Virus?

[Sheldon]

I wish the antivirus companies had a place to type in symptoms instead of
just the name of the virus.

Anyway, here's what's going on: Got an XP computer that has AV software
which has not been updated since 12/02 and keeps locking up when it's on the
Net (intermittent). I've used MSCONFIG to knock out the spyware and other
anachronistic programs that were running the background, but in trying to
run a scan from housecall.antivirus.com the computer gets to about 30
percent on the download of the definition files and keeps starting over (no
lockups). And yes, we are using a dialup connection.

I realize this may not be a virus, but... Any ideas?

Sheldon
***@sopris.net

[n***@zilch.com]

Post by Sheldon
I wish the antivirus companies had a place to type in symptoms instead of
just the name of the virus.

Do physicians make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone?

Post by Sheldon
Anyway, here's what's going on: Got an XP computer that has AV software
which has not been updated since 12/02

So it's practically useless. When was the PC defragged and otherwise
maintained and checked? Would you run a auto that way?

Post by Sheldon
and keeps locking up when it's on the
Net (intermittent). I've used MSCONFIG to knock out the spyware and other
anachronistic programs that were running the background,

Seems you should have AdAware and Spybot as well as some other good
utilities.

Post by Sheldon
but in trying to
run a scan from housecall.antivirus.com the computer gets to about 30
percent on the download of the definition files and keeps starting over (no
lockups). And yes, we are using a dialup connection.
I realize this may not be a virus, but... Any ideas?

Call a psychic or a witch doctor. Or better yet, use your backup PC
(you do have one I hope) to d/l updates for the av product. You do
have a CD-RW? Or not quite as advisable, pull the h.d. and scan it on
a test machine. You do have one I hope? There's always the coward's
way out of throwing up your hands and reformatting and reinstalling
XP.


Art
http://www.epix.net/~artnpeg

[W.S. Blevins]

Post by Sheldon
I realize this may not be a virus, but... Any ideas?

If you are concerned about it being infected, install an updated
version of a reliable anti-virus and find out.

[Sheldon]

Post by W.S. Blevins
If you are concerned about it being infected, install an updated
version of a reliable anti-virus and find out.

First, this isn't my computer, and I would never let things slide the way
this person has (in answer to the other poster). Here's the odd part of the
story, this person is willing to pay me to resolve this problem, but claims
they can't pay for the AV update. I'm now beginning to wonder if I'm going
to get paid, but that's another story.

Anyway, as soon as someone can explain the logic of not paying to keep your
AV software up to date, but paying a tech to fix it after the fact, and then
still not wanting to update the AV software, at least part of the meaning of
life will be resolved.

I just hoped there might be a virus associated with these symptoms, as many
of you have seen a lot more viruses than I have. And you guys are good,
often nailing a virus given minimal symptoms, so be flattered.

But, I'll admit it. I took the easy way out. So shoot me. <BG>

I'll let you know what, and if we find anything.

Sheldon

[m***@tadyatam.invalid]

Post by Sheldon

Post by W.S. Blevins
If you are concerned about it being infected, install an updated
version of a reliable anti-virus and find out.

First, this isn't my computer, and I would never let things slide the way
this person has (in answer to the other poster). Here's the odd part of the
story, this person is willing to pay me to resolve this problem, but claims
they can't pay for the AV update. I'm now beginning to wonder if I'm going
to get paid, but that's another story.
Anyway, as soon as someone can explain the logic of not paying to keep your
AV software up to date, but paying a tech to fix it after the fact, and then
still not wanting to update the AV software, at least part of the meaning of
life will be resolved.
I just hoped there might be a virus associated with these symptoms, as many
of you have seen a lot more viruses than I have. And you guys are good,
often nailing a virus given minimal symptoms, so be flattered.
But, I'll admit it. I took the easy way out. So shoot me. <BG>
I'll let you know what, and if we find anything.
Sheldon

None of my business ... but consider appliance repairman style:
Fifty dollars (whatever your rate is) in cash, as you show up at
his/her door. ;)

--J
Replies to: jNpolak(at)Ojuno(dot)Tcom

[Elly Byrne]

Download AVG from grisoft.com and burn it to a CD.
You will to put in some info so they can mail you a password.
Make sure you get the password, otherwise you cannot use the prog.

Instal it on the other persons computer and run a check.
Update it and IMPRESS on them that this must be updated regularly.

Post by Sheldon

Post by W.S. Blevins
If you are concerned about it being infected, install an updated
version of a reliable anti-virus and find out.

First, this isn't my computer, and I would never let things slide the way
this person has (in answer to the other poster). Here's the odd part of the
story, this person is willing to pay me to resolve this problem, but claims
they can't pay for the AV update. I'm now beginning to wonder if I'm going
to get paid, but that's another story.
Anyway, as soon as someone can explain the logic of not paying to keep your
AV software up to date, but paying a tech to fix it after the fact, and then
still not wanting to update the AV software, at least part of the meaning of
life will be resolved.
I just hoped there might be a virus associated with these symptoms, as many
of you have seen a lot more viruses than I have. And you guys are good,
often nailing a virus given minimal symptoms, so be flattered.
But, I'll admit it. I took the easy way out. So shoot me. <BG>
I'll let you know what, and if we find anything.
Sheldon

Tinnitus is a pain in the neck
Elly's Tinnitus Resources
http://www.eebee.net/
http://www.tinnitusrelief.net/

For email: elly at eebee.cjb.net

[Sheldon]

Post by Elly Byrne
Download AVG from grisoft.com and burn it to a CD.
You will to put in some info so they can mail you a password.
Make sure you get the password, otherwise you cannot use the prog.
Instal it on the other persons computer and run a check.
Update it and IMPRESS on them that this must be updated regularly.

I can impress whatever I want on them. Few update. They see that update
box and just keep clicking "Remind me next time." I tell them they can pay
a few bucks now or a lot of bucks later, but it still doesn't seem to make a
difference. They almost need a complete meltdown before they get the
picture.

I think it's a bit like flossing. You do it a lot when you get back from
the dentist, then you kinda do it whenever. It isn't till you get back to
the dentist, and they have to go in there with a hammer and chisel, that you
remember the last visit, and then it just starts all over.

Sheldon

[Raymond Pistey Jr]

go get some real customers that "HAVE" to run AV because "their lives and
incomes depend on it". There are those people who take advantage of the self
proclaimed "hacks" who have no other choice cause a: not certified B: no
degree or C: "the Idea that msconfig can fix it???" you may want to
re-evaluate your methods of diagnostics cause guessing does'nt work... it's
all 1's and zero's .. there's a start.. :) now move on to chapter 2.. they
go in order.

Post by Sheldon

Post by Elly Byrne
Download AVG from grisoft.com and burn it to a CD.
You will to put in some info so they can mail you a password.
Make sure you get the password, otherwise you cannot use the prog.
Instal it on the other persons computer and run a check.
Update it and IMPRESS on them that this must be updated regularly.

I can impress whatever I want on them. Few update. They see that update
box and just keep clicking "Remind me next time." I tell them they can pay
a few bucks now or a lot of bucks later, but it still doesn't seem to make a
difference. They almost need a complete meltdown before they get the
picture.
I think it's a bit like flossing. You do it a lot when you get back from
the dentist, then you kinda do it whenever. It isn't till you get back to
the dentist, and they have to go in there with a hammer and chisel, that you
remember the last visit, and then it just starts all over.
Sheldon

[ImhoTech]

Post by Sheldon
I wish the antivirus companies had a place to type in symptoms instead of
just the name of the virus.

They do. Most AV websites have a search engine. Type a short description of
a symptom and you may get a hit.

Post by Sheldon
Anyway, here's what's going on: Got an XP computer that has AV software
which has not been updated since 12/02 and keeps locking up when it's on the
Net (intermittent). I've used MSCONFIG to knock out the spyware and other
anachronistic programs that were running the background,

You can't successfully eliminate spyware and other malware as the cause of a
problem using msconfig.

Post by Sheldon
but in trying to
run a scan from housecall.antivirus.com the computer gets to about 30
percent on the download of the definition files and keeps starting over (no
lockups).

Really not unusual, even on systems without problems.

Post by Sheldon
And yes, we are using a dialup connection.
I realize this may not be a virus, but... Any ideas?
Sheldon

A specific answer would require specific symptoms. All you offer I see is

"locks up on Internet"
"can't use online AV"

Pretty generalized symptoms.

Since you did mention spyware, start with that clean up. Download Adaware
first, install and Update, run, reboot run again. Download Spybot S&D,
install and update, run, reboot run again.

[W.S. Blevins]

On Fri, 22 Aug 2003 03:52:35 -0400, "Patrick Meuser"

Here's my latest vaccine..

And here's your clue, Einstein. This is a non-binary group.