanced Protected Mode you are also using IE in 64 bit mode against its default 32 bit mode, which may require you to install Java 64bit should you land on any sites that require Java.

There aren't many but I've hit a couple recently that wanted to run the Java Plugin Helper when I usually have Java disabled in all browsers.

9562

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 02, 2014, 01:02:43 pm »

What did the chkdsk report before we forget about ?

Do you have the latest version of Process Explorer http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

This version incorporates Virus Total - Click on Options and ensure Verify Image Signatures is checked then hover over VirusTotal.com and check Check VirusTotal.com.

When that activates, anything with a high red value over ~50 will be suspect and needs killing.

Is browsing any easier when you boot up into Safe Mode with Networking ?

If it is I want you to download ESET Online Free Scanner http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ - you click the blue link on the left to download.

When it has finished loading and updating, click on Advanced and check all of the boxes except the last one about proxies, then disable Norton and Avast immediately before you press the Scan button.

This will take a while to run but your computer appears to be riddled with infections and ESET is an in depth scanner.

9563

General Computer Support / Re: dangerous website blocker is incomplete with Firefox 31

« on: September 02, 2014, 09:04:08 am »

Did you ever have an AV program installed - with an OEM machine they quite often come with a month free trial of either McAfee or Norton.

Remnants of these if not correctly uninstalled by using their Uninstallers can conflict when a new AV program is installed which quite often results in loss of Internet connection.

If you once had an AV installed, Kaspersky' will detect their files and give the conflict.

Trusteer Rapport could also be causing problems if you have installed that.

9564

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 02, 2014, 07:38:21 am »

I was going to suggest using AdwCleaner which is more specialized in removing PuPs, but the bleeping.com site for it is infected.

Instead, use its sister program Junkware Removal Tool from http://www.fosshub.com/Junkware-Removal-Tool.html

Do not click on the big green Download button but from the green Download Junkware Removal Tool Windows Portable lettering link above it.

On clicking on that, a small command window will pop up and press any key as it prompts to continue.

The program will take a little while to run but will produce a report when completed.

If running IE without add-ons enables you to browse, then boot IE up like that again.

9565

General Computer Support / Re: dangerous website blocker is incomplete with Firefox 31

« on: September 02, 2014, 07:23:59 am »

While I don't have http://unchecky.com/ installed, I've heard it said that it does what it says on the tin.

9566

General Computer Support / Re: Deleting Microsoft Defective Updates

« on: September 02, 2014, 07:15:26 am »

In Programs and Features you will see the link for View Installed updates in the top left pane.

If it isn't then go Start - type installed updates then press enter.

Generally just uninstalling KB2982791 may do it but if you uninstall all of the listed and reinstall each one back at a time - except the 2791 one and then see if any affect Ninja Trader or cause any other problems.

MS released KB2993651 which is a replacement for 2791, which MS advises to uninstall before installing the patch.

Just doing that may resolve any problems as those MS listed updates haven't caused problems for everyone.

9567

General Computer Support / Re: Cannot get access to the internet

« on: September 02, 2014, 07:02:20 am »

There's one other thing that you can check that I forgot to mention where viruses are concerned and that is to go into Internet options through All Control Panel Items again and under the Connections tab, ensure that just the top Auto detect box is checked and that the one for Proxy is unchecked.

9568

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 02, 2014, 03:31:33 am »

You did a lot yourself to resolve this by getting rid of those PuPs.

As for sfc being unable to repair those games files - sfc usually only scans and attempts to repair system files, so not sure why it is picking those up.

Perhaps when Shane picks up this thread he may have further comment on this.

9569

General Computer Support / Re: dangerous website blocker is incomplete with Firefox 31

« on: September 01, 2014, 04:19:47 pm »

You want to dump that Trusteer Rapport as it can cause connectivity problems.

Was this an optional bundled PuP that came with Kaspersky as a lot of programs try to get the unwary to install additional programs as an additional earner for them.

Some banks advise installing it for added security but if you Google problems with trusteer rapport you will see quite a few have.

9570

General Computer Support / Re: Cannot get access to the internet

« on: September 01, 2014, 03:36:15 pm »

Probably just have to wait and see if MSRT finds anything.

You get an updated MSRT with each month's Windows Updates so it doesn't have to connect to the 'net.

I don't know if you will be able to open IE without add-ons while mrt.exe is running but when you can, go Start - All programs - Accessories - System Tools - Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

Click on the home page icon and then see if you can browse.

BTW have you tried the Internet Troubleshooter by right clicking on the WiFi icon and choosing that option to see what that reports ?

Is the WiFi icon showing as 5 bars with a yellow alert or is it just a box with a red cross on it when WiFi is enabled ?

9571

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 01, 2014, 03:21:30 pm »

The chkdsk /f can't run until the volume is dismounted which is why it has to run before Windows is loaded on the next start up.

Did you identify any add-ons that could have been the culprit ?

Did you add and change the default Search Provider to Google and disable Bing ?

When you say scripts getting a little larger, are those the fonts you are referring to ?

Can you go into Windows Update/Installed Updates and in the top right search box type KB2982791 to see if you have it installed from last month's updates.

If you find it, right click on it and select Uninstall.

After the reboot go back into Installed Updates and check to see if you have one for the Bing Desktop and do the same for that if there.

After you have uninstalled KB2982791 can you let us know if you still have problems with the font sizes (if that's what you meant) and is the computer still a bit slow ?

While you no longer have multiple windows opening, run this MS Fixit to reset the Hosts File http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972034

That's the second AV program I've seen that has been able to run alongside of Avast - it's also able to run alongside of MSE because Avast doesn't have its own firewall, which is what causes the conflict when you run two active AV programs together.

9572

General Computer Support / Re: How To Erase Files From a CD-RW Disc ?

« on: September 01, 2014, 08:56:57 am »

I was wondering if it had been because I'd downloaded it a couple of times - I had no problem downloading a Pro 64 bit version as I could use that for an offboot sfc /scannow and when you remove the eicfg file, you then have an universal install disk down overs.

If I'd known you wanted the install disk for after a reformat because of system errors, you could have booted up with the disk and selected Repair your Computer and selected Command Prompt to run an offboot sfc /scannow which may have negated the need to reformat.

Enter bcdedit |find "osdevice" then using whichever letter it gives for the partition enter (assuming C: )

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows and that checks your system files against a clean copy.

I've only ever known that to fail to repair all files once and that was for a missing .dll which wasn't a system file.

9573

General Computer Support / Re: Cannot get access to the internet

« on: September 01, 2014, 02:03:22 am »

Can you get a connection when you boot up into Safe Mode with Networking ?

How did Telus determine you are infected with the Citadel virus ?

If you can connect to the Internet in Safe Mode with Networking then download NPE after reading through the page https://security.symantec.com/nbrt/npe.aspx but see if using the restore points back to before this problem occurred while in Safe Mode will resolve.

As a belt & braces after running NPE also run ESET Free Online Scanner http://www.eset.co.uk/Antivirus-Utilities/Online-Scanner

Click on Advanced and check all of the boxes except the last one (for a Proxy I think) then disable your AV program immediately before hitting the Scan button.

This scan will take a little while to complete.

If you aren't able to connect while in Safe Mode etc. and the restore points don't resolve, then see if MSRT can do anything for you.

Go Start - type mrt.exe - press enter and opt for the full scan - this can take a few hours to complete.

The Citadel virus can lead to Ransomware but as you don't have an Internet connection to pay any ransom, then you won't have that.

If these suggestions get you back up and running and virus free, then I strongly advise you to create a system image onto external media.

9574

General Computer Support / Re: Error not specified in ISO files

« on: September 01, 2014, 01:40:21 am »

My TalkTalk email address that I use for sites like these doesn't put anything into the Spam box, but would put (Suspected Spam) next to all of the Tweaking.com notifications and leave all of the other crap alone, but now it is accepting the notifications as valid emails.

9575

General Computer Support / Re: vista home edition system restore fails

« on: September 01, 2014, 01:26:07 am »

I'm just wondering if you have the Bing Desktop installed which comes occasionally with Windows Updates.

You can check this by going Start - type windows update and press enter then click on Installed Updates and scroll through the list.

If you come across one for Bing Desktop, right click on it and select Uninstall - follow the prompts then let Windows do its thing.

After the computer has rebooted, go back into Windows Updates to check if any updates are being offered again, click where it may say one or more are Recommended/Important and if any are for Bing Desktop, right click on it and select Hide - OK.

Go Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)

IE will start, informing you that you are running IE without add-ons.

Click on the home page icon and see if you are getting the same problems and if so, go into Tools - Manage add-ons - check to see if there's anything for Bing and disable if any showing - OK and restart IE to effect.

IE will start as normal but if the problem persists, then you will need to start it again without add-ons.

If IE works okay without add-ons and you don't have an add-on for Bing, then uncheck all of the add-ons and restart IE.

You will then have to enable each add-on in turn and restart IE until the problem returns to find the problematic add-on.

Select Search Providers - click on the Search for more providers link bottom left and when the window opens click on Google - Add to Explorer and follow prompts.

You will need to restart IE for that to effect and then go back into Manage add-ons/Search Providers - set Google as the Default and Move up.

You can then disable Bing - click on the box to Prevent programs from making changes etc. - Close - then restart IE

MS has a fixit to make IE safe and stable and fix any troublesome add-ons so give it a try http://support.microsoft.com/mats/ie_performance_and_safety

You may have to restore back to earlier if you have the restore points to resolve the corrupted files that sfc /scannow found.

It's recommended to run sfc /scannow up to three times if it reports unable to repair all files.

The CBS log that sfc produces is usually quite large, but if you run a chkdsk /f and when it has completed go Start - type eventvwr and press enter.

Wait until it has read the logs then click on Windows Logs/Applications and look for a Winninit entry and click on it - then the chkdsk /f report will appear in the pane below.

If one isn't apparent then right click on Applications - click on Find then type chkdsk or winninit into the Find box - OK - close the box and then you can read what the chkdsk /f found and what it was unable to repair - also check to see if it reports any KBs in bad sectors.

While I have a solution that can fix corrupted files for Win 7 by booting up with a Win 7 install disk, I'm not sure if the same command works in Vista, but you would need a Vista install disk with SP2.

If chkdsk /f or sfc /scannow continues to report it is unable to repair all files, then I'll have to leave that for Shane to advise you as to a resolution.