Computer Help! Attention all Freeper Geeks!

self | 3/20/2004 | NeverGore

[nevergore]

Help all computer literate Freepers...

Recently my e-mail program, (Outlook Express), has changed it's Incoming POP3 Server from the normal "myname@mindspring.com" to "127.0.0.1" without my input. I manually change it back but each time I reboot the machine, the POP3 server reverts to the "127.0.0.1".

I suspected some type of spyware so I ran both Spybot and McAfee Internet Suite (both are current). Nothing turns up.

The computer is a Toshiba notebook with a Pentium 4 and Windows XP Home Version (also current).

Like everyone else, I am being constantly bombarded by e-mails touting "read other peoples e-mail with our program" Could this be a variation of that on my system? How do I fix this problem? Please none of the.... Get a Apple or Linux....

Help!

NeverGore :^)

[nevergore]

I use the McAfee Internet Suite that has antivirus and spam protection.

So if I understand you technical assertion in my non-computer literate way, the virus/spam software would download the e-mails to scan, then would make them available to Outlook Express. To accomplish this, the antivrus/spam software would change the POP3 address to the local computer so it could read the screened mail first.

NeverGore

[xrp]

mail.mindspring.com

[MrB]

There are cheap alternatives to the "free" ones as well (in case someone does want to pay for Norton's, etc).

I picked up a copy (a real one in a package) of Norton System Works for around $12 on ebay.

[Incorrigible]

You got it. Might be worth a call to McAfee tech support.

[Cicero]

You should check your Hosts file and see what you find there. As serveral have suggested, your antivirus mail checker may be rerouting your mail. Also, if you use an antispam program like SpamPal, it may refer you to Localhost where the Pop3 server is normally entered. A glance at the Host file may suggest whether this is a spyware program or some program you have installed yourself to protect your mail.

[Caipirabob]

BUMP!

Hey Martin, thanks for those links. "Shields Up" is really cool. I've been forwarding them to my buddies.

[hc87]

bump

[Conservative4Ever]

I too, have found using my server's webmail is a great help. I have much less spam. I rarely use outlook express anymore.

Red

[martin_fierro]

I like Eudora.

[SC_Republican]

the antivrus/spam software would change the POP3 address to the local computer so it could read the screened mail first.

Yup.

[mattdono]

Hmm...

I have actually been having a problem with my wireless network changing my IP address. My IP address is getting changed like every week. I have to reconfigure my wireless router each time this happens.

I thought that someone might have been "war driving" my signal, but I WEP'd it down and I still have the problem.

Then, I thought my signal was stumbling over another signal in my area...so I went ahead and bought an omni-directional amplifier that pumps up my signal from 2dBi to 15dBi. Which basically means that if my neighbors a mile away have the proper access, they can ride my broadband.

Next upgrade will be to full 80211g set up.

I figure if it is still happening after that...then, it might be a good idea to switch to a Linux distro (probably Fedora) for most of the machines in my house.

[lilylangtree]

Good info.

[FLcitizen]

You state that you are using McAfee Internet Suite, you may want to check out the following site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;195458&Product=oex

Hope this helps.

[lilylangtree]

Good info.

[jdontom]

Check out this thread...mash here theres a fix to a simular problem as yours at post #3....

[js1138]

There is nothing inherently wrong with Outlook Express.

Unless you don't keep it up to date.

I'm seeing questions here that don't make any sense. Routers use DHCP to assign IP addresses to workstations. Any computer connected to them will work regardless of the address assigned.

Internet providers also use DHCP and change your connection IP ar irregular intervals. Some will leave you alone as long as you are continuously connected. Others change your IP every night. All of this should be relatively seamless.

[Solson]

Your flagillator is plugged which is causing the high side of your intake ISP to floodback resulting in your e-mail being captured by a trollmagrifrier and eliminated.

I suggest you spray off your entire computer with water. Place it in the driveway and use your hose to clean the computer. Let it sun dry. After 24 hours outside, bring the computer back in, plug it in, and away ya go.

I'll send you my invoice through Freepmail.

[Bush Cheney]

It's not spyware, so you can relax. It is your anti-virus program though. Norton Antivirus versions 2001 and below will do this.

[dinasour]

why would Outlook Express change to that as the POP3 server without my input

Most likely, some program that you installed did it, not Outlook Express.

I have three programs that do this.

Zone alarm (a firewall) which tries to rename "dangerous" attachments

Norton Antivirus which tries to scan attachments.

SpamPal which tries to filter spam.

Something is "filtering" your email, for good or ill. This is not necessarily a problem and not really typical viral behavior.

[nevergore]

"I suggest you spray off your entire computer with water. Place it in the driveway and use your hose to clean the computer. Let it sun dry. After 24 hours outside, bring the computer back in, plug it in, and away ya go. "

I took the computer to the driveway as you requested to wash the machine down, but I couldn't find a hose. I checked around and found a bottle of Maple syrup (close enough)so I just used that....I took extra care to ensure that the syrup penetrated the DVD burner and fan assembly area....

It's baking in the sun now.....should be ready to go in 24 hours....

Thank's for the tip! My wifes computer has been acting up too, I'll work on that one next. Won't she be surprised!

NeverGore