51 replies to this topic

[Doug]

Hi Ed3000Gt,

No. I would not complete that operation that you just found via Google.
It will initiate a sequence of events that will "add" more Symantec files to your system and possibly make matters worse.

Your problem-solving "logic" is fine, but would end up with the wrong solution.
(I'm generally encouraged when folks start trying to "think things through". It's the beginning of learning!)
----------

Since you've run the Norton Uninstall Tool, and still have conflicting file items of Symantec on your machine we need to do a little more work.

First:
In Add/Remove there should be no items with labels including Symantec/Norton remaining in the list of installed applications.

Second:
LiveUpdate! "may" still be in the Add/Remove List. <--- uninstall it if it is there.

Third, after verifying that no further items with labels including Symantec/Norton are remaining in your Add/Remove list...

--- Use Windows Explorer to Navigate to C:\Program Files\
and
--- Use Windows Explorer to Navigate to C:\Program Files\Common

Browse through your Program Files in the two addresses above.
You will probably find a folder at C:\Program Files\Symantec
____________

The Symantec Folder contains the S32evnt1.dll file that is causing problems.

Ordinarily, I would DELETE the entire Symantec Folder and all of its contents.
However, I recommend that we "proceed cautiously".
___________

Fourth:
Please Create a New Folder, similar to the following:
C:\New Folder
rename it as:
C:\TempMovedSymantec\

Fifth:
Navigate back to C:\Program Files\Symantec\
Use - Edit - Cut (to remove the Symantec Folder and all of its contents from C:\Program Files\)

Sixth:
Navigate to your New Folder at C:\TempMovedSymantec\
Use - Edit - Paste (to copy the Symantec Folder and all of its contents into C:\TempMovedSymantec\)

It will now appear as: C:\TempMovedSymantec\Symantec\
And will include at least one file (S32evnt.dll) amongst others that also got moved, but which we are not concerned with right now.
__________

Seventh:
"If" there are Symantec folders in C:\Program Files\Common\
"Then" please Create another New Folder and rename it as: C:\TempMovedCommonSymantec\
Cut\Paste any entire folders that are labled as either Norton or Symantec, which you may find in C:\program Files\Common, into this New Folder.
__________

We may need to do some Registry work in addition to the above.
I am hoping that just moving the Symantec Folder will cause it to drop off the radar and cease interferring with the PitTest and the general functionality of your machine.

After running your machine for a few days with the Symantec Folder(s) moved, if there are no errors or conflicts, and the machine is running fine with the Symantec Folder no Moved to the new TempMovedSymantec location, we can consider Deleting it entirely.
___________

We are "just moving it" for now, in case some odd reason pops up that makes us want to put it back.
I don't think we will.
____________

Next:
Go Run another Pit Test.
Hopefully the Pit Test will now Run without the Error message.
Let us know.
__________

You "should" also find that the file: (C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntvdm.exe) will no longer be appearing in your Pit Test.
It is the 16-bit environment program to allow for the 16-bit portion of Symantec.
It should also be gone, but we'll wait and see from your Next Pit Test TechExpress.
_________

You commented: "I guess this is as good as it gets.. "

Actually, it is looking pretty darn good.

I realize that you'd like to have a properly functioning internal CD-Unit.
You may want to take additional action later to physically replace it.
But for now, you are getting your machine to a condition where it is running well.

Let us know if there are other considerations about your machine's functionality that need attention.

Best Regards

[ed3000gt]

could not find symantec anywhere on my machine. but I found the ntvdm.exe on these locations C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$ C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch C:\WINDOWS\system32 C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache just did another pcpitstop.. no luck.. still doing... gets to checking drive C: and the pcpitstop.dll error comes up.. and when I click continue... windows explorer closes itself.

[ed3000gt]

here is the tech express..

http://www.pcpitstop...KNMFWNVMAWSLY6W

It never goes all the way..

[ed3000gt]

So, what is the procedure to restore using the external cdrom? :wtf: I give up, computer is freezing now. I will back up any pictures that I need and just get over with it. Thanks Dough.

[ed3000gt]

:wtf:

[Doug]

Sorry for my abscense, Ed300gt.
I know this must be hugely frustrating for you.
Begin reading here:
http://www.bootdisk.com/usb.htm

I'll be trying to ghost the process here on a machine, but I probably don't have the same hardware to exactly parallel the steps with you.

Best Regards
Doug

[ed3000gt]

is this normal?

the other day I went to work, and left avg running..

when I got back, it had elapsed 8 hrs and some minutes. and it was still checking this same thing..

today I tryed again.. and get stuck on the same place..

a friend has a similar laptop to mine. I am thinking on taking his cd-rom and putting on mine and restoring mine to factory. after 4 yrs must be some bogus on the hard drive.. and starting with a clean version of windows might help stop the freezings when using itunes.. and the other stuff when using pcpitstop..

anyways.. here is a picture...

Thank you for being so patient with me.

PS: CPU usage has been at 100% since I started the spyware check

EDIT:I have an external HD, to which I have transfered most of my files. but I was wondering how do I backup my e-mails from my outlook account? and my favorites? and there are a couple of websites that I have passwords to, but I don't remenber then and they are saved. where do I go to retrieve these passwords?

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Edited by ed3000gt, 14 April 2007 - 10:41 AM.

[Doug]

Ed300gt,

You can use the "Export" function in both IE and Outlook to save your Favorites and your Email/and Addresses.

For IE Favorites:
export them directly from within MSIE:
Open your Internet Explorer
Select File -> Import and Export. This will start the "Import and Export" wizard.
Select Export and the click on "next."
Select Favorites and click on "next."
In the next window you can accept the default Save Directory or choose a new one. I suggest you select "Desktop" so you can easily find the file again. Click on "next."
Finally, click on "finish" and your Favorites will be saved to disk.
The default file name is "bookmark.htm": simply copy this file to a floppy disk (or burn it using your external CD) or even email it to yourself (or both).

To Import your Favorites into a newly created version of Microsoft Internet Explorer simply run the wizard again. This time select Import and click on "next." Browse to the saved copy of "bookmark.htm" and the wizard will replace your existing bookmarks (which are just the defaults) with the saved copy.

For Exporting/Importing your Outlook addresses, see the following article by Dave Taylor:
http://www.askdaveta...ok_express.html
____________


I'm not absolutely sure about retrieving all of your passwords for Websites, where you've had Windows "save" the password and then you forgot what the password is. But I've generally been successful with the following:

Here is a very handy and powerful utility that can be used to discover passwords that are currently set on a machine:
http://www.gtopala.com/

SIW (System Information for Windows) performs computer configuration analysis and diagnostics.
SIW can create a report file (CSV, HTML, TXT or XML), and is able to run in batch mode (for Asset Management, PC Audit, Software Inventory and Hardware Inventory).
SIW gives detailed information about your computer properties and settings, detailed specs for:
• Software: Operating System, Installed Software and Hotfixes, Processes, Services, Users, Open Files, System Uptime, Installed Codecs, Licenses.
• Hardware: Motherboard, Sensors, BIOS, CPU, chipset, PCI/AGP, USB and ISA/PnP Devices, Memory, Video Card, Monitor, Disk Drives, CD/DVD Devices, SCSI Devices, S.M.A.R.T., Ports, Printers.
• Network: Network Cards, Network Shares, currently active Network Connections, Open Ports.
• Tools: Password Recovery, Reveal lost passwords hidden behind asterisks, Product Keys and Serial Numbers (CD Key), MAC Address Changer, Shutdown / Restart.
• Real-time monitors: CPU, Memory, Page File usage and Network Traffic.
SIW is a standalone utility that does not require installation (Portable Freeware) - one less installed program on your PC as well the fact that you can run the program directly from an USB flash drive, from a floppy, from a network drive or from a domain login script.
Platform:
Microsoft Windows 98/Me/NT4/2000/XP/Server 2003/Media Center/Tablet PC/Windows 2003 Server R2/Windows Server 2003 x64/Windows XP x64/Windows Vista/

You can download it here:
http://www.gtopala.c...w-download.html

I've used it successfully for the same purpose that you state.
Eureka!<--- is the portion of SIW that you will be using, though many of your passwords will be listed for you when you simply run the SIW scan.
_________

Swapping in your friends internal CD unit sounds like a solid plan for restoring your machine's OS.
The practice you get when installing it into your machine may even encourage you to purchase a replacement for your own machine.
___________

AVG AntiSpyware has reported an error situation somewhat resembling the difficulty that you've described.
---- Recommendations: Completely Uninstall AVG AntiSpyware via Control Panel - Add/Remove, then Reinstall and update.
When you Install AVG AntiSpyware, download the installation file to a Folder on your C:\ drive. Then do the installation from that Folder.
Note: Downloading and saving the installation file prior to installing is a good idea for most software.
(Running the installation from the Website can run afoul of downloaded packet corruption, missing packets, etc.)

Best Regards

[ed3000gt]

sucess on installing the cd-rom. should i backup anything else before formating? where can I buy another cd-rom? tried lookin at newegg. and found nothing. doesn't have to be anything gread.. just a cd-rom is fine..no need to write, cause I have the external that does all that.

thanks dough.

Edited by ed3000gt, 14 April 2007 - 01:41 PM.

[Doug]

I'd try to purchase the CD unit directly from the laptop manufacturer. Once you "walk through" a potential purchase of the exact factory replacement part, (get the model/serial numbers) you can go look at: newegg.com tigerdirect.com zipzoomfly.com tomshardware.com I suppose you could also look on: Craig's List and eBay to see if you can get a better price. ____________ Go the the laptop manufacturer's website and make sure the device drivers are available. You would be well advised to download the Chipset Drivers and any other specific drivers that your laptop calls for. Then to to Microsoft Updates to download DirectX 9.0c Then go to Sun MicroSystems to download JAVE Runtime Environmet 1.6.0.0.1 (it might be called 1.6.u.1 for the latest) Then go to ZoneLabs to download the free version of Zone Alarm (or whatever Firewall you use - Outpost, Sygate, Commodo, etc) Then go to AVG to get the free version of AVG AntiVirus and the free version of AVG AntiSpyware Then go to SpywareInfo to download SpyBot Search & Destroy Then go to JavaCoolSoftware to download SpywareBlaster Or if you prefer get the MVPS Hosts File Download Foxit PDF reader (uninstall the Adobe bloatware when it loads by default and substitute to much smaller but just as good Foxit) Consider any other software applications that you typically have downloaded for your machine, download the installation files. Consider downloading the Driver Installation files for the specific Network Interface Card (NIC) Network Adapter that you machine runs. Most are available and will be installed by XP (especially since you've made System Restore CDs) but if you have an add-on NIC, get the Drivers installation files. _________ Then burn all the above to one CD - label the CD - Fresh Install Drivers and Utilities That way you'll be able to install your security applications without exposing your machine to the internet. (Your System Restore CDs "should" install Chipset and other specific drivers, but the Manufacturer's sight often has "updated drivers" that you would benefit from installing after Restoring. _______ Some software is better to install directly from their website: for instance: Macromedia Flash Player Macromedia ShockWave MS Updates IM utilities ________ It's helpful to have the list of applications and utilities that you will need prepared before you need them, and especially beneficial to have the installation CD burned and ready to use so you don't have to hunt down the various installation files on the internet. Hope this gives you a start. Doug

[Doug]

I'd try to purchase the CD unit directly from the laptop manufacturer. Once you "walk through" a potential purchase of the exact factory replacement part, (get the model/serial numbers) you can go look at: newegg.com tigerdirect.com zipzoomfly.com tomshardware.com I suppose you could also look on: Craig's List and eBay to see if you can get a better price. ____________ Go the the laptop manufacturer's website and make sure the device drivers are available. You would be well advised to download the Chipset Drivers and any other specific drivers that your laptop calls for. Then to to Microsoft Updates to download DirectX 9.0c Then go to Sun MicroSystems to download JAVE Runtime Environmet 1.6.0.0.1 (it might be called 1.6.u.1 for the latest) Then go to ZoneLabs to download the free version of Zone Alarm (or whatever Firewall you use - Outpost, Sygate, Commodo, etc) Then go to AVG to get the free version of AVG AntiVirus and the free version of AVG AntiSpyware Then go to SpywareInfo to download SpyBot Search & Destroy Then go to JavaCoolSoftware to download SpywareBlaster Or if you prefer get the MVPS Hosts File Download Foxit PDF reader (uninstall the Adobe bloatware when it loads by default and substitute to much smaller but just as good Foxit) Consider any other software applications that you typically have downloaded for your machine, download the installation files. Consider downloading the Driver Installation files for the specific Network Interface Card (NIC) Network Adapter that you machine runs. Most are available and will be installed by XP (especially since you've made System Restore CDs) but if you have an add-on NIC, get the Drivers installation files. _________ Then burn all the above to one CD - label the CD - Fresh Install Drivers and Utilities That way you'll be able to install your security applications without exposing your machine to the internet. (Your System Restore CDs "should" install Chipset and other specific drivers, but the Manufacturer's sight often has "updated drivers" that you would benefit from installing after Restoring. _______ Some software is better to install directly from their website: for instance: Macromedia Flash Player Macromedia ShockWave MS Updates IM utilities ________ It's helpful to have the list of applications and utilities that you will need prepared before you need them, and especially beneficial to have the installation CD burned and ready to use so you don't have to hunt down the various installation files on the internet. Hope this gives you a start. Doug Edit: Forgot to offer my congratulations to you for getting the CD-ROM installed successfully!

Edited by dough, 14 April 2007 - 03:32 PM.

[ed3000gt]

the HD is formated already, midway installed windows updates.. 24, so many.. I guess is because of this copy being from 4 yrs ago. and now installing sp2. using different pc to write. have avg antivirus and anti-spyware in folder ready to be installed after updates are done, along with foxit, spywareblater, zonealarm, and spybot in same folder.. coud not find: Then go to Sun MicroSystems to download JAVE Runtime Environmet 1.6.0.0.1 (it might be called 1.6.u.1 for the latest) at sun.com. went to hp.com and did not find any drivers updates.. all seen to be up to date.. any ideas? neither could find a place at hp.com to purchase a new cd-rom. and installing the cd-rom was quite easy and simple. I was used to desktop hardware installations in high school. do you think if I take my laptop to a tv repair they would be able to fix my power plug? i have to wiggle it in order to charge.. and the one that i took the cd-rom does the same thing..must be a HP thing.. Thanks dough

Edited by ed3000gt, 14 April 2007 - 04:56 PM.

[Doug]

Good Work Ed300gt!

Here's where to get your JAVE Runtime Environment:
http://java.sun.com/...loads/index.jsp
About 1/2 way down the page select this item: Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u1
After clicking on it, "accept" the license agreement.
Select the Off-line installation file: Windows Offline Installation, Multi-language jre-6u1-windows-i586-p.exe 13.16 MB
___________

" power plug " Dang! that's a miserable situation.
Replacing of the socket (plug receptacle) may or may not be possible, and almost certainly would involve micro-soldering.
Even HP won't do it, and requires that you replace the whole darn MotherBoard assembly. (at least in my experience)

You might have a TV Tech look at it. (the older, the better) Somebody who remembers how to test capacitors, resistors, diodes and such, and how to solder in a new component, instead of today's techies who just plugs in a new circuit board.
________

Regarding HP and your CD ROM unit. Talk to them by voice/telephone.
Ask for Replacement Parts Department.

Since you have your old/broken one out of the case, you can request the part by actual Model Number/Serial Number.
They "should' have a few laying around.
But the "online help" will not know about Replacement Parts Department. or even believe that a CD Unit can be replaced.

Sometimes the best people to get into the Replacement Parts Department could be "Sales" reps when you call by phone. Ask for a supervisor. They might have the number for the parts department.

Is the "borrowed unit" functioning correctly?
If so, a new one should too.

Wish I had a better answer about your power-supply plug.
_________

After you have ever all your OS, security, and applications installed, use Disk CleanUp and then Defrag.
Post a fress PCPitstop Full Test TechExpress. There will most likely be settings and extras to do to get your machine running at its best performance.

Hang in there. You're doing great!

Best Regards,
Doug

Edited by dough, 14 April 2007 - 06:33 PM.

[ed3000gt]

Hey Doug

I don't understand... I uninstalled and reinstalled the avg spyware twice already.. saved to computer straigh from avg website, just like you told me. and still giving the same thing as in the picture.. gets to 32 and stops.. and them drags the computer performance down. but this time instead of [568] was [512]. do you think it might be hardware problem?

and got many processes running on task manager.. could you give me a hand getting rid of what I don't need?


I am sure hanging here.. but I am not doing great... We are!

EDIT: TechExpress link for your current results:
http://www.pcpitstop...69SHW1PULWSA17W

EDIT2:TechExpress link for your current results:
http://www.pcpitstop...69SHW1PULWSA17W

just did this second one.. how come is the same as the first?

Edited by ed3000gt, 15 April 2007 - 10:42 AM.

[Doug]

Download, Install, Update, and Run - Spybot Search & Destroy.