Virus/Malware Problems

Hi,

Do you have a router in use? If yes, are there any other computers accessing internet via that same router without any issues?
 
Router

Yes, another computer (not networked) is connected to the same router and that computer is working fine. And I'm using Avast on that computer too.

I did see that "Windows Security" now shows Virus Protection ON. But Windows "Automatic Updates" is OFF.

When I go to the windows update site (http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us) I get to the site and click on "express".

I then get this

([Error number: 0x80070424] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem.)

Thanks again
 
Windows update

The "Fix It" button or Fix It link does not work, I click it and get a new window but with a blank window and no activity.

Should I use the "fix it myself", manual method shown below the Fix It section?

Thanks
 
Hi,

Let's try this:
1. Download Dial-a-Fix archive file here.
2. Extract contents to suitable place (e.g. your desktop) and navigate to that location.
3. Double-click Dial-a-Fix.exe file to execute the program.
4. Checkmark Fix Windows Update -checkbox. It's possible that the program checks some options automatically after that. Leave those untouched and click GO -button.

When tool has finished, reboot and see if you're able to access Windows Update.
 
Progress with Dial a Fix

Excellent. Dial a Fix worked! I am now able to update windows (26 High-Priority updates installed). Thank You for the fix.

Now I just need some type of virus protection. Avast is working but outdated. Avast is still not able to update program or latest virus definitions.

Thank you for your help.
 
Hi,

You have Microsoft Windows recovery console option visible for a few seconds when you start the system, right? Another question is do you have installation media for Acronis True Image Home around? If yes and you're still getting that error at startup then it might be related to broken Acronis installation and reinstall will be needed (don't reinstall yet though).

Regarding Avast issue, please check that firewall is not blocking it and that Internet Explorer doesn't have proxy settings enabled:
1. Open Internet Explorer, click "Tools" and then click "Internet Options."

2. Click the "Connections" tab and then click on "LAN Settings."

3. Uncheck the box marked "Use a proxy server for this connection" and then hit the "OK" button. The changes you made will be immediately applied. See if Avast is able to update itself after that.
 
Still no Avast update

Yes I do have the Microsoft Windows recovery console option visible.

I uninstalled Acronis.

"Use a proxy server for this connection" was already unchecked. Therefore, I made no changes.

Rebooted. And, sorry, no difference.

The automatic Avast virus update still not working (it has a warning notice).

Windows Security Center showing Virus Protection "OUT OF DATE". Trying manual update does not work but showed this message after attempt...

"Last encountered error: Cannot connect to download743.avast.com(208.43.71.142:80)"

Thanks again for your help
 
Hi,

1. Restart your computer
2. Before Windows loads, you will be prompted to choose which Operating System to start
3. Use the up and down arrow key to select Microsoft Windows Recovery Console
4. You must enter which Windows installation to log onto. Type 1 and press enter.
5. At the C:\Windows prompt, type the following bolded text, and press Enter:

fixmbr (allow the change)

6. At the next prompt, type the following bolded text, and press Enter:

exit

Windows will now begin loading. Post fresh dds logs.
 
Recovery Console and DDS

Thanks,

Followed Recovery Console instructions.

Ran DDS scan. Avast was running (but not updated) and I had a few Avast warnings while running DDS, I ignored Avast and always allowed DDS to run "normally". Maybe I should have stopped Avast before running DDS scan?

I can re-run DDS with Avast OFF if I need to. See DDS logs as attachments.

As always, Thank You for your help.
 
Hi,

Please uninstall Avast temporarily by following instructions here. When done, post fresh dds logs.

PS. Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is not supported anymore and can be uinstalled to save some space.
 
Uninstalled Avast and DDS Logs

Sorry for the slow reply.

I uninstalled Avast with aswclear.exe.

FYI - During the uninstall process the "Windows - Registry Recovery" window with "One of the files containing the systems registry data had to be recovered by use of a log or alternate copy. The recovery was successful." with [Ok] button, kept popping up. (The same message as I get after boot up) It popped up many times (maybe 6 to 10).

I uninstaslled Window Live OneCare after I ran DDS logs.

Logs attached.

Many thanks for your help.
 
Hi,

When exactly did that recovery error begin to occur? You mentioned it in the first post of this topic but when and after what episode it occured first time?
 
Recovery error

That is a hard question.

I first noticed it on a morning start awhile back. But so many things have been happening during this virus problem, I can't say what happen prior to seeing it. It was after getting the infection.

Sorry, I can't help anymore than this.

Thanks
 
Hi,

I got one more thing to try. If it fails then my recommendation is to backup important stuff and reformat.

You'll need to have your XP installation media ready for this.

Click start->run-> type sfc /scannow and press enter. Follow the instructions given.
 
XP install disc

I have a XP disc but it is not the original disc for this computer. My problem computer came pre-loaded with XP and I don't have a disc for it. Will it be ok to use my other XP disc?

Thanks for helping.
 
XP Home Addition

Some good news, I found my original XP Home Edition disc that came with the computer (unopened). So I know I am using a good copy.

I ran the "sfc /scannow". It asked for the XP disc, I inserted disc and clicked "retry". The scan continued and finished with no other notices or sign of changes. (I never really noticed any activity with the cd drive?) I rebooted and still had the "Windows - Registry Recovery" window pop up after boot (it appears before clicking on the user icon).

I re-ran the "sfc /scannow" with the XP disc already in th drive (so it would not have to ask for it). It ran without asking for disc and completed again without any notices, just ran and the progress box just disappears when finished.

Rebooted again and no change, still have the "Windows - Registry Recovery" notice.

If I could get some virus protection working, I guess I could live with the "Windows - Registry Recovery" popup.

Sorry for the delay in my reply.

Thanks for all your help.
 
Hi,

If I could get some virus protection working, I guess I could live with the "Windows - Registry Recovery" popup.
Click to expand...
Those two may be connected. I recommend to backup your important data and then do a reformat.
 
Virus Protection

Yes, I wish there was something easier than a re-format.

We uninstalled Avast and I have not reinstalled it. Sould I try to download Avast again and see if it works? (In case the "sfc /scannow" fixed something.)

I have Windows XP Professional, could I install it (sort of an upgrade)? Or, could I upgrade to Windows 7 and find a cure?

I have a compatable (same type drive) external hard drive (not connected to computer). Is there an easy way to setup the external drive with a fresh XP install and then transfer everything to the new drive (including programs files and data)? Then I could just swap the old drive with the newer external drive?

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top