Babbling

[monkpunk]

Here is a complete renewal of my original computer help thread.



[Note: I am currently switched to Win XP and taking the step up to help the majority of members here. This does not mean I don’t have experience in other Operating Systems.]



Before posting please scan through this post. Also include your OS, Browser, as much details on your problem, and might want to include a screen shot. Remember, the more info the better we can solve your issue.


Index



Problems



1- My default homepage keeps changing! [Includes info on Spyware]
2- Missing .DLL file!
3- MY CD drive opens without my notice! [Includes info on Trojan Horses]
4- Missing system file!
5- My computer is sooo ssslllooowww.
6- My computer freezes randomly!
7- Files are automatically deleted!
8- I think I have a hacker!
9- Trouble playing media.
10- I think I have a virus!
11- Can’t access certain websites!


Sources




12- What is Spyware/Adware?
13- What is a virus?
14- What is a hacker?
15- How to I avoid being hacked?
16- What does it mean when my hard drive is fragmented?
17- What is a registry?
18- What is "The Blue Screen of Death?"
19- What are different types of Internet service?
20- How do I keep my computer thy cream of thy crop?
21- How do I keep my computer from being thy cream of thy crap?
22- What's MSDOS?
23- Cookies and Temporary Internet files

Hardware

24- Motherboards
25- Video and sound cards
26- LAN and modem cards
27- CPU and RAM
28- Drives
29- Fans, Cases, Power supplies.
30- Keyboards, Mice, and accessories


1- It sounds like you have a mild case of BOGO, or Spyware what ever you think is best. Check out #12 to know exactly what spyware/adware is. To get rid of this awful case of BOGO, download Ad-Aware SE. Now, many of you might have heard about a program called “Spybot S&D”, I highly DO NOT recommend this software to home PC users. This is because Spybot can corrupt a Spyware file instead of deleting, causing your computer to work very insecurely.

2- Missing .DLL file huh? One of my favorite websites for this is Paco’s drivers please be careful when you replace .DLL files, these could be very important to your computer to run. Make sure while you are doing this that you know a bit of MSDOS as backup [#22]. Also, you can use you Windows Operating System disk to manually apply the .DLL files needed.


3- Ha! Looks like you svcker got served! I say this because you probably have a trojan. Trojan horses are commonly considered as a virus or a backdoor to your computer. These are run by third rated hackers who really don't know anything about computers and should be shot trying to do this. Most people who use this never even knew that most trojans carry a virus along with them. ~I recently found this out myself because of installing an A/V on an old computer. It picked up an Optix trojan, which it automatically deleted it. Little did I/it know that my computer became dependent on it, and my system became corrupt in a split second. I later had to go threw a lot of MSDOS in order to get this fixed. Now for the solution, first is to get an A/V [Anti-Virus Software] to delete this. That really should be all you need, but if you have a similar problem to mine just ask for steps. I recommend Norton System Works; I rarely had problems with this and give more ware then just an A/V to keep your computer running at maximum performance. Within the past year, a new software named “Trendmicro” has proven to be one of the top anti-viril software. I would recommend this software to anyone who is currently in the market for a good anti-virus software. For more info on Trendmicro, goto Trendmicro.com this link also offers free virus scans.


4- Argh, missing system file eh? So far I have not seen a website that holds files for you, if anyone know of any "legal" site please tell me. First you want to do as much research on this file as possible. MAKE SURE it's not a virus. Replacing system files are just a dangerous as .DLL files, so please do the research. Next search the web for a site that will hold this file and can download it as freeware. DO NOT download any system file/.DLL from a P2P client! Most carry a virus and is just not a smart thing to do anyways. You can also use you Windows setup disk to manually apply these files.



5- Hurry up you **bleep** computer! Very easy steps but can take FFFOOORRRREEEEVVVEEERRR to finish. So, when's the last time you defregmented your computer? [#16] Start- Programs- Accessories- System Tools- "Disk Defragmenter" to sort out all your files. Also do a spyware/Adware check [#1] they can also corrupt your files. Start- Programs- accessories- System Tools- "Disk Cleanup" to remove small clutters of cache on your computer. Also check out #20 for info on improving your computer performance. Now, speed has a lot to do with your hardware, for more info check out the new hardware section.


6- Depending on your OS you should run "Windows Update" from time to time, I know XP does it automatically but still run it every week [#20]. A neat program made by "Roxio" offers you to revert your computer if ever needed, if your system seems to be freezing randomly all at one time I’d revert to an earlier time. You can't tell for sure what is making it do this, so if it is happening to you post here and members will try their best to answer. WinXP has a unique feature, press F8 at startup and look for the “Use last configuration that worked” this also reverts your system automatically.


7- Parental Locks, Spyware, or virus can do this. When posting please include the name of the files, software you recently installed, and when it started.


8-Got a hacker huh? Well why the hell are you on the internet! Get off! Now go to Start- Programs- Accessories- System Tools- "Command Prompt" now type in "IP config/renew" your IP address has just been changed [Note: You must be connected to the internet in order for this to work. This does not work for OS98SE and lower. This does not work for static IP users. This does not work for dial up users.] This disconnects the hacker and does not allow him onto the same IP address. Dial up users just need to reconnect to change their IP, [for non static only]. Everyone should have a firewall for protection; you can buy one... or get one free from Zone Labs that is a great software by itself. For more info just post. ~#8 - I'd also recommend going to this site. He has a number of mini programs that will kill off ports left open by Windows, among other things. To receive the IP address of the hacker, goto command prompt, then type "netstat" if you see any usual addresses, make sure to mark them.


9- You might need to install more software. AVI format works better in Real Player other files may require you to use different software, post for more info.


10- First, get an A/V [Anti-Virus] like "Norton." If you want to delete this manually most are in the C:\Windows\System32\ [for XP] or C:\Windows\ or C:\Windows\System\ for anything below. MAKE SURE you know a little DOS before doing this [#22]. Some have backups incase the original gets deleted, and most likely won't allow you to remove this file for startup reasons. This time you'll have to go under safe mode [F8 at startup] in order to delete this. Post for more info.


11- Well, if you're a kid in the middle of school trying to access porn sites... then it's your lucky day! But before I get into that I’ll give a mature answer. Internet Accelerators seem to cause mass amounts of pain while accessing different sites. If you do have this then please disable it. Other problems very and can cause a huge list so post for more info. Now for you 12 year old perverts, [or people using their works computers]. You are probably being monitored every step you make, if you want to access a site that you are not allowed to, go here. This accepts no cookies, and bi-passes any monitoring system.


12- Spyware is a small tool that can monitor any internet activity. Many are called tracking cookies they can corrupt your system, but most cases change your homepage. Adware are those annoying pop-ups you get while you are off line, they can slow down your computer and can also corrupt your system. See #1 for removal instructions.


13- I've heard many different definitions of a virus. My most familiar is a file that can cause damage to your computer, and is capable of spreading over a network. Trojan horses are a backdoor into your system; they can open different ports allowing hackers to access your computer. Some of these can also corrupt your system.


14- Hacker- 1- A super computer geek that can access your system that can corrupt, surf, browse, steal, delete anything on your computer. Kids who use Trojans in order to hack a computer are not considered a hacker. 2- A super computer geek who changes the coding of software for better performance. Hackers usually go by terms, like "White" "gray" "black" depending on their skill. You may also hear the term "cracker" which is an old BBS name for someone to enter and corrupt a system.


15- Monitor your computer carefully, beware of any file you download from the internet. While accessing websites you are not sure about privacy, watch your internet icon [the two computers at the bottom right corner] for any suspicious activity. All users should have a firewall, XP has a light one built in, or you can download on off the Internet [see #8].

17- The registry is a program using both binary and keys to register and manage different application you use on your computer. There is NO program that does not have it’s own or modified registry key. This includes spyware. To edit your registry goto- Start, Run, Type “regedit”. [Note: Changing strings or keys in the registry can corrupt your system. Please know what you’re doing and backup your registry first always].


16- When your drive is fragmented, it means files are spread out among your drive randomly. TSS- Try taking a dictionary and reading it. The book itself will take forever, now try taking out all the pages and place them randomly throughout your house. Now begin to read the book one page at time, and notice how long it takes you to finish. Your hard drive is a lot like that.




18- Oh no, the blue screen of death! Many of you probably remember the older OS when a fatal error happens and the screen turns blue with an error stating. It will give the error message and give you the option of rebooting or continue what you are doing. While posting include the error number, and all details it gives. It would also be safe to revert your hard drive.


19- The old dial up connection that we've all been through was a pain. Soooo slow and random disconnection happened all the time. In the last 5 years something called LAN bloomed into a huge market. DSL [Direct Subscriber's Line] became what seemed to be the most popular. There are many different types of DSL, I suggest to do research on this. Cable also became a popular service using the same connection as your TV. T1 and T3 using a direct Ethernet connection. Wireless is still in the making, using radio signals bringing you internet within a 2-30 mile range. So far it's not popular and has said to be slow as dial up. Satellite is VERY popular in rural areas, but has proven to be VERY expensive and is not recommended to middle-class people. It is very fast, but slow during primetime. WIFI is not a service, but is an outlet which wirelessly spreads a frequency throughout your house and even outside. Laptop users love this feature.


20- Defrag your computer at least once a month, I am very big on performance and do it once a week. The longer you wait the longer defragging will take you. Cleanup your cache on a regular basis. Check for spyware/Adware many times a month. Firewalls, A/V, and other software keep your system safe and secure. Roxio "Go Back" allows you to revert your hard drives whenever it's needed.


21- Well, pretty self explain if you ask me. Don't infect your computer with viruses or any other malicious file. Uninstall files instead of trying to delete them. Don't give away system info, infact just use your senses and be cool about it.


22- MSDOS can be very confusing, but is very important while messing around with system files. DOS is a system of which any Windows software is based on, thus this means it avoids any startup file and all windows files in general. Every key in dos starts with a tab. Common tabs are: CD; DEL; COPY; DIR. "CD" is a start tab, it is the start directory. To use this tab you'll do: CD C:\Prog~1\Nort~1\ the next key will now start in that directory. The "Del" key allows you to delete a file: DEL C:\windows\profiles\porno.jpg. "Copy" ... well it copies stuff: COPY C:\windows\profiles\jackie.jpeg C:\windows\profiles\jack's.jpeg. Using the COPY tag WILL NOT copy a file, but instead copy into a file. The "DIR" tag is to view inside a folder: DIR C:\windows\profiles\ it will show "All users and MONKPUNK". Now, a single word has no breaks in it, however any spaces do have breaks. For instance: C:\windows\profiles\monkpunk\ has no breaks. C:\Progra~1\common~1\hypocr~2\ this one does. If you are trying to access your Program Files, after the third letter you'll have to include a break: instead of this: C:\Program Files do this: C:\Progra~1. Now if you have two folders that start with "Progra" [let say "Pragram inis"] and is spaced, you'll use: C:\Progra~2, and use the ~1 to access your "Program Files" since everything is in alphabetical [sp] order, the beginning will be ~1 then ~2 then ~3 and so on. For more info on DOS please ask, I’m always willing to help you out.


23- Since I’ve got many members asking what, and where temporary Internet files and cookies are, I’ll explain a bit to you. Cookies- These are files that can store info on your computer for later access to a site. Take [AS] as one, Adult Swim caches a cookie into your system. You can use this cookie to remember your password or to use to get around the site easier. To remove cookies [for IE users] Tools- Internet Options- "Delete Cookies". Or you can go into your local folder and find the folder marked "Cookies" and delete everything in there [besides your index]. Temporary Internet files are a series of cached files stored in your system to make recent sites load from your hard drive. There is a big problem with security though, to remove these [for IE users] goto "Tools- Internet Options- "Delete Files" [For FireFox users] goto Tools- Options- Privacy- Cache "Clear". To remove these manually goto your local folder, and look for the folder marked "Temporary Internet Files'. [Note] Depending on your OS your Temporary Internet Files might be in a folder marked "Local Settings" to get to this folder you might have to goto View- Folder Options- View- "Show all files".

24- I would like to recommend a great website to buy everything you need for your new computer for dirt cheap prices Newegg.com. Motherboards is the most important when building a computer, but before you look for motherboards you will need to answer these questions: What CPU processor will you use? [AMD, Pentium 4 uses different sockets; also make sure your CPU will fit the correct socket] How many PCI slots will you need? How many USB slots will you need? Will your motherboard fit your case? Will you power supply work with you motherboard?

25- Video cards are solely up to you. If you’re into gamming, picture editing, or just want high video performance, then you might want to choose a 128- 256 MB video card. If you’re not into high performance, I recommend not to go under a 32 MB card. Sound cards also very. I personally won’t make my computer into a home stereo system, but many people do. If you’re one of those people, then I suggest to look at the 5.1- 6.1 sound cards. However if you’re like me, might want to look at the 2.0 cards [unless your motherboard comes with output].

26. I recommend everyone to get both a modem and LAN card. You never know when you might need that modem card one day of later, they are both easy to setup, and cost dirt-cheap.

27- CPU is very important for those who want a fast computer. Both AMD and Pentium are great CPU developers, and I’m still debating which one work best. I suggest everyone to use at least a 2.0 GHZ processor. The new chipset are much greater then my old Pentium 2 processor, and became very easy to install. Most CPU come with a Fan and heat sink which is a must have for CPU. RAM is also a must have for fast computing. 96 MB is an absolute minimum requirements. I would recommend at least a 128 with 512 and above for high performance people. Now RAM can be difficult to install, you’ll need to keep rocking the chip back and forth [don’t worry about breaking it] until it slides into place.

28- Now, I highly suggest everyone use a Hard Drive above a 10g limit, it all depends on how much you want to store. Hard drives very at two speeds [also major for fast systems] want to read fast? Then I recommend a 10,000-RPM drive, though the top dollar will be raised a lot. CDROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVDROM, DVDROM CD-RW, DVD-R CD-RW, DVD-+RW CD-RW; these are all the different drives you can get for your computer, these are all optional but you won’t go far without a CDROM drive. I would not own a computer without a Floppy or Zip drive, especially if you do MSDOS work.

29-Fans, MUST have one for your CPU, or it will overheat quickly. I suggest at least one other system fan; I have two system fans, not including the power supply fan. Cases, well it really varies from big, small, and looks in a case. Most likely any case you buy will fit your motherboard. Power supplies, I recommend at least a 350 watt, and an ATX to fit modern motherboards.

31- Keyboards, what ever you think is right for you, wireless? Optional buttons? Etc. Mice, wireless? Optical? Extra buttons? Any accessory tools are up to you only. I DO recommend everyone to get a couple USB ports though.


This thread is for anyone who wants to learn about computers or is having trouble with their system. Please do not ask or talk about hacking unless you are trying to counter it. The people in this thread are just trying to help, so please do not flame them because they are doing their best to help your problem. While posting a question please include your OS, Browser, and any other system specs you think should be included. Remember the more info the better we can get our hands on the solution. [For the people who help] Thank you very much, but please do not make answers confusing because not everyone is as savvy as you might be. Try to give sources to your answer, people will see your work and will acknowledge it. This thread has gone on for a long time now, more questions are being asked, and more answers are being given.



I would like to thank everyone who put any sort of time in this thread. Even those who asked questions helped a bunch in making this thread.


3…2…1…Post away!


~MP~

[mysterious_hunter]

Wow, you have added quite a few new things to your list.  I have some new reading to do, hooray.

[Rikku01]

Wow, a new thread? Impressive! Go Monkpunk!

[fukaiMori]

This is nice. For some reason, all of my pictures that were saved on "My Pictures" got deleted. And about 50 of my mp3s have just all disappeared! Do you know what's wrong?

[monkpunk]

Not only that, but this time I checked the spelling!

[R.I.P.MajikalWaffles]

You left something out:

When trying to delete a virus, search for run32.ddl. If that's there, DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY. It'll lay waste to your computer in 72 hours.

[monkpunk]

Well, it could be one of many things. Has anything strange happen to your system before the massive deletion? Such as virus, PC flodders, Trojan/hacker, nasty little runt trying to delete everything you have- brother- sister? Do you have an anti-virus software?

[_phaedrus_]

i'm running Fedora Core 2 on my laptop. i'm pretty new to linux, and i can't seem to find any packages that will add support for ACPI. do you know of any, and will i have to rebuild the kernel to make it work?

[fukaiMori]

---

monkpunk wrote:
Well, it could be one of many things. Has anything strange happen to your system before the massive deletion? Such as virus, PC flodders, Trojan/hacker, nasty little runt trying to delete everything you have- brother- sister? Do you have an anti-virus software?

---

No not that I know of.

[monkpunk]

Sounds like some fragmented allcolation error. I'm thinking that scandisk found the error and correct it automatically, as a result the folder was corrected but the files were not. This means the files are still on your PC! Just the task of locating them can drive a man crazy.

[R.I.P.ikj]

what took you soo long to switch to XP? I'm not saying it's all that great, especially if you web design....

[mysterious_hunter]

Possibly the fact that Windows 98 is by far the most stable OS Microsoft has created.

[monkpunk]

That's right, but the truth is I've had XP on a different system I use once a while. 98SE proved to be the greatest OS made by Microsoft, but I'm speaking in only opinion.

[R.I.P.ikj]

I liked 98 cuz you could do many, many things with it.....

[monkpunk]

I figured I ought to change this computer to XP after seeing the majority of people use it so I can answer more questions. I decided while I built my newest computer went out and bought another OS disk [those disks are getting expensive!].


Just for resource I have skills with: Win3.1, Win95, Win98SE, WinME, WinXP Home, and WinXP Pro.

[mysterious_hunter]

Well, since you have had experience with WinXP Home and WinXP Pro.  Then which would you say would be the better choice to go with.

[R.I.P.ikj]

yeah, i feel you, i have Win98, Win2000, and WinXP pro....

[monkpunk]

Well, I can't really say that Pro is worth $200 more than Home. Although it's a great OS if you're connected to a network [which is why it's recommended to students].

[SpellBinder]

---

monkpunk wrote:
That's right, but the truth is I've had XP on a different system I use once a while. 98SE proved to be the greatest OS made by Microsoft, but I'm speaking in only opinion.

---

I share this opinion. Why else would I bother keeping my PC system a dual boot, even with the HDD issues I've had in the past few months (BTW, SP1 did resolve this... after I changed one thing in XP before installing it...). I also have no real idea why my laptop acts the way it does, but I've gotta trick it just to get 98SE to install (better than ME or XP Pro).

Anyway, I can think of one reason why 98SE would be one of the greatest of all time: As far as Microsoft OSs go, all of the latest virii seem to target XP heavily (and 2k by virtue of relation).

[Soultaker24]

I wonder if you or anyone could help me get java app. to work for my computer? I know last time I didn't care but now I want it and I already tired downloading it. My computer could be missing something but I have no idea what it could be.

[drbill]

If by java app, you mean java applet. You likely don't have the java runtime classes or the microsoft virtual machine. In IE6 the virtual machine wasn't on by default. You can either go to Tools->Internet Options in IE and look for "Microsft VM" under the Advanced tab and check "Java console enabled".

But since it **bleep**. I would suggest getting the real runtime enviroment from sun. You can get it here. Click on the link that says "Download J2SE JRE" the SDK would just waste precious bandwidth. On the download page grab the file under the "Windows Platform" section. Install it and it should automatically turn itself on. Hopefully that was what you meant.

Message Edited by drbill on 09-19-2004 05:48 AM

[R.I.P.THE_Squall_Lionheart]

I want to learn C, C++, Java script.  Pretty much all of it, are there any books I could buy or disks to learn from.

[monkpunk]

You brought up a good point, not only virils, but almost every compatible spyware only works with XP. Even though your IE version has the majority coding for spyware, you're much safer with an obsolete OS.

[monkpunk]

When I began to learn coding, I picked up a 6 inch thick book from my library. I can't recommend any book to learn from, but i'm sure your local library has a network search tool.

[mysterious_hunter]

I remember when I tried to start learning programming languages.  I went to the local library and they only had one book on a programming language.  That book was on C++ and was about eight to nine inches thick.

Now, I am learning Visual BASIC but it isn't hard at all.  I would suggest if you were new to programming that you pick up a book on Visual BASIC and try that.  It is pretty simple and good for beginners.  The only problem is that you have to get a book with a working edition of VB or you have to buy the software from Microsoft.  Just remember some working editions do not have the compiler needed to make your programs into an .exe program so others can open it.