Oh robyrob....

[Chelsea]

A lot of the apps in System 32 are Windows Utilities that few ever open...they're mostly for the OS' own use.

Random question: Did you look in the recycle bin for your missing shortcuts?

[robyrob]

Originally Posted by Janice

Will I ever stop bothering you? Probably not.
My computer is acting crazy. I was getting messages that I had trojans, etc. I was using AVG to detect viruses and AOL's free Spyware protection. I use AOL Version 8.0
I saw that if I upgraded to Version 9.0, AOL offered free McAfee virus protection and a fireall thing. I did upgrade. I hated Version 9, so I use Version 8, but I still use McAfee.

there is nothing wrong with using (and paying extra for) AOL if you like it and you are comfortable with it (although you may want to ask them about their "Bring Your Own Access" plan if you aren't already on it, as it can save you a couple extra bucks.
McAfee has a good Antivirus program, as long as the software is up-to-date (which is true for ANY AV), but you should only use ONE antivirus, and ONE software firewall. Anti-spyware software is ok to double-up on; usually one will catch different items that others miss, but again, being up-to-date is the key here.

The problems that you are describing are likely the result of spyware, possibly viruses or trojans as well, you'll have to check for each. You MAY be able to clean it all up, but it COULD be easier to just start all over with the original software, as has been mentioned earlier here. Gateways usually have System Recovery disks that allow you to restore the computer to the state it was when you first got it - the problem with that is that it will also erase all of your saved files, programs and updates, so you need to make sure you back up EVERYTHING before you resort to that option.

Originally Posted by Janice

I have a Gateway. (ME 2000 I think). It's almost 4 years old. I feel like it still has more life to it if I could straighten things out myself. It's sluggish a lot.
I downloaded Firefox Mozilla. How do I know it's my browser as I still get IE popup messages?

if you hold down the Windows key and press the Pause/Break key it should open the System Properties, which will tell you what version of Windows you have, probably ME.

If you are infected with spyware, it can use IE to open pop-up Windows, even if you use firefox as your default browser, in fact even if you aren't connected to the internet at all! To set firefox as the default browser, hold down the Windows key and press the "R" key to open the Run dialog, type in "firefox" and press enter. Go to the Tools menu, then Options, it should open the General tab for firefox's options, under Default Browser , click the "Check Now" button then click the "Yes" button.

Originally Posted by Janice

Is there a way to clean up my computer? I forget where scan disc is, and last time I ran it, it went on forever.
I need a maintenance list. I don't want to pay for any computer virus protection programs because I do plan on buying a new computer which leads me to my next question.

i will try to give you a checklist at the bottom of this....

you can probably get away with AVG till you get your new PC, just be careful with emails and downloaded programs.

Originally Posted by Janice

What kind of computer should I buy? My brother tells me I gotta get a Dell. I don't want to pay for more than I need. All I do is go to a few websites and prepare documents or spreadsheets. I don't need all the bells and whistles.

I'm not going to tell anyone what brand of computer to buy, but I will tell you to do your homework before you pick one; list the features you want in your price range then compare at least three different brands and check some reviews online, then see if you can find one in Best Buy or wherever so you can actually get your hands on it to check it out (this is probably much more important for a laptop, but depending on how much you are spending, I think its worth it.....) Check the system requirements for the programs that you want to use the computer for, and choose accordingly.

Originally Posted by Janice

You feel like straightening this mess out? Gateway tech help is useless...
I've thought about hiring a computer geek in the area to fix things, but where do I find such a person? Certainly there must be someone local who does this for a living willing to come and make a quick $100

I will offer all the help that I can - I can't guarantee anything, but if you are patient and we're lucky maybe it wont be too painful....

you COULD try www.geeksquad.com (also in Best Buy stores) or call your local independent computer stores (probably cheaper), but honestly I would save your $ for your new PC.

anyways, I'll work on the checklist...

[robyrob]

Janice's Checklist:

first start by acquiring the essentials if you haven't already got them, if your PC is being a pain in the butt you could always go to a friend's house and burn them to a cd (assuming you have a friend that has a high-speed connection and a cd-burner);

download (links in my sig):

1. CoolWebShredder
2. Spybot
3. Ad-Aware
4. SpywareBlaster
5. HiJackThis
6. AVG

When you are running these utilities, make sure Intenet Explorer, firefox, AOL, and ALL Explorer Windows are CLOSED.

I would suggest that you run CoolWebShredder first - check for updates, and do the "scan only" first to see WHAT it finds, then do the "Fix" - if it DOES find something, I suggest you run it again when you are in Safe Mode, which is where we need to go next.

Shut down your PC and reboot into Safe Mode (as soon as your computer starts booting up, begin tapping on the F8 function key, at the menu choose "Safe Mode with Networking" and hit "Enter", your screen will look all funky and big with weird colors, this is normal. It should say Safe Mode in all four corners of the screen. When it asks if you want to continue working in Safe Mode, click "Yes") Run CoolWebShredder again, scan and fix.

Still in safemode...

Run Spybot, make sure you update and fix ALL items that it finds. If it asks if it can run again on your next start, choose "OK". Before you close Spybot, click on "Immunize" in the left pane and click on the "+Immunize button" - this will help prevent the nasty stuff from getting back onto your system.

Run Ad-Aware, same deal as Spybot, update and fix all problems, let it run again on startup if neccessary.

Go ahead and install SpywareBlaster, it will give you a quick tutorial, but ALL you really need to do is click on the Updates Tab, and the "Check for Updates" button, then click on "Enable All Protection" on the Protection tab. What this program does is BLOCK known bad sites and code from getting to your computer.

Reboot your computer to get out of SafeMode and run CWS, Spybot and AdAware AGAIN, just to see if everything has been removed.

Open AVG and check for updates, then do a scan. Let me know if it finds anything.

Run HijackThis, click on "Scan" then "Save Log", save it to your Desktop or somewhere convenient. It should open the file in Notepad, then copy and paste the file into a PM to me. Close the file and HijackThis.

Try opening firefox, see what happens...

You can go to Housecall Online to do a free online virus scan - it takes longer, but sometimes it helps to identify viruses.

[Janice]

Thanks robyrob. I really appreciate all your help. It does look overwhelming to me, and I probably won't attempt it until tomorrow or Monday.

I hate computer problems. If your car needs repairs, take it to the shop. If your washing machine is broken, get it fixed. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. It makes no sense that when our computers need repair, we're basically left to fend for ourselves. It's very frustrating for someone like myself who is intimidated by all of this.

Last year, I attempted to fix my computer by following instructions by a Gateway tech support person, and it stopped working completely. I brought it to the Gateway store, and it hasn't worked right since, and cost me over $200. I still haven't figured out how to get my printer working, and haven't been able to use it since last April.

I think there's a lot of money to be made by someone starting a business where they come to your house and fix your computer.