Hey Sea - Anything is possible, especially when it comes to incomplete downloads and security software. Did you ever install MBAM and run a full scan?? Did you get rid of 'Spyware Guard' as per Dave's advice??
I would try disabling [i:42tdmse6]all [/i:42tdmse6]security programs, switch everything off and then try again......let us know.
cheers.....JIM
Hi again.
I did remove Spyware guard right after it was recommended. Sorry I forgot to mention that.
I tried IE but it wouldn't connect even after I lowered the security & privacy settings to their default level. I don't know whats wrong but don't want to try to troubleshoot it right now.
I also noticed that the Security Center icon in control panel was still active so I went to services & disabled that service. That didn't solve the problem even though I stopped the service right then but it did solve it after starting the comp this morning.
$*$*$*$*$*$*$ The Problem Is Solved! $*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*
I still don't know what that service is. Is it part of AVG? If so, why didn't it go away when I uninstalled AVG. Why is there no obvious way to uninstall it. (there is no mention in the "ad romove programs" section.) I hate programs that install themselves without notification or permission or enough notice that there being installed & even more, programs that don't have any obvious way to remove them. If anyone knows more about the security center please let me know.
Thank you all for your time & effort in helping me solve this.
Sea
which service did you stop?
Security Center, if it's the one I'm thinking of, is the Windows feature that monitors your Antivirus, Firewall, and Windows Update status. It should have [b:94hrhp8i]NO[/b:94hrhp8i] effect on your internet or downloads (that I know of).
Very strange indeed....
Hi.
The service is listed simply as security center & in the dialogue box it says "Monitors system security settings and configurations."
I didn't make any other changes at that time so, while I'm not sure that was what was causing the problem, I don't have any other suspects. I am open to any information or suggestions. Do you think this service out to be left running?
Perhaps I should restart it, reboot, & see if the problem returns.
Sea
seahome
Good to see you got back to normal finally. I've read through all the posts, and can't see anything different from what you've tried or others suggested. Perhaps the only remaining point of concern is: what exactly caused this? I agree you may have picked up some kind of script or malware. The HJT log looks clean to me, too. FF is a pretty secure browser; the current version, 3.08, was released quickly to address some security holes. Try ozbloke's 4/08 suggestion about Avast or Antivir. They're much better than AVG these days, imo. I suggest you avoid 3rd party downloaders as well.
There was a time when I had my machines loaded up with AVG, Zonelarm, Spybot, Spyware Blaster, Javacool's Spy Guard, Winpatrol, Prevx, you name it. These days I'm more into the KISS principle; ESET Smart Security AV and Online Armor firewall. Occasional scans by MalwareBytes are enough these days. Also, (I've mentioned this in other threads) for removing programs, I very much like Revo Uninstaller. http://www.revouninstaller.com/ ymmv
hth
Sea
I agree 100% with Ziggie, the genuine Windows Security center should have no bearing whatsoever.
[i:33zqdf2y]"Perhaps I should restart it, reboot, & see if the problem returns."[/i:33zqdf2y]........Yes, I seriously doubt Windows Security Service would cause this and it would be a good test to see if that was indeed the culprit.
cheers....JIM
I think it was the reboot more than disabling the Security Center. Either way, your internet life is back to normal!
Any AV software worth it's salt is going to alter the network stack in some way, shape, or form so that it can monitor network traffic. Returning the stack to normal after an uninstall will be done after a reboot when the files are locked by the OS.
Now, about the Security Center. In most cases this is a useless service (in my opinion). The job of this service is to monitor your security software and notify you of changes, problems, or inactive software. If you run any of the better programs they already provide notifications in the taskbar tray. Now if you are still running the Windows built-in firewall it should stay enabled. Of course, if you have a user who isn't computer savvy, or isn't aware of their security, then leave it alone.
Just my 2 bits
Thank you all for enhancing my education & you very much appreciated help.
I have now installed Avast, MBAM & Revo. I'm on a fixed income so I will have to forgo the non freeware applications.
I haven't restarted the security center service & now that things are working again I think I will just leave it that way.
Thank you again
Sea
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