Really need help, security and other things.

[helobuff]

I have not been here in years. I was in a car accident and suffered severe head injury. My rig was in storage - you wouldnt believe the frustration I had just trying to remember how to put it back together. Simple things are hard. I am having problems. First,

Windows ME (cant afford upgrade) need security suite that wont crash me all the time!

Next - having errors, APCMAIN.exe error on start up

Next, CCAPP constantly closing on me and crashing/freezing system.

Using DSL, IE 6 and Mozilla not sure 4.0

Really need some advice here.

Cant stand this constant crashing.

Anyone available to asisst?

Much Appreciated.

I will post some great sweeps on the sweeps page! LOL Serious though. Big $ ones.

Thanks

 

[law9933]

I would build your own suite with free programs selected at (say) download.com that are ME compatible. I could select some if needed/if interested.

I had a severe concussion from a motorcycle accident. I had to re-remember who I was, how to do my Navy job (radar tech), family. It worked in time but I think I am not the same.
I hope all gets better for you.

mechBgon has a security post.

http://www.mechbgon.com/build/security2.html

 

[helobuff]

Wow, glas to see you recovered. At least you had a job still. Service still pays you when your injured. I wasnt so lucky. Lost everything. Have regained my ability to walk and talk (took 5 years) learned how to type again. Little things are so hard, so confusing. I was having 50 seizures a day! No broken bones i the wreck. Some guy came off the freeway at 80 MPH went thru the intersection in a rental (he didnt have to pay anything) even though he was i the wrong. Lost everything, home, put stuff in storage. I had a scholarship to get my Cisco certificate and was in school at the time, took a friend to the grocery store and went for my mom. Never made it home. Was 7pm 2002. Sept. Dry weather and everything. The light was broken at the intersection. THe guy before me crashed that had an accident crashed his car into the gas station with his family, they were still there, I was the 6th accident that night. Boston, The big Dig. It stole 9 years from me. I can never get those back. Yeah, still working thru the anger that someone can steal your life from you and not be held accountable at all. The city didnt put up any thing to close that freeway exit until after my crash. If I had been in better condition I would have sued but I couldnt.

Im so glad that you are back on track. I spent 10 years in the marine corps and managed to finish college at night while I was in ...Alot of good it did.. Seems like everything can be taken in just a second. I was a helicopter mechanic and a Land Surveyor in the Combat Engineer Battallion.

Are you still having problems in other areas? I am. Keep in touch buddy. Thanks for the post. I will check out the site you recommended, just dont feel I can do any of this myself.

Trying my hardest though.

 

[law9933]

"Thanks for the post. I will check out the site you recommended, just don't feel I can do any of this myself."

I said I would help & others will show up for a protection set up, but it is not easy for old ME.

I read & might try to help at several PC websites, pcmech.com & pcpitstop.com are them.
some have general discussions that is a great place to talk, vent, just a all around place.

 

[helobuff]

Thanks Law9933
I truly appreciate any help I can get.
I just cant seem to remember how to do this stuff anymore. Its a wipe out.
I went to that site you first recommended download.com they really didnt have anything.
I just dont know where to start really.

CCAPP is a biggie. Thats the major problem. Keeps closing. If I can resolve that I can stay online long enough (more that 20 minutes) without hard downing continually. Once CCAPP closes (Norton 2005 Version) I just cant stay online. Really need my computer running. Archaic I know, but very necessary for me to reconnect with the world at this point.

I think; not certain; if memory isnt total wipe, that CCAPP is part of security suite?
If so, I know that on microsofts site, they lists like 100 security suites that crash you if you have WIN ME, some places have said during sys check that I have Win 2K? Not certain of anything anymore.

Feedback appreciated.

Also What is APCMAIN.EXE and why is it linked to Kernal32 and having boot problems?

I need a PC mech here badly! LOL

Thanks again

Look forward to hearing from you and everyone who believes they can help me rebuild; not my mind, my rig! LOL

God Bless.

 

[lxskllr]

CCAPP is a part of Norton A/V I believe. I would uninstall any old Symantec products and start over. Avast makes a decent free A/V that appears to still support DOS based Windows. SpyBot S&D, as well as SpywareBlaster will work on Windows ME.

APCmain appears to be Ascentive Performance Center software. It could either be extortionware, or just lame performance increasing(snake oil) software. I would try to uninstall that also.

Edit:
If you still have your ME install discs, it might be better to just wipe the machine and start fresh. That way you won't have mystery problems that started long ago.

Edit#2:
Sigh... It's getting late, and I'm getting confused :^D

 

[law9933]

I looked at download.com & found these to be compatible with ME at the moment.
Avast for a antivirus
Spybot for a manual antispyware scanner + Teatimer & Immunize.
SpywareBlaster is a great malware blocker.
SUPERAntispyware is a great manual scanner
CCleaner is useful after you know how to use it.

 

[helobuff]

Hi all,

Ok, first, I went to firefox and downloaded firefox2 for Win ME. Installed it.. It is making me run slower.
Also, now I am missing things, line being able to launch outlook express *no button) and it remembers passwords on sites but I cant figure out how to get it to fill them in for me - not auto filling.
Downloaded a button for auto-fill, doesn't have birth-date field?
Noticed my verizon web tool bar is gone? Is that affecting my speed? Something is missing certainly.
Also, major importance to me is that all of a sudden I don't have adobe flash player? or any other plug ins since firefox installation. I Tried to download, says my platform is not supported. What does that mean? Win ME again? or Firefox? Ifi ts firefox thats a problem, I need the flash player and the other ones (adobe and Media player) etc. Not compatible with firefox 2.. no longer supported or is it my Win ME? So lost here.

Next, I really want to thank you guys for helping me thru this stuff. You have no idea what it means to have access to someone elses brain!

I have a couple of questions on the Avast, spybot, Spywareblaster, SUPERantispyware and CCleaner -

Before I install them, I uninstall my Norton? Seems like I am at high risk doing that.. or do I download and then remove Norton?

Next, I will definitely remove that ascentive program extension.. I had no idea that is what it was, I did a test scan with their software and it wasn't compatible with Win ME... so I uninstaled it.. Nasty ah heck doesn't want to leave.

I really wish they would just supply add ons for Windows instead of having to buy expensive upgrades. Nothing wrong with Win ME I have 900 MgHZ 512 MB ram CD player and DVD player, really dont need much more. Even though the Rig is 10 years old now (Compaq 7AP170) not much wrong with it other than software issues. And the fact that my monitor is huge? LOL compared to what is around now.

Appreciate any posts you leave. Blessings to you all.

 

[law9933]

Firefox will not run correctly with ME, remove it & hope your new problems are gone.
Avant is a browser that will work with ME.

Download the new antivirus & SpywareBlaster then remove Norton using the removal tool, select the right one.

http://service1.symantec.com/S...docid/2005033108162039

Download, disconnect from internet, remove Norton, install programs, reconnect.
Update the programs

 

[helobuff]

Ok, got your message.

Couple of questions.
Avant better than firefox? Faster? Will allow me to use Outlook express? Has autofill and password memory and autofill as well as password generator?

Second - seems like the security is missing something? Antivirus is Spybot? does it auto update?

Appreciated greatly.
Thanks

 

[helobuff]

One more thing, Need a firewall! Thats what I was so desperately trying to think of earlier on the thread. I need a firewall. What do you think I should use? My norton has one. but with the things u suggested wont I be missing a firewall?

Thanks again

 

[law9933]

I have never used Avant, so I don't know. Outlook should still work.
You could read the description, the editor's review, the 23 user reviews>

http://www.download.com/avant-browser/?cdlPid=10901037

Avast would be the antivirus, Spybot is a manual spyware scanner. It has Immunize & Teatimer that will supply some active protection.
I think the free version has to be manually updated.

Outpost would be a free firewall, if you don't use ME's.

Opera & reviews

http://www.download.com/Opera/...8.html?cdlPid=10903352

 

[lxskllr]

Opera is a pretty good browser(my favorite next to FireFox) that I believe supports old versions of Windows. For a firewall, I like Sygate. I'm at work right now, but if you can't find Sygate(it's no longer made), I can upload it and provide a link for you.

You should be able to launch Outlook Express by itself. It may be convenient to launch it from the browser, but not necessary.

 

[law9933]

free Sygate

http://majorgeeks.com/Sygate_P...rewall_Free_d3356.html

 

[helobuff]

OK, I went and downloaded Avast, Spybot S&D, Spywareblaster, versiontracker pro (drivers), and sygate. Anything else I need to know before I venture into this land unknown?
Worried that this stuff does not auto update and with my memory issues I cant go without it. I will try to wait a couple of days, its the weekend, to see if you have any input before I venture out here to the outback!
This will have me completely layered and covered? Automatic updates and protection? From "Malware, Keyloggers, Hijackers, WOrms, Viruses, trojans, malware, adware? I wont have to do anything else to keep them up to date? Not very good at this you can see since the accident.. keeping things straight not my best point right now. Really need something I can count on to do what I cant.
Not out of lazyness, out of neccessity. I have seizures from stress since the accident and I dont need to increase my stress levels with everything else Icant seem to keep up with in life.. really need peace of mind and security. I do shop on line and I for necessities (food, etc) need something I can trust.. This will? Work.. flawlessly and seemlessly?

Awaiting your latest input.
Thank you.

Now going to remove the apcmain.exe leftovers. and I can start the avast .. without the other stuff yet. So very very grateful to you both.. I pray you have the best holidays! Safe and merry!
Ps Check out the sweeps I put in - you guys dont seem to respond to them so I dont know if you were already aware of them or not. (on that thread) views yes, replies - none.. Odd.

On last note, I noticed that law9933 has alot of defense lineup... that lineup wouldnt work with win ME? Just feel alittle exposed here if you know what I mean. Like something is missing... defense layering wise.. clue me in?
Thanks alot

 

[lxskllr]

I think you might be worrying a bit too much. I use security software, but only because it's easy. I never have any problems with virus' or spyware. As long as you stay out of the seedier parts of the web, you'll most likely be fine. You hear about the occasional hacked ad server, or legitimate site that gets compromised, but it isn't /that/ common. If you use common sense, and are skeptical of what you see online, you'll be fine :^) In reality, your brain is your most effective anti-malware tool. No security software is flawless, and it's up to you to remain vigilant at all times.

 

[law9933]

lxskllr is correct

SpywareGuard could add a little more. It no longer updates but the way it protects is still effective.

http://www.download.com/Spywar...0-8022_4-10514469.html

Look up CCleaner & SuperAntispyware at download.com, they are good at manually cleaning up a PC.

Defragment you Hard Drive after all of the downloads & once a month.

Using a router adds anofher layer>

http://www.mechbgon.com/build/router.html

 

[helobuff]

I know im a bit worried, seems like since I have been back on the net I have had some issues. My obay account was hacked and someone sold something very expensive online using my account and never delivered and ruined my rating. I believe they had something to do with my savings and paypal account being completely dessimated. But I have not proof other than his name and addy in california which I turned over to the police for investigation. Funy, He was in a town that I left about 10 years earlier. Anyway, also been having some security issues on my machine and I am not very good at this as you can tell anymore.. So yeah Im vulnerable and I know it, I cant keep up and I know it.. so I want to make sure I have done what I can to make sure syshack doesnt happen again.

I goofed on the avast download. I somehow only got the scan your system part and not the browser or the registration key, also its only good for 60 days free..? Thats what it said when I was trying to unzip it..

Wanted to let you know I found the APCmain.exe file and got rid of it.

I tried to lok for free firewall there, since I dont have a nacount or something it doesnt let me search for anything.

I used your links and got access that way to those programs only.

Very grateful, even though Im a worry wart, I want to be a headacke free worry wart! LOL
as much as possible.

I will attempt again the AVAST (am i suppose to get an icon for avast browser) or use IE?

I know its hard to think anyone can be this confused. I peaked out hours ago stress wise attempting all this! Thanks again. Will check back for update on this post.

Very grateful again
The worry wart

 

[lxskllr]

Try this for the Avast download. It sounds to me that it would be best to do a complete wipe of your computer, and start over. Is that a possibility?

Edit:
Avast is Anti Virus only. For a browser, use Law9933's link above for Opera.

 

[law9933]

http://users.telenet.be/bluepa...iemoes/prevention.html

Reinstalling ME would be the best/easiest but that erases everything, if that is not doable then try HJT>

Join pcpitstop.com & post a HijackThis log for help cleaning your PC.
They like MalwareBytes but it is not for ME, SuperAntispyware might be used.

Read post #5 for how to do it

http://forums.pcpitstop.com/index.php?showtopic=161018

You should of stated that you had that serious problem in the beginning. I hope you have changed all passwords/accounts on a secure PC.

 

[helobuff]

OK her we go again!

This is what I have done

I have removed Norton

I have installed Avast (is this as secure as norton?)
It doesnt give me warning and update alerts like norton did, which made life a no brainer for me in that area, feel I need that.. Can we address this?

Next, I installed Spybot S&D
That has an icon on lower left bar - I did update it.
It asked me alot of questions, I hope I asnwered everything correctly, not certain what I am doing.
I know I am trying to layer free protection here, I just really need it to auto update for me. So I feel safe while surfing.

I tried AVANT - It did not work on my machine, dont know why, when it would start my internet, it would lock, white out screen and crash me. So I unistalled it.

Next, I tried Opera. Not working either.

I went to firefox homepage and added some toolbars.
I went to roboformfiller and added a plug in for firefox (it working better)
Still dont have flashplayer with it, will try an add on at the firefox site for media and flash while I am there.

How am I doing so far? I feel so confused!

Spywareblaster - I have it, dont know what to do to get it to work. It was attempting to use AVANt browser and kept crashing (this program a must?) So its not running now.

I downloaded version tracker pro for drivers, but havent installed yet successfully either

I downloaded sygate firewall, havent done anything with that yet, is it automatic upon download or I need to install as well?

Spywareguard link did not work, redirected to majorgeeks and there was a download button, but when I tried to download it said the file was not there. Interesting. So I dont hae Spywareguard


I know Im not done here, advice, help? on the ones I cant seem to activate. Not certain if I am surfing dangerously here or not. Just went to register Avast and decided to check in with all of you - let you know what is going on and update you on progress/failures.

Please advise.

Thanks again.

Am I safe Now?

 

[helobuff]

Ok quick update:

AVAST: Installed, updated, running, registered.

Spybot S&D: Installed, registered: Dont have to update?

Spywareguard: Found download site, downloaded, installed, updated and running

Sygate: Was NOT installed for some reason, went to site, downloaded, installed and tried to update - it sent me to symantec homepage for a systems check, said I have pretty good security but that my adobe reader 8 is putting me at risk for some reason in several areas. Wondering if Sygate doesnt have an update site of its own? I did remove my Norton Security, man it asks me a ton of questions (the AVAST) for user decisions.. not sure if I did everything right, I just allowed it to do whatever it asked.
Is there a sygate update page it should direct me to for an update? Rather concerned about that..
Should I be?

Spywareblaster: Downloaded, installed, Do I have to update this one? Do I have to register this one.. doesnt seem to ask me anything, just installed lower right hand corner of the screen. (Do I need to do anything to update it or what?)

Versiontrackerpro: Downloaded and installed. No Icon on taskbar. Dont know how to use.
would be nice to get update for drivers doesnt have a user manual with it.

PCPITSTOP: wouldnt let me scan, active X controlles disabled from installation of ??? cant remember seriously.. It was one of the above.. I havent a clue.

How am I doing?
Pretty safe?
Any suggestions, directions or improvements for me at this point short of buying something like a new machine thats fully protected already! LOL

Is there a program that isnt very expensive that you really think I should and would prefer that I have for security, maintenance, etc? That you would recommend/ or would purchase yourself if I were you? .

You guys are the best..

I know they put me down to a junior poster, but years ago I use to post here alot and help out if you can imagine that, when my brain wasnt the way it is now.. I feel like a child honestly. To be back in the saddle and at square one all over again after all those years of work to learn and everything. and cant remember squat before my accident.. Although unfortunately I cant forget the accident! Its absolutely haunting! I have the hardest time learning new things now and I use to seek out new things. I have an impossible memory. I am constantly hitting a wall. Had it on my mind and its gone, had a list in my head and cant remember what I had left to download, to install, to update.. these things use to be nothing. Now its terminally tring and exhausting litterally. I kid you not.

I cant tell you how much your help, directions, brainstorming between one another has comforted me ... Eternally grateful and most likely will be back for help (unfortunate but that is what it is for me now)

From the depths of my heart I thank you and await your replies.

Semper FI

 

[helobuff]

One last thing, I keep forgetting to mention,

When I installed all this stuff I was on IE6 not firefox2 so am I not protected if I attempt launch of firefox so I can install plug ins? I kind of like that tabby type browser.. strange, hard for me to get use to but there are so many button you can use and there was an autofill button which I miss, for my sweepstakes of course. I have roboform but something about it makes me weary.. not sure, it was interfering allot with browsing ability so I wanted to unistall but I dont have an autofill button on IE6 and thats pretty bad.

Suggestions?

Ok I think I have confused all of us now... hope you have time to check in this weekend.

Much appreciated. Have to get back to my sweeps.

What about adobe reader 8 :?

 

[lxskllr]

Adobe Reader is the pits. I would completely uninstall that, and use Foxit Reader instead. It's much smaller and faster, without an irritating splash screen when it launches.

Spywareblaster- It gives passive protection. Just enable all protection categories, and update every so often.

Sygate is no longer made. It was bought by Symantec, but AFAIK it's done as a firewall product. There's no updates for this, so use it as is. You should be fine with that.

PCpitstop-I'm not personally familiar with this, but if you were in FireFox, you wouldn't have had ActiveX unless you installed the plugin. I don't install ActiveX in my Firefox. If I need it for a specialized purpose, I'll use Internet Explorer for that purpose. I try to limit the possibility of scripting exploits as much as is convenient. ActiveX isn't used that much, so it isn't a big deal to use IE on occasion.


Browser woes- I don't really know. If Firefox is working for you, I guess just stick with that. If you want to use another browser, we can work on trying to get one installed.

VersionTrackerPro- I'm not familiar with this. I'll take a look, and report back.

Adobe Flash Player- go here to get the Flash player for Firefox.

FireFox addons- you should be protected while using Firefox. The only exception might be with SpywareBlaster. You have to explicitely enable protection for the different browser products. Just launch SpywareBlaster, and make sure Firefox protection is enabled. It'll tell you if it is on the main screen. For Firefox addons go to Tools/add-ons/get add-ons and browse around for a form filler that you can use. I'm not familiar with them myself, but there should be something available that you can use.

General tips... Don't install too much at once. Since you're not that familiar with these products, it could make troubleshooting issues difficult. Install 1 thing, then give it a spin to see how it works. If everything is working as expected, install something else, and give it a bit of time for problems to pop up. That way if something doesn't work for you, it'll be easier to narrow down the cause.

Edit:
It looks like VersionTrackerPro is a trial, and it won't let you automatically download out of date drivers and software. You also have to be careful about some of the software it says is out of date. Some of mine it said were old, but the only newer packages were betas or release candidates. The program still looks useful to see what drivers you need to get though. You'll have to track them down on your own unless you want to pay for the software to do it automagically(I don't)

Don't forget Windows update ;^)

 

[law9933]

If you are using Firefox, some good addons are NoScript, Adblock Plus, IE Tab

If you like, you could check at this website & see what updates there are to download daily. If you check once a week, look at all seven days.

http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/calendar.html