net prob

[jazzori]

[wireless connection] Been on this connection for about 2 months with no probs whatsoever.
After that, my antivirus expired, i tried to install a new one ( uninstalling previously the old one which was Norton ) and after that problems begun. First, I only could use google, open my mail, but when it came to programs like Messenger, Skype, DC I just couldn't connect to the net through them. It didn't take long for me to lose that bit of net also, so after that I had a period of 3 weeks with no net at all. Then I removed any antivirus existent on my PC, but it didn't help.

After those 3 weeks, I guy looked at my computer ( i think he might not be a specialist, but a friend of a friend, you know.. ) and he didn't really succed to do anything, but at a last minute thought he ran a system recovery and my computer went back to those settings 3 weeks before. So, at the moment, I can only use the browser, but not the chat clients. It is better than nothing, but I need to speak with my family and Y! Messenger usually does it.

Can anyone help on this matter?

Thank you.

[raamv]

your computer probably has been zombied..or DOS'sed.
A system recovery took out the zombies..
The first thing is to install a firewall and then an antivirus..
Free firewall at http://www.zonealarm.com
Free antivirus software at
http://www.avira.de/en/pages/index.php
and also
http://www.spybot.com/index2.html
which is an OK sypware remover.
Dont use the browser and visit unknown sites as there are lots of trojans in many sites..
Hope this helps..

[jazzori]

Thanks! I think I could install Zone Alarm, but honestly i'm too affraid to install another antivirus because that's how my probs begun.. And I really don't have anyone to look at my PC, so it can be risky.

I suspect that it can be Norton's fault, I know a person who just couldn't use his computer cause of Norton blocking every program, but I don't know what settings I could change in order for the chat clients to go through..

[raamv]

The antivirus programs I mentioned are very easy to use and I ve been using it for very many years..
The firewall is the one that lets or blocks connections...and you have a choice for each program to "ask" you whether to allow connections outside or not...

[littlefrank]

Norton anti-virus used to be pretty crap, do not know what it's like now, never use it. agree with what Raamv said except I'd use the free 'Spyware Doctor Starter Edition 5.1' instead of 'spybot' or use both.

http://www.download.com/Spyware-Doctor- ... ?tag=lst-3

[rinso]

Nothing than positive experiences with Avira and Zonealarm.
One point with zonealarm however. It sees some IRC as a tread and blocks them. In the free version it is difficult to overrule.
(there is however a work around)

[incster]

Which new antivirus program did you install? Some of them have firewall software that must be properly configured to allow each application to access the internet.

Uninstalling certain versions of Norton is notoriously difficult. You may have messed up the firewall settings while attempting to get rid of Norton.

Usefull information to allow others to provide help include:

• Operating system and version
  Norton product and version that you previously had installed
  New antivirus product and version that you installed

[kullervo]

Follow this step by step and you should be OK, if you get any probs with it, just PM me

Firstly we make sure that yuo computer is as clean as it can be

Make sure no programs are running

Start --> Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs --> If Norton is there just leave it alone, however anything else which says spy, remover, doctor, virus anything that seems related to security software just remove it using the buttons on that screen. Also remove your messenger programs. If you have anything marked Authentium, then we have a different problem but we'll cross that if we need to

Once they've all been removed you should be back at your desktop

Start --> Run --> type msconfig --> Startup --> disable all --> Windows will flash a warning, don't worry, just click continue --> Reboot the system

Open web browser --> ftp://ftp2.symantec.com/public/english_ ... l_Tool.exe --> you will download a file --> run that file, this will completely remove Norton (now remember to never use it again)

At the end of this rebooy your system again

Once again open your web browser, copy this into your address bar http://www.download.com/3001-2239_4-107 ... cf4253f658 This is AVG, it is a lightweight (not memory hungry) anti virus, it is very good, yuo should use it, and if you have it make sure you do use it and scan regularly

Zone Alarm??

Do you use a router? If so then I really shouldn't say don't bother but if you are using a router you more thyan likely don't need a software firewall, but professionally I'm not allowed to advise you not to have one because if it went wrong there would be liability. (Oh by the way, no liability here you're not a customer)

Spybot can be found here http://www.download.com/3001-8022_4-10743107.html

Then re-install yuor messaging software, yuo should be up and running. If you still have issues, and have followed this then post back, we'll look at your router

[Oombongo]

I would scan my computer as other posters suggested, and I would keep myself away from Internet Explorer. Use Firefox or Opera

[raamv]

Do you use a router? If so then I really shouldn't say don't bother but if you are using a router you more thyan likely don't need a software firewall, but professionally I'm not allowed to advise you not to have one because if it went wrong there would be liability. (Oh by the way, no liability here you're not a customer)

No all Routers offer protection from network attacks on levels 3 and above. Some of the routers come pre-packaged with a firewall..
These days, its difficult to find a hardware firewall..as SW has pretty good performance for normal everyday users..
Prevention is always better than cure..so instead of blaming who is liable its better to have a FW and be a little safer than sorry!!

[rinso]

Do you use a router? If so then I really shouldn't say don't bother but if you are using a router you more thyan likely don't need a software firewall,

The first malware that attacks equipment on the periphery of the computer is already detected. Since virus scanners not yet scan these devices, their safe functioning cannot be guaranteed. So indeed better save than sorry and use (also) a software firewall.

[Hank W.]

Once again open your web browser, copy this into your address bar http://www.download.com/3001-2239_4-107 ... cf4253f658 This is AVG, it is a lightweight (not memory hungry) anti virus, it is very good, yuo should use it, and if you have it make sure you do use it and scan regularly

I'd download the AVG and Zone Alarm .exe *before* removing the antivirus programme, unplug the cable and once I got both installed then go vback to the net.

But then again I am paranoid.

[jazzori]

Thanks for replying, guys! To be honest, I don't know what I use, router, prouter, shnouter.. :-p I know I'm on a wireless connection and my PC is not the main one. Did I sound retarded?

..maybe cause I am, hehe.

Anyway, I will soon try out the suggestions. I still want to surf a lil' bit more before I'll screw up everything again. I feel I will. And then there won't be anyone to run a system recovery again.

I came back to say I'm on Vista and I'm not too pleased with it. Neither with explorer. When I was on XP, I used Mozilla, much better, I enjoyed it. Unfortunatelly, I think Mozilla doesn't work on Vista.

After I will take my try following kullervo's steps and I will mess everything up, I think I will try to get a WinXP from somewhere and I'll reinstall the OS.

[incster]

I came back to say I'm on Vista and I'm not too pleased with it. Neither with explorer. When I was on XP, I used Mozilla, much better, I enjoyed it. Unfortunatelly, I think Mozilla doesn't work on Vista.

Mozilla Firefox works fine on Vista.

I don't care for Vista either. My wife's laptop came with Vista installed. It makes a relatively modern and well equipped machine into a dog.

Vista's default settings for non administrator accounts are very restrictive. You should check to see if your account is set up to disallow access from programs other than IE.

My wife is away with her laptop, so I can't look to see where to check this.

[jazzori]

Firefox couldn't connect to the server..