Needing Advice

[pinoy]

for the past 4 days now, I keep getting 2 error messages (runtime Error and and system fatal error). I found out that there's a good chance i have those worms. The problem now is this: No matter how much I tried updating my NAV, my system shuts down and i never get the chance to update. This happened numerous times and is driving me nuts. Is it better for me to just re-format my HD? I just added another one and still empty. Then update NAV after putting back everything. Next question is: How hard is it to re-install XP home ver. ? I just got this system 3 weeks ago so this is my 1st time to deal with XP. OR CAN I JUST CALL DELL TO SEND ME A NEW ONE (maybe worth a try, huh)?

TIA!!!

Gary

 

[johnjkr1]

Yes, formatting would be the best solution. No, it's not that hard. You could try visiting one of the free online virus scanners to see if that helps, housecall.trendmicro.com. Having worked at Dell, if you asked for a new system I would have laughed at you, sorry, it's not their fault you have a worm on your PC. But I'm sure they would be happy to have one of their great overseas reps help you with a reinstall. (they also occasionally will send out hard drives with software, or restore cd's for situations like this).

 

[mechBgon]

If you did get the Sasser worm, then you should definitely add a cable/DSL router (Linksys BEFSR41 or similar Netgear model, for example) between your cable/DSL modem and your PC or home network. It would be a good idea IMHO to also use a firewall software on each computer as a measure against stuff that's trying to get out from "inside." And of course you would want to hit Windows Update repeatedly until it says you've got all the available Critical Updates.

To remove the Sasser worms, try the free McAfee Stinger removal tool, which has been updated to handle Sasser. You can find a link to Stinger, and also free basic ZoneAlarm firewall software, if you follow the link in my signature and go to the Resources page. Also follow the link to the instructions for disabling System Restore, and do that too.

 

[lilstd]

when the screen comes on counting down the time until shutdown, go to start -> run then type "shutdown -a" as text. The shutdown screen should go away so you can update your stuff.

 

[pinoy]

thanx john, mech and lil for the advice.
john, i'll visit that site re: virus scanner. i'll give dell a call if they'll help me, if not, fine by me.
mech,i guess zone alarm software is worth checking huh, especially when its free. i'll check that stinger tool also.
lil, thanx for the tip, gonna try it.

 

[LiLithTecH]

What are the ERROR(s)?
(post what is in the EVENT LOG)

Did you recieve the Recovery CD's with the PC?