5 replies to this topic

[0m4pt2]

Hi - looking for some directional help with an odd behavior on a new laptop (24 hours old). Running XP SP2, have made all updates to OS; came prepackaged with Norton Internet Security Suite. This is HP Pavilion laptop; AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512 MB; 80GB Hard drive; no reason in the world for odd problems. Specifically, problems occur during Internet downloads: the download doesn't fully complete, and the OS locks up; can't even unlock it using ctrl+Alt-delete. Thought maybe the new Mozilla Firefox 1.5Beta was causing problems so uninstalled that. This problem has caused spyware blaster to freeze during updates check, in addition to causing spybot search & destroy to freeze up. But when I disable NIS, and then try to do spyware blaster updates -- have absolutely no problems. I'm confused why my OS is being crippled by NIS. Any help or pointing me to another website tech forum will be greatly appreciated. I'm not ready to call HP's tech support just yet, as I'd prefer not to get a tech who may not understand the situation/problem. Thanks. (Should mention the laptop's used in home network.) I'll keep checking back in on this post over the next day or so. Meantime, I'm checking other forums to see if I can locate a problem similar to mine.

Edited by 0m4pt2, 01 December 2005 - 06:50 PM.

[shelf life]

hi 0m4pt2, well you seem to have found the problem: NIS. not sure what the suite includes but i can provide links to free AV/firewall. i would simply uninstall it, you dont have to use it.

[0m4pt2]

Thanks much for your affirmation that NIS 2005 is the culprit. I disabled NIS last night so it could not load on starting up laptop this morning and the SPYSD program worked as it was supposed to. So as a precaution, I uninstalled SPYSD, will get directions off Symantec's website for completely removing NIS 2005, then I'll load Eset's NOD32, reinstall SPYSD, Ad-Aware SE Plus, look at the Zone Alarm Firewall, plus some of the other helpful utilities that exist. I'm hopeful no other strange "behavior problems" will arise once all these measures are taken.

[shelf life]

for completely removing NIS 2005,

uninstalling via add/remove programs panel should do it, reboot computer once after the uninstall

a free Antivirsus here:
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1

[0m4pt2]

NIS 2005 uninstalled successfully. Thanks for instructions. Spybot S&D now installed; using the AVAST program to see how I like it; will add Zone Alarm tomorrow and Ad-Aware SE Plus.

[shelf life]

hi 0m4pt2,

good. heres some reference material:

All it takes is a few changes:


Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

Also download, install and keep updated- Antivirus Software (and use only one):
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0
AntiVir Personal Edition

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser.
Like Firefox,
And Pegasus Mail for a safer e-mail, no tweaking needed.

Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser.
look here
and here


Install a firewall. A firewall will control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Microsoft XP firewall only provides inbound protection. SP2 adds in and out bound protection which is better than nothing, but is not as robust as third party firewalls, Be sure to run only >one< firewall.If you use another, be sure to disable XP's built in firewall. If you use Zone Alarm learn what needs/uses your internet connection. If something unusal or out of the ordinary "asks" deny it access until more investigation is done.
Zone Alarm
Kerio Personal Firewall
Outpost Firewall
Sygate Personal Firewall
Tiny Firewall
BlackIce



Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta version)
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard stop events/processes with user intervention
System Safety Monitor beta version stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster add security to IE
IE-SPYAD adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
CleanUp cleans out temps,history, autoforms etc

AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Ewido Security Suite
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version)
TDS-3 trail version discontinued as of 07/05
Tauscan trial version


Learn More:
Browser Checkup
Parasite Free
Safe Hex
Shelf Lifes site
Home Computer Security
Wilders Security Advisors

Watch what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Make sure you understand what it is you will be downloading and installing to your computer. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits?. Read the EULA agreement, you know, that paragraph of stuff you "agree to" before the software installs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is. Do you trust the source?

shelf life's File Sharing Tips:
Dont have it start with windows, if you see the icon it may be running
Dont run it 24/7
Limit bandwidth if possible. Isp's have bandwidth caps,besides running wide open will affect your download/upload activity.
Dont share a huge amount of files
Random is good, stay out of sharing rooms
Scan downloads with AV/antitrojan apps before launching