Computer Hospital: Part Two

[deckheadtottie]

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Computer Hospital II
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Read before posting

Well, after much deliberation, I decided I thought it'd be good to buck up my ideas and start being helpful[ish] again. I looked through the old Computer Hospital [CH] thread and realised that is was pretty much redundant. Ya know, a lot of unanswered questions, layout was abysmal and a lack of updates; hence the new topic. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off.

So, I suppose I better layout some foundations and guidelines (a lot of this will just be cut and paste from the previous topic) which I hope will be read.

Good times.

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What's it about?

If you have a problem with your PC, whether it's a virus/spyware/adware etc issue, or perhaps you would like an opinion on which piece of hardware is best; this is the place for you.

Why?

Well, why not? Although most of you would consider this common sense, some people do not. So, if you know this stuff, great, you can share your knowledge with the people who need to learn.

I have an issue regarding virus/spyware/adware/malware, what can I do?

There is a list of products below this initial post, please make sure you have downloaded and scanned them (follow the instructions). If the problem still exists, please post here saying "I have followed the instructions and I still have a problem". Please give the exact issue and, preferably, an image.

A knowledgeable user will then help you step-by-step. Remember, be patient, don't start posting "This topic is shit" if you have to wait 10 minutes before some responds. Important: Please remember to include your computers OS (XP,ME,98 etc)

I would like to add to this by saying that I now have a job where I work week on, week off. So some weeks, if you make a post, I will not be able to respond. However, I am counting on other users to do so. And if it's anything like the other topic, I don't think you'll be waiting too long.

I want your opinion on something, help? Or I need help with something other than malicious software

Just post your question and someone will help. Please be specific.

Get a Mac/Firefox/Opera/Linux

Yawn. GTFO

Ugh...How much will all this cost?

That's the beauty of this topic; all software shown is 100% free! All help you will receive is also free, so please be patient.

This post will continue... Don't post yet!

[deckheadtottie]

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Problems with spyware/adware/malware
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Spyware/adware/malware is always a pain to have, but extremely easy to deal with if you have the right programmes and technology to hand. In this short..ish guide I will show you some must have programmes to have at hand if you are to tackle the meanies of the Internet. It's always a good idea to download AT LEAST two of these products and scan them one after another.

Products of great use

Spybot S&D

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean programme and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

How to use

> After installation double click the "Spybot Search and Destroy" icon

> Click "Check for problems" and wait for scan to complete

> If there's any issues, click "Fix Checked"

> Spybot will then replace these nasty files with good, clean files.

It's also a good idea to "Immunise" to do this, click the "Immunise" tab and click the green cross with "Immunise" next to it. Do this every week.

Ad-Aware

With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware SE easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.

Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition boasts a number of improvements. Extended memory scanning now scans all modules loaded by a process. Scanning uses the all- new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets. Extended Registry scanning now scans Registry branches of multiple-user accounts and performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references. Scanning speed is noticeably faster, and this version offers an Extended Scanning mode for known and unknown/possible browser hijackers.

How to use

> Click the "Ad-Aware" icon after installation

> It might prompt you for an update, do so immediately

> Press the "Start" button at the bottom right and wait for scan to finish

> If there's any problems, tick what you want to delete, press "Next" and then press it again and an option will come up "Remove "blah blach blah". Continue? Press "OK".

Do this once a week, regardless if you think you have any problems or not.

Windows Defender (BETA 2)

Windows Defender beta 2 is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

The worldwide SpyNet community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, which are automatically downloaded to your PC, so you stay up-to-date.

How to use

> Double click the icon after installation

> Make sure "real time" protection is running

> Click "Run Quick Scan Now"

> After the scan if you have problems on your PC, tick them and "press delete" [please note: this option may update from time-to-time, and the wording the programme uese may differ

Spyware Blaster

Ah yes, this is a neat little tool that can be used in conjunction with Spybot S&D. Although it's not a scanner, it does block bad products from being installed on your PC. For example, it blocks Active X and bad cookies. It can also be used for blocking products in Firefox.

> Double click "SpywareBlaster" icon

> Click "enable all protection" at the bottom

HijackThisinstructions will be shown in full on the next page.

post continues

[deckheadtottie]

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How to avoid this in the future
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It is likely you are not exactly the most competent user of all time, but that doesn't matter, we all screw up. Here are some tips to stop it from happening again.

Firewall

ZoneAlarm

Having a Firewall is so important nowadays, if you don't have one, your computer is infected with malicious tools. ZoneAlarm is one of the best there is and, of course, has real-time protection. It passes all intruder tests and is just excellent.

Anti-Virus

AVG Free

This is just, simply, a must have. Viruses spread like wildfire and if you have no protection, you will lose the battle. AVG offers real-time protection and a deep scan. Not the best in the business, but it's up the top.

Housecall

An online virus scanner, extrememly powerful and useful. Can only be used in Internet Explorer because it uses Active X. Follow the on-screen prompts for more details.

Kaspersky

Another online virus scanner.

Safer Browser

Mozilla Firefox

This isn't a bash at IE, but if you have no idea how to Internet, using IE was probably your downfall. FF (firefox) doesn't use potentially harmful Active X and comes with other handy features.

Update Windows

*Remeber to go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and get all the latest patches and software.

Turn Automatic updates on.

WINDOWS XP SP2, ONLY

Start > Setting > Control panel > Secruity Centre > Automatic updates > ON

WINDOWS SP1, ONLY

Start > Setting > Control panel > Automatic updates > ON

Pop-ups

Never, ever ever ever! Download anything a pop-up tells you to even if it does say "OMG! YOU HAVE TEH SPYWARE DOWNLOAD THIS TOOL TO DELETE IT". It's a lie and the pop-up will go straight to hell because of it.

End Note

> Remember, all the above are 100% FREE OF CHARGE and are the very best the web has to offer.
> Always UPDATE your software, there's no point in having it, otherwise. New threats come out everyday.

[Binsy]

Kudos! alot of usuful stuff in thier, i have one question when you say deal with Pc Problems do you mean general problems like those that you listed or just general help people out with problems that piss them off because it the thing thier running isnt ment to do that etc etc

[Phantom]

I had one question I've been meaning to ask, on FF you can of course use adblock to block out most ads and pop ups, but some seem that they cannot be blocked, meaning when I right click the banner/ad , I don't see a "block image" option. I'm not sure of a manual option to make this happen, but I wondering if it's possible to block even those pesky ads.

I have the latest version of FF and Windows XP. Hope you could help.

[Charged]

At 10/12/06 12:31 PM, deckheadtottie wrote: Well, after much deliberation, I decided I thought it'd be good to buck up my ideas and start being helpful[ish] again. I looked through the old Computer Hospital [CH] thread and realised that is was pretty much redundant.

Good to hear, nice to be able to reference people to this thread knowing they might actually get a reply. I'll try to help out as much as I can.

[deckheadtottie]

At 10/12/06 01:03 PM, Binsy wrote: just general help people out with problems that piss them off because it the thing thier running isnt ment to do that etc etc

You can post any computer related you want. I have a good all around general knowledge of PCs, whether it's a destuctive virus, or your software is playing up.

At 10/12/06 01:08 PM, Phantom wrote: I had one question I've been meaning to ask, on FF you can of course use adblock to block out most ads and pop ups...

Click the "Adblock" button in the status bar, it will bring up a list of all blockable images on the webpage. Now, it's a bit of a search from here, but Flash based ads are embedded into a page. So, with that in mind, if you look at the "category" section of the blockable items and find an "embed", 9 times out of ten this will be the ad you want to block.

It's also handy to note the website you're on, because most ads come from a third-party server, so if you're viewing, for arguments sake, google.com and you find an embedded object from another site/server, again, it's most likely the ad you're trying to block.

Please note, though, sites need ads to run, so only block advertisements which are really annoying. In fact, try not to block ads at all if you can help it.

[Binsy]

At 10/12/06 01:20 PM, deckheadtottie wrote:

At 10/12/06 01:03 PM, Binsy wrote: just general help people out with problems that piss them off because it the thing thier running isnt ment to do that etc etc

You can post any computer related you want. I have a good all around general knowledge of PCs, whether it's a destuctive virus, or your software is playing up.

Well i belive my small problem is software / hardware related, hopeful your can awnser this, im currently plays command and conquer the first decade perfect game IMHO how ever thier is a small bug / problem thats realy getting on my nerves.

in the two latest games Generals and Generals Zero Hour im having some sort of issue with the intro movie / Mission Begining Clips etc where the sound / video dont sync. by that i mean the clip will play the sound is ok but i think its not the sound but the video not working correctly ive ran a dxdiag but i dont know any file hosting sites that accept .txt files

if you can find site to host the .txt file ill link you to it :P

[Binsy]

http://www.bestshari..5907/DxDiag.txt.html

Ok Thats the DxDiag file which i just hosted for you hope taht helps a bit more :P

[deckheadtottie]

At 10/12/06 01:52 PM, Binsy wrote: in the two latest games Generals and Generals Zero Hour im having some sort of issue with the intro movie / Mission Begining Clips etc where the sound / video dont sync...

I remember this issue from when I used to 'work' on Geeks to go.

The problem here isn't your card at all, it's the game's Macromedia Director–based engine it's a bit slow on the draw. As a result, the animations and videos don't always sync up with their soundtracks and reaction to input is also occasionally slow. It's a bit sloppy on the developers part, but it's a problem that you'll, unfortunately, have to bare with.

[Binsy]

bah fricken typical ill petiton it on the EA fourms and link back to this, it just gets annoying and can be easly fixed just by re writing the code, thanks for your time dude and ima link this in my Sig

Kudos :O

[RadRacer]

Hi. I have followed your instructions, but seing as my Virus is not spyware/adware/whatevertheotheronewas i did not download any of those programs, and seing as I already have norton antivirus and firewall protection i did not downlaod any of those either.

When I do a virus scan it says that I ahve the following "downloader" virus called mfci 1.dll which it cannot quarentine or delete (lotta help that program is)

the location on my hard drive is C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfci_1.dll

someone please help me as I don't have any idea how to fix it :(

[CaptainBob]

At 10/12/06 01:08 PM, Phantom wrote: I had one question I've been meaning to ask, on FF you can of course use adblock to block out most ads and pop ups, but some seem that they cannot be blocked, meaning when I right click the banner/ad , I don't see a "block image" option. I'm not sure of a manual option to make this happen, but I wondering if it's possible to block even those pesky ads.

You can get the Adblock Filterset.G Updater extension which automatically downloads a set of Adblock rules that blocks basically everything. Works great for me.

[CaptainBob]

At 10/12/06 11:19 PM, RadRacer wrote: someone please help me as I don't have any idea how to fix it :(

Without a specific name of the virus, this is an educated guess...but try downloading and using the removal tool here: http://www.symantec...-2611-99&tabid=2

[RageOfOrder]

At 10/12/06 11:19 PM, RadRacer wrote:

the location on my hard drive is C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfci_1.dll

someone please help me as I don't have any idea how to fix it :(

Another alternative is to delete and replace the file with new copy.
An excellent site for replacing broken or missing DLL files is DLL-Files.com.
However, I did a search for mfci_1.dll on google and on dll-files.com and got no results, suggesting it's not an important or necessary file for windows to run
Such is the case that you can just delete it and get on with life.

To do this, reboot into Safe Mode (Restart the computer, and start pressing F12, I think, to give you a boot menu, and select Safe Mode)
From safemode, navigate to the file and delete it, now restart your computer like normal.

Problem solved.

[RadRacer]

Well I took your advice CaptainBob, downloaded and ran that program . . . It found a virus and fixed it, so I restarted my computer and ran a nortan anti-virus scan, but it still found the same virus! Also, what other information could I possibly give you about the virus? Thats all Norton tells me about it

RageOfOrder - The website you suggested dosent have mfci_1.dll :S I also restarted in safe mode and tried to delete it but it said it could not delete the file as it was being used by another program

so what now?

[RageOfOrder]

I had a program, called Unlocker, I believe, that would tell you what process was using a file, and if possible, end the process.

It nothing else, that would tell you what you need to turn off with the task manager to delete that file.

Something else you can try:

Go to start -> run -> type: msconfig
Go to the startup tab, and uncheck everything that you don't absolutely need. This will also make your computer boot and login faster... but the idea is once you do this, you should be able restart and delete the file, since the process that uses it shouldn't be loading with the computer anymore.

============

And the final solution (which WILL work, guaranteed) is to take the hard drive out of your computer, and plug it in with an external via USB to another person's computer, and delete it from there. This may not be something you are able to do...

[RadRacer]

well I restarted it in safe mode and tried to delete it . . . that didn't work. So I got that Unlocker Program and tried to unlock it both in safe mode and normal mode, but when I did I just got a bunch of error messages and the computer restarted itself. As for the whole deleting it from another harddrive thing . . . that sounds really hard. The programs that it says it is dependent on are "winlogon.exe" and "explorer.exe"

any other suggestions?

[RadRacer]

actually, I managed to delete it, just fooling around with some of the settings on that unlocker program!! HUZZAH! Thanks for the help :D

ps. Would a downloader virus like that have any long lasting effects on my computer? I did have it for probably like 5 of 4 months. Like I don't even know really what the virus does, Im just worried it messed up my computer for good :S

[deckheadtottie]

At 10/13/06 05:41 AM, RadRacer wrote: ps. Would a downloader virus like that have any long lasting effects on my computer? I did have it for probably like 5 of 4 months. Like I don't even know really what the virus does, Im just worried it messed up my computer for good :S

Well, these types of viruses potentially allow attackers direct access to your system, provide the ability to remotely execute programs on your system, or even monitor the keys pressed on your keyboard.

Any system infected with a virus with these components must be considered ‘compromised’. Any passwords used whilst infected must be changed. If you entered bank, building society or credit card information whilst the system was infected, you should inform your bank or building society immediately, warning them your account may have been compromised.

It all really depends if your Firewall has been. configured correctly. If it was, and it probably would have been, the virus wouldn't have been able to "phone home" to tell its master that it had infected you.

Don't forget, I have a comprehensive guide on removing all types of unwanted software from my previous topic HijackThis! Instructions.

[DarkRedFlame]

Bumped for great justice!

Need any help with Hijackthis, im always here.

[life]

I have a question about getting more memory for my computer...

It's really a pain only being able to have one or two big programs installed. I have Fruityloops and photoshop installed now, so I can't have flash.

Is there any programs that boost memory?

I don't know how to install more memory because this is a custom built computer. I also don't know what to buy. Maybe you will know?

Here's my Belarc advisor analysis:

Operating System System Model
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1 (build 2600) ECS K7S5A 1.0
Asset Tag: 0123ABC
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
1.10 gigahertz AMD Athlon
128 kilobyte primary memory cache
256 kilobyte secondary memory cache Board: ECS K7S5A 1.0
Bus Clock: 66 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 07.00T 04/02/01
Drives Memory Modules c,d
6.44 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
185 Megabytes Hard Drive Free Space

SONY CD-RW CRX140E [CD-ROM drive]
3.5" format removeable media [Floppy drive]

ST36421A [Hard drive] (6.45 GB) -- drive 0, s/n 5BE04B5W, rev 6.01, SMART Status: Healthy 384 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot '0' has 256 MB
Slot '1' has 128 MB
Slot '2' is Empty
Slot '3' is Empty
Local Drive Volumes

c: (NTFS on drive 0) 6.44 GB 185 MB free
Network Drives
None detected
Users (mouse over user name for details) Printers
local user accounts last logon
Ty 10/15/2006 10:01:29 AM (admin)
local system accounts
Administrator never (admin)
Guest 9/16/2006 11:09:54 AM
HelpAssistant never
SUPPORT_388945a0 never

DISABLED Marks a disabled account; LOCKED OUT Marks a locked account
None detected
Controllers Display
Standard floppy disk controller
Primary IDE Channel [Controller]
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller]
SiS PCI IDE Controller NVIDIA GeForce2 MX/MX 400 (Microsoft Corporation) [Display adapter]
HP D5259A [Monitor] (15.7"vis, s/n TH04325900, October 2000)
Bus Adapters Multimedia
SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller (2x) MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device
SiS 7012 Audio Driver
Standard Game Port
Communications Other Devices

3Com EtherLink XL 10/100 PCI TX NIC (3C905B-TX)
Instant Wireless USB Network Adapter ver.2.6
primary Auto IP Address: 192.168.1.107 / 24
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Dhcp Server: 192.168.1.1
Physical Address: 00:06:25:08:C6:B9

Networking Dns Servers: 68.87.71.226
68.87.73.242
Logitech QuickCam Express
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Microsoft PS/2 Mouse
USB Root Hub (2x)

Thanks.

[deckheadtottie]

At 10/15/06 10:31 AM, dave wrote: Is there any programs that boost memory?

Well, there are, but let me explain why it's better to just update your physical memory in the long run. This next part is a bit black diamond, so read carefully.

When you run a "virtual" RAM reducer, you're not actually physically increasing it, you're just virtually increasing it. By that, any programmes that are using the physical RAM will be put down to another level, and the software will create a Virtual Machine, another "fake" level, which is not real (by definition).

So, what you have, is your physical RAM, which is being suppressed by the software to create another RAM partition, to fool your PC into thinking that there is more RAM. This is far more inefficient, and you might aswell just buy some real physical RAM.

There are several programmes which insist they can reduce your RAM I/O (such as FreeRAM XP), but the effects aren't long lasting and, in fact, pointless in the end. On-the fly RAM reduction is not appropiate.

I don't know how to install more memory because this is a custom built computer. I also don't know what to buy. Maybe you will know?

it's not as bad as you think, really, I wrote a guide in my previous topic RAM installation guide, which gives you an easy to read, step-by-step guide on installing real RAM.

Give it a shot. (Excuse typos)

[life]

it's not as bad as you think, really, I wrote a guide in my previous topic RAM installation guide, which gives you an easy to read, step-by-step guide on installing real RAM.

Give it a shot. (Excuse typos)

Wow, thanks!

That scanner came up with this:

512MB—CT6464Z40B
DDR PC3200
CL=3
NON-ECC
US $76.99

Do you think 512 mb is really worth $76.99? That will give me the option of installing flash, and fireworks. Then I'll be back to low memory.

[deckheadtottie]

At 10/15/06 10:57 AM, dave wrote: Do you think 512 mb is really worth $76.99?

Oh, Dave, read on a bit... :P

"That little device will tell you exactly the sort of RAM you need. Crucial will probably offer you to buy the RAM from their site, don't bother, just take note of what type... "

Have yourself a look on the awesome site that is Ebay, and you can pick up nice RAM at a reduced cost. However, I will say this, splashing out that bit extra will be worth it. Cheap RAM can, proverbally, fuck up everything. So don't be tempted into buying that 512mb stick for $10, because it will certainly be crap.

For example, your graphics card uses RAM to store its data, so if you have a defective piece of RAM (like I did), you will suffer from major redraw problems. Easy to sort out, but a waste of money.

That will give me the option of installing flash, and fireworks. Then I'll be back to low memory.

You can still install Flash and Fireworks, just don't run all your RAM intensive programmes at once. Even the most high-speced PCs have trouble running Flash/Photoshop at the same time.

[life]

At 10/15/06 11:13 AM, deckheadtottie wrote:

At 10/15/06 10:57 AM, dave wrote: Do you think 512 mb is really worth $76.99?

Oh, Dave, read on a bit... :P

Hmm okay, thanks. I think I'll just save up for a new computer instead. This one's getting out dated. :p I'de also rather not fuck around with the ram, because if I mess something up, this is the only computer I have.

[RageOfOrder]

At 10/15/06 11:52 AM, dave wrote: Hmm okay, thanks. I think I'll just save up for a new computer instead. This one's getting out dated. :p I'de also rather not fuck around with the ram, because if I mess something up, this is the only computer I have.

Good :)
I went the route of building my own, over a period of 2 months. After each paycheck I bought one or two parts, and before I knew it, I had a full machine with everything I wanted.
Of course I still need more hard drive space, but that always happens.

Don't throw out the old computer, just use it for a fileserver or something similar. Put linux on it and you'll never have to worry about maintenence on it again.

[ErectPENISman]

I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out on this one...

I downloaded and installed the Age of Empires 3 demo, and i started to play it. However, about 30 seconds into the loading of the game all of a sudden displaced, annoying vertical lines appear on screen. I'm thinking, crap, I guess I can't play this demo, oh well. Little did I know that was the least of my problems. I exit out of the game, and every icon on the desktop is covered in these little vertical white lines that represent a strange graphical glitch. I'm thinking shiiiiiiiet. I tried playing another game, and the lines are much more profound when I load up ANY game.

I also tried uninstalling/reinstalling drivers, and that did nothing. Here is a shot of what my computer displays.

[Charged]

At 10/15/06 01:44 PM, ErectPENISman wrote: I also tried uninstalling/reinstalling drivers, and that did nothing. Here is a shot of what my computer displays.

Are the lines still there after you restart your computer?

[LevelOneAccount]

deckheadtottie05 (18:48:15): POST A FILLER PLZ LOL