Computer Question = Possible Virus?

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Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:06 pm

Ok, I need some input from folks here who are not "technically challenged" (which is my status).

I am running Windows XP and using Explorer to surf the web.

On Saturday my system automatically downloaded the latest XP supplement/update.

A short time late, I tried to get on the internet, opened by windows browser, and went to the "tools" button to lower my cookies setting (I normally block all cookies, but wanted to log on to a site that requires cookies).

When I clicked on "internet options", I got an error message that this function had been disabiled on this system. "Please contact system administrator".

I immediately thought of a virus, and ran an up-to-date Norton Anti-Virus Sweep. I also ran an up-to-date Spybot sweep. Both came back clean.

I still cannot change my internet options (and am blocked out of all sites that require cookies) and I am not sure what is wrong.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Bruin

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:25 pm

Big hammer?
check 'users' folder, see who you are logged in as (are there multiple users listed?)
You may not have administrator rights.

Search using google for forums on the subject, may take some sifting through unless you get lucky with your word choice.

(e.g. try 'cannot change cookie settings')
or 'i.e.7 update problems'

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 5:00 pm

Slow- Thanks! I hesitated to do the google search initially because of the "sifting" problem (and because I am so technically slow I would not know the "right" answer if it bit me). Thanks again.

Bruin

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 5:01 pm

I've had windows mess me about after an update too. It updated (automatically) and intsalled .net framework 2 and while it was at it made a second log on name with admin rights. Obviously I was horrified. I rolled back system restore, visited windows update and told it not to install .net 2. no problems since (that I know about).

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 5:45 pm

That's a good example how the "updates" are designed to babysit you.. I had service pack 2 and got sick of being told I can't do something on my computer.. Since I have an earlier release of XP (whithout SP2) and SP2 was added on, I uninstalled it... Very Happy

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:07 pm

Weasel, Gantz - - Thanks! I think my next step will be to uninstall the automatic update. . .

Bruin

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:10 pm

Though the updates are helpful security-wise. They ARE annoying. I do have Mandriva One on this system, but it has problems with my sound card.. And that's not very good for my baiting. Laughing

So I have to stick with XP for now..

Who here has Vista?

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:20 pm

BRUIN wrote:

... using Explorer to surf the web. ...

I think I see part of the problem right there. Wink

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:31 pm

^^^

I wondered how long that would take! Wink

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:33 pm

do a system restore(click on start..all programs...accesories then its in system tools) to the day before the download
and see how you go then.
ive turned my auto updates off as had many a problem after
installing them(they just not worth the hassle IMHO)

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:55 pm

BRUIN wrote:

I am running Windows XP

I think I see part of the problem right there Wink

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 7:08 pm

I never let windows xp auto update.

It will put in IE7 (Total crap)
WMP11 had to roll it back 'cause I couldn't watch footie on the net with WMP11.

Cool

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 7:51 pm

I Only install sp1 and sp2 and switch off all automatic updates and notifications as in the past the auto updates often caused problems...

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 8:25 pm

Guys - Thanks for all the help. I know I shouldn't be using IE7 (or any IE) and have been contemplating migrating to Firefox. . . As for XP - I think I am stuck on that one for now. Thanks again, though.

You all are wonderful help, despite all the bad things I say in PM's about you!

Bruin

Baiting Guru Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 2628

@ Bruin we had the same problem this am. This pc is on Windows XP as well
( yea yea we're thinking of changing just as soon as we've fixed the kitchen, got a new bathroom , decorated our room , flitted MIL........)

I hadn't thought about it being the update.
I did the system restore, as ever and ran the AVG , Spybot.
Now turned off updates following the advice on this thread.
Thanks for useful info.

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 9:42 pm

Not to start a Windows/Linux flamewar, but if you are intrested in possibly
using a Linux distribution. I would suggest Ubuntu, due to the fact the live-cd
works great, and has almost everything you would need as a baiter or casual
homeuser. Add to the fact that if you restart the computer on the cd, you
are back to a clean install. It can be handy if you are wanting to either test
out software or visit sites that might be questionable.

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 6:14 am

@ pepper,,, Linux Question

what is that Question

is that like a Lexus Wink

@ BRUIN better off with Opera as a few people here will tell you that firefox seems a bit wobbly, although others here have had no problems with firefox. Cool

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 9:02 am

I love Loonix, just can't get it to display the clock properly because the hands weren't compiled properly and kept pointing to quarter to tuesday Twisted Evil

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 11:44 am

Be careful with using system restore with Norton installed - it confuses the heck out of the poor app.

Try searching in google like this

site:support.microsoft.com xp "the exact error message here"

type it exactly like that and youwill get M$ knowledge based articles. Sort them in order of relevance and they will walk you through the answer.

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 1:32 pm

You should set the XP updater to automatically download the updates, but to prompt you toinstall them. Then you can only install the necessary ones. While we're on the topic, my auto-updater keeps on causing a BSOD when it tries to update itself. Pfft, crazy silly thing.

Not quite a Newb Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Posts: 65

I never seem to have the problems with XP that everyone has.. Rarely get any spyware or viruses, error's are once in a bluemoon. Guess I'm just one of the lucky ones Smile

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 5:09 pm

^^^^Same as you. I've had my laptop for almost a year and it's running fast and virus free for this length of time...

Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 1:25 am

Check out this article for a discussion of how the new MS updates are really slowing down computers. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/05/11/ms_update_glitch/

you can download the new windows update from http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe or try googling for WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe

Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 1:49 am

Using XP doesn't automatically mean you will get viruses. As long as you are careful and vigilant. I have complaints about other parts of it.

Quote:

Rarely get any spyware or viruses

Interesting choice of phrase.

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