Shumandu wrote:
> In the past I have found my anti spyware program ZeroSpyware to be
> thorough in protecting against and detecting spyware.
I know anothing about the particular product you use, but note that Eric
Howes, who has done extensive testing on Anti-Spyware products states
"No single anti-spyware scanner removes everything. Even the best-performing
anti-spyware scanner in these tests missed fully one quarter of the
"critical" files and Registry entries"
See
http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm
> I will run
> some of the other spyware detection programs you suggested and post
> the HijackThis log if neccessary. I am going to try a bios update
> also.
Be very careful. Although a BIOS upgrade normally goes well, it is not
without danger. If something goes wrong while the upgrade is an progress
(for example, a lapse in power) you can be left with no BIOS at all, and an
unbootable computer. I think many BIOS upgrades are done when they shouldn't
be.
--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup
>> 1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.
>>
>> 2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your
>> HijackThis log to an appropriate forum.
>>
>> Check for Hijackware
>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
>> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>> http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/
>>
>> When all else fails, HijackThis
>> (http://aumha.net/downloads/hijackthis.zip) is the preferred tool to
>> use. It will help you to both identify and remove any
>> hijackware/spyware.
>>
>> **Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
>> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
>> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or other appropriate forum for
>> expert analysis, not here.**
>>
>> 3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a
>> clean bill of health.
>>
>> Also see:
>>
>> What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...hattoknow.mspx
>>
>> Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto
>>
>> Troubleshooting Your Installation
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot
>>
>> WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default...xpsp2installed
>>
>> Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>>
>> WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
>>
>> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
>>
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP,
>> DTS-L.org
>>
>> Shumandu wrote:
>>> Even though I'm still not convinced of the value, after much study
>>> and prep I decided to install SP2. I followed all suggestions for a
>>> successful install. Downloaded all current updates to SP1, disabled
>>> McAfee virus and firewall, and ZeroSpyware spyware programs even
>>> removed them from startup after full clean scans, removed all
>>> virtual drives i.e. Game Drive, I am the administrator.
>>> I used the install disc and after indicating a successful install I
>>> restarted the system.
>>> I then got the "Sorry Windows was unable to start" screen. I let
>>> it try to restart after count down but just got the same screen. I
>>> then started in safe mode and was able to access Windows. I
>>> removed SP2 and restored to SP1. I then tried to update to SP2 via
>>> Windows update site with the same results. What am I missing?
>>> I am running SATA Raid 0, and have a gig of memory even though
>>> Msinfo32 shows only 512 MB, the system is 2 year old assembled by
>>> ABS Computers. Here is my system info as per, Msinfo32:
>>> System Information report written at: 01/20/05 23:02:53
>>> System Name: FOGBUSTER
>>> [System Summary (C:\DOCUME~1\BOBSHU~1\MYDOCU~1\SYSTEM~1.NFO)]
>>>
>>> Item Value
>>> OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
>>> Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 1 Build 2600
>>> OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
>>> System Name FOGBUSTER
>>> System Manufacturer Magnell
>>> System Model AWRDACPI
>>> System Type X86-based PC
>>> Processor x86 Family 15 Model 4 Stepping 8 AuthenticAMD ~2210 Mhz
>>> BIOS Version/Date Award Software International, Inc. F11, 1/16/2004
>>> SMBIOS Version 2.3
>>> Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
>>> System Directory C:\WINDOWS\System32
>>> Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
>>> Locale United States
>>> Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.1106
>>> (xpsp1.020828-1920)" User Name FOGBUSTER\Bob Shumaker
>>> Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
>>> Total Physical Memory 512.00 MB
>>> Available Physical Memory 539.01 MB
>>> Total Virtual Memory 3.41 GB
>>> Available Virtual Memory 2.63 GB
>>> Page File Space 2.41 GB
>>> Page File C:\pagefile.sys