Severe Windows XP problems (with many things)

[Jenks]

So a friend asks me to come help him with his computer (running Windows XP). He says it's going slow, etc. Of course, I assume it's just spyware/adware and assume this is going to be an easy job, but I was wrong.

First of all, it does have spyware/adware, lots of it, and that may be what caused other problems. The main thing I'm having trouble with is Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, and basically any other applications that attempt to use the internet. As soon as they start, I might get a few seconds, then they close. With Internet Explorer, if I can get it open, it'll close a few seconds later. If I terminate the internet connection (e.g. by disabling the wireless device), it'll open and run just fine, but of course it can't go anywhere without the internet connection. This happens in safe mode too, which really confuses me. I thought it might be a service, but I can't open "services.msc," which is explained in the next paragraph.

Another problem, which may be related to the spyware/adware (which I couldn't fix when I was at my friend's house because I can't open IE to download the software), is there are many errors. For example, when I try to start the user manager in the Control Panel, or sometimes the Control Panel itself, I get a "memory cannot be 'written'" error. When I do some things, I always get the error, and other things only occasionally give me the error.

Has anyone else run into these problems? I'll probably try making a disc with a few different internet browsers, Windows port of wget, spyware/adware removers, and an anti-virus, and trying to run that.

 

[Fardringle]

I've worked on many PCs with similar problems due to excessive spyware and/or viruses. I used to spend hours trying to correct the problems but was never truly successfully as there is simply too much damage done to the operating system by some spyware and viruses. Now, whenever I see a system like that, I don't even bother any more as it is a lost cause.

Back up any files that they need to keep (photos, documents, etc.), then format and re-install Windows. It will save you time and headaches, and will get the computer working properly again (assuming there aren't any hardware issues on top of the software/OS problems).

 

[daniel49]

don't forget and try running hijack this also and possibly bho demon.
heres a plug for flyingpenguins page he put together, I haven't tried it but it looks like he has put quite a bit of work into it.
Text

 

[minus1972]

Originally posted by: Fardringle
I've worked on many PCs with similar problems due to excessive spyware and/or viruses. I used to spend hours trying to correct the problems but was never truly successfully as there is simply too much damage done to the operating system by some spyware and viruses. Now, whenever I see a system like that, I don't even bother any more as it is a lost cause.

Back up any files that they need to keep (photos, documents, etc.), then format and re-install Windows. It will save you time and headaches, and will get the computer working properly again (assuming there aren't any hardware issues on top of the software/OS problems).

best possible advice. You can never get it all and I guarantee after a few weeks everything will be back and your friend will be saying "but I thought you fixed it." Tell him you need to format it and that's that.

 

[daveybrat]

I've worked on many PCs with similar problems due to excessive spyware and/or viruses. I used to spend hours trying to correct the problems but was never truly successfully as there is simply too much damage done to the operating system by some spyware and viruses. Now, whenever I see a system like that, I don't even bother any more as it is a lost cause.

:thumbsup:

 

[robisc]

Agree with all of the above, if it's too bad then format it, some of this crap you can never get off, then make he/she run a couple Anti spyware proggies and Firefox.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

You definately still have a spyware issue. Please follow my detailed spyware removal instructions here: http://theflyingpenguin.com/spyware-removal.shtml

Afterwards run a FULL virus scan from SAFE MODE.

Hope this helps...

 

[wnied]

Tell him you need to format it and that's that.

I agree, I had a co-workers computer whose desktop said "Your Computer is Infected!" and even in safe mode, whatever had ahold of this box, was implementing a policy that wouldnt allow access to the control panel or the task manager. I told him to back everything up to disk and I would format and reinstall.

~wnied~

 

[mechBgon]

If you choose to Dro-- err, reformat, it would be good to try to get the security tighter this time. I made some informational pages that might give you some ideas, starting on this page for Windows Setup security. There's a lot you can do to put obstacles in the way of malware, although at a certain point it comes down to whether the user can keep their hands off the warez and pr0n or not.

I would definitely make him get a router and always keep the router between his computer and all other routers or computers to stave off worms and hack attacks. Heck, you could put the router inside the PC case 😀

Hardening the OS with strong passwords on all Admin-class accounts, making sure it's patched and running Automatic Updates, making sure all visitors can only use a Limited-class account, and explaining the higher security of a Limited account for his own use (at least in risky situati0nz) are some ideas. Plus of course installing and fully configuring a current-generation antivirus product and checking it with Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.