Vanity-- Freeper Computer Freak-Out

My office | February 5, 2006 | Me

[najida]

The history--- My computer is a HP Pavillion with Windows XP version 2002 I did have to send it back when I first got it because the hard drive wouldn't work. So it was returned with all the software installed and running.

I can't find my windows disk, and to think of it, I don't know if I ever had one :(

What I've done so far--- Pinged myself and it appears something is blocking the sites.

Ran anti-malware Cleaned up my register Defragged my disk

Turned off the firewall (Norton, which is part of the Windows secruity suite)

However, when I go into the security suite, it says the firewall is still on (can't turn it off there).

Ran Regedit and emoved everything Norton I could from my drive-- The expired Anitvirus program and some firewall stuff.... (However, since the Windows firewall IS Norton, if I remove it, I can't get on the internet)

Deleted cookies, deleted cookies, deleted cookies....... Also emptied temp files and cleared my history.... Set my security and privacy options about 100 different ways. Made sure all SSL and TSL's were checked.

Restored my computer several times, the last as far back as October.

Called HP twice....they had me spend a small fortune on service contracts etc....to no avail. Called my LAN support guy twice (he's become a good friend :) ) Called Symantec twice....won't do that again (once the person couldn't speak English and the second time I was on hold for 45 minutes).

Made sure my date and time were correct.

Suggested, but not tried yet....

Remove the "Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services" entry under "Manual Program Control."

The only tabs I have on my Firewall page are General, Exceptions, Advanced. Any other way to get there.

Call VeriSign about their protected sites.

Try a dial-up ISP server (OK, this will be a pain, but I can do it)

Clearing my hard drive (Last resort)

Pitching my computer out the window (Looking better every day)

[Millee]

Morning najida! My expertise involves shutting everything down, saying a little prayer and re-booting. But, count me in the "here for moral support camp." ;o)

[dfwddr]

Go download Firefox and try to access the secure sites from Firefox.

[Uri’el-2012]

Get Root !

[doodad]

That is what I was going to suggest as well. Eliminates IE as a culprit if it doesn't work.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[JoJo Gunn]

I don't run XP so can't help you. I can tell you that HP never shipped recovery discs for XP, but you can order them. A couple of years ago they were 25 bucks.

[Flifuss]

doodad, you could be right, it may be Norton, najida, try to get to Norton Privacy control, configure (if you have it). If "Turn on Privacy" box is clicked, goto "Custom Level", click "Enable Secure Connections (Https).

I have an older version of Norton Firewall that has served me well, yours sounds newer, so this may not be of any help.

[doodad]

HP doesn't ship disks for XP? I have never owned an HP, but that would be criminal to me.

This is why I build my own with full applications, not image disks. I support Dells at work.

[najida]

I was just doing what I was told sugar ;)

Thanks.

[carlr]

I think you said on another thread you were using Firefox.

Try to download Opera and see what happens.

http://www.opera.com/download/

[RightOnline]

Are you now running XP with Service Pack 2? Also......are your updates to Windows all completely current? What rev. of Explorer are you using?

[najida]

I'm downloading firefox now....so it's next

BTW, the list of things I've done has been over about a month or so. Setting system at defaults doesn't make a bit of difference....etc.

From what I've read, Norton sounds like the root. But I can't get 'into' it like I'd like....I'll work on that next.

My encrytion is at 128 bytes already, but....

Heck, I'll paint the pooter red if someone says it will help.

[najida]

I'm trying that now.

[ThePythonicCow]

Some thoughts as I read quickly over the many replies ...

• I doubt it's the cookies causing secure sites to fail.
• But cookies for moral support sound good.
• As some else suggested, quit madly editing in regedit. It reminds me of a neighbor I had once who shot himself in the foot, trying to shoot flies with his hunting rifle.
• I second the motion to try Firefox. Go to the website Firefox 1.5, and click on the first Download link, for "Windows (5.0MB)"
• As someone else suggested, get a restore disk from HP. Or, if you have more money than patience, buy one. You can get a current Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) installation disk from newegg.com for under $100. See for example Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 - OEM.
• Check out my list of recommended links, at ThePythonicCow's Best Sites for Computers, Networking, and HTML
• In particular, from my list of links, register at Geeks to Go, and try out these two procedures:
  1. Steps to clean up a system
  2. Steps to keep your system healthy

[Uri’el-2012]

Internet Explorer and National Security

[najida]

Well,

I just downloaded Firefox and it says

Unable to connect Firefox can't establish a connection to the server at en-us.start.mozilla.com.

* The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few
moments.

* If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network
connection.

* If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure
that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.

And yes, I turned IE first.

[najida]

Are you now running XP with Service Pack 2?

Don't know

Also......are your updates to Windows all completely current?

Think so...but I couldn't swear to it.

What rev. of Explorer are you using?

Erm,
ah...
Hmmmm,
let me go look!
Don't have a clue.

[najida]

PS
I'd rather NOT spend anymore money, other than to just buy a new computer ;)

[Flifuss]

If you know someone and trust someone, as a last resort, you can try:

Remote Assistance

Invite someone you trust to help you. Using an Internet connection, anyone running Windows XP can chat with you, view your screen, and with your permission, work on your computer.

I've never tried it myself, but, if you don't have someone who can sit down beside you and help, this may be an option.

[najida]

Nope,
dont' seem to have that on my computer.

Thanks!