New at computers and need help!?

Question

I am new to the computer/internet world and my computer keeps acting up. At first it was popping up this alert telling me that there was a program error with Microsoft Internet Explorer and now it is as slow as Christmas. I have (with the help of others) installed some type of clean up, did Microsoft updates, virus scan, spyware check and something to do with a disk defragmentation. I just don't get what the problem is and I have DSL. If you can help me please be detailed in your instructions because like I said I am new. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Ok you need to make sure the programs that you are using to clean up the spyware are not indeed spyware itself. The best free reliable programs that you can use that will clean your system and find where the error lies would be Adaware and Spybot which you can download free of charge at http://www.download.com After doing that you can do a free virus scan at http://trendmicro.com We provide videos that show you exactly how to clean and keep your system running fast. To see a sample video that will help you out with some of your spyware problems go to http//www.diycomputertips.com/spyware2 If you like the 1 video and would like to see the entire set please visit http://www.diycomputertips.com/spyware

Thanks for your time and let me know if you have any problems.

-Reggie
http://www.diycomputertips.com

Answer 2

Hi

As mentioned above download and install service pack 2 from Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx (this assumes you are using Windows XP)

Before you go and do anything you should have a look at the programs you have installed on your PC, there are two ways to make sure you have a clean PC one is to format the hard drive and re-install windows from the disk you should have when you brought it (this is by far the most efficient method, just remember to save any files you want to a CD-ROM first ie. emails, bookmarks word documents and pictures) If you choose this route install all your security programs imediatly after installing windows and you should be relatively safe for some time. (if you go for this approach do the steps below and see what the standard programs are for future reference, maybe even make a list, that way you can see if anything has been installed without your knowledge)

If this is too scary for you open the control panel, this can be found somewhere on the start menu, select 'Add or Remove Programs' and check each item installed using an internet search to find out what it is, some you should recognise by their names and can forget about, remove any that are not required

Get a free firewall and install it, this will protect you from malicious attacks from out side of your PC
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/zap_za_grid.jsp

Get a free virus scanner, to protect you from malicious software on sites you visit while online (top link)
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/10/?prd=esa

Get an Anti-Spyware tool (same link as before but the link at the bottom called ewido anti-spyware 4.0) this one is not free but very good if you want a free one try
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

The ewido product is very good tho' and comes with a month free trial so install it anyway after installing an orange logo will appear in the bottom right of your task bar right click this and select 'Show Main Window' select the button 'Analysis' and select the 'Auto Start' tab and look for anything supspicious do the same on the 'Browser Plugins' tab search for each name using an internet search like http://www.google.com and try to find out what each one does. some should be obvious from their names some you may like but not want to run from startup so you can select and remove them, remove any that your research confirms as malicious.

If you are feeling more adventurous then go to the 'Processes' tab and do a search on each item for example "rundll32.exe Process Information" and choose a link that describes the process the page will tell you if it is malicious or not

Answer 3

you may have somehow downloaded a virus, spyware or an adware...newer viruses has the power to manipulate your over your antiviruses, etc..try upgrading your antivirus

Answer 4

Go to Microsoft site and download and install security pack2, you wont see that again.

Answer 5

the best way is to reset ur pc by using recovery disc that comes with it when u purchased.steps r..
put in ur recovery disc in the disc tray ..push the tray in...let it run...then follow the instruction on the screen....after that ...ur pc is as good as new.

Answer 6

you might have a virus.

Answer 7

You sound infected...