23 replies to this topic

[becca]

So besides Avira what tothers should I install..for firewall and spyware?? sorry to keep bothering you, I know you are busy and trying to figure out the pit stop results...thanks again..

[Doug]

Don't worry about being a bother.
Just think how "bothered" you would be if you "didn't" ask.

I can only research and answer posts to the best of my own ability.
Generally, that is not at "light speed".
More often it is at the speed of "slow".
But I'll get to it as I can.
________________

In addition to Avira Antivirus (free) running active at all times...

I like:
Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/
or
SuperAntiSpyware http://www.superantispyware.com/

I do not used the "paid" version of either (actually of any security software)
not both

You can run either manually on a routine basis

You should install and run either
ATF-Cleaner
or
CleanUp! 2.52

Run either one "daily" or more often as suites your activity level on the internet.
You presently have a "bunch" of cookies in your Internet Cache.
Either of those Cleaner applications will take care of those cookies.

As for Firewall...

I actually rely upon the Microsoft native firewall on most of my machines.
However, other Techs will think it would be crazy to not recommend a software Firewall.
They would be right for most ordinary users.

Try:

Zone Alarm
or
Commodo

Be careful when installing because both will give you options to install stuff that you really don't need.
Just the Free Firewall, none of the extra stuff, including none of the nifty free search toolbars.

I'll be back shortly with recommendations from your Pit Test.
Please complete the above and reply with your progress.

[Doug]

May I presume that you have uninstalled Sophos and uninstalled Norton?
And further that you have installed either Avira or Avast!?
And a bit further, that you have run either ATF-Cleaner or CleanUp! 2.52?
and a bit further that you have installed and run manually either Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware?
__________________

A few more items:

Uninstall QuickTime
Uninstall RealPlayer (this includes uninstalling Rhapsody Player)

No really. Uninstall both.
___________________

Go here to get the complete pack that includes lite-versions of each of the above:
(Select the "Mega" option to download)
____________________

You have:

MS Works
MS Word
MS Office Home and Student trial <-- Is that expired yet?
____________________

Keep MS Word
Consider dumping the others (unless you specifically use some of those features
_____________________

Do you use Chrome? <-- if not, uninstall it
Do you use Safari? <-- if not, uninstall it
_____________________

do you use Bonjour? <-- if not uninstall it, or at the very least disable it via CodeStuff Starters
_____________________

Uninstall Adobe Reader 7.0.9 (it is a very old version, buggy and vulnerable)
Install Foxit PDF reader (free) http://download.cnet...4-10313206.html
Foxit has less impact on the computer system resources and does all that Adobe Reader does.
_____________________

Uninstall Sun JAVA JRE 1.5.0.60
The up-to-date version you need is: JRE 6 Update 16
Download the "Offline installation" then install with browsers closed.
It will ask to connect to the internet while installing, let it.
Available here: http://java.sun.com/...loads/index.jsp
________________________

Uninstall Search Assistant
Uninstall URL Assistant
___________________

Unless you use them actively, uninstall:
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2006
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006
______________________

Now, it appears that you "did not" disable the programs in StartUp.
Open CodeStuff Starters - StartUps(tab)
Remove the checkmark/tick from in front of each item "except" your new Antivirus and Firewall
________________________

Boot into SAFE Mode
go to:
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Defrag
Run Disk Defrag while in SAVE Mode.
(should take up to about an hour)

Reboot normally into Windows

Describe how your machine is now running.
Run and post a fresh PCPitstop Full Tests

[becca]

How do I uninstall that stuff?

[becca]

Nevermind about the unstill but what does reboot into safe mode mean?

[Doug]

boot into Safe Mode with these instructions.

* If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
* Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
* Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
* Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
* Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
* When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would
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Becca.

The advantage of booting into SAFE Mode, is that fewer drivers are loaded and most of the ordinary background activity that supports Windows is turned off.

You will still get a familiar Windows XP Desktop, but in each corner will be a note that you are in SAFE Mode.

Running System Defrag in SAFE Mode allows it to do a better job, because other programs and processes are not active.
Therefore it is easier and more complete when Defrag sorts the Hard Drive files.

[becca]

I am having so much trouble uninstalling the programs...the computer keeps going to end prgram and the typing keeps getting worse..now leaving out complete sentences that I type..

[becca]

I did what you said and it has just gotten worse...

[Doug]

Are you able to run a fresh PCPitstop Full Tests and post your results? that would give us an idea of what progress has been made and what next steps to take.