Advice on Firewalls?

[Kathyhl]

Right now I'm running Z/A-5, and have still been having random problems. I say random because I've just had my Win98 re-installed, deleted some programs I don't really use, un-installed Norton and am now using Avast as it's not the resource hog that Norton is, and my errors and illegal functions are still coming in no particular pattern at all. I do however mostly see them when I'm using my e-mail client, trying to get to my control panel, or have clicked on my icon on my desktop to go to windows explorer. I've just received notice from Z/A that my yearly renewal is coming up, so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts on a light firewall that is also good.

Thanks,

[nadirah]

Try Sygate Personal Firewall, it has a free version.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3356.html

[puff-m-d]

Hi Kathyhl,

I moved your thread from the Look 'n' Stop forum to the other firewall forum. Your question will get the proper attention here as it does not pertain directly to Look 'n' Stop.

[Kathyhl]

Thank you Puff-M-D, I just wasn't really sure, but glad you headed me in the right direction.

Nadirah, I am going to d/l that because of what I've read everyone else saying on here, however, what does this mean?

"you just have to make sure you uncheck server rights for any application's first time connecting to the net, since Sygate does give all applications server rights by default."

I'm thinking it means giving all sites an ok? (could certainly be wrong here!)

Thanks

:)

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

from your brief comments regarding your problems...it seems un-likely that the problems are firewall related....furthermore, knowing firsthand your experience with firewalls...my suggestion would be that unless you have gained more experience since last we talked...that you should keep it simple and un-complicated..........
Don't make mistakes that many Users do....if you are going to install another firewall get prepared beforehand not after installing......either learn how to make proper firewall rules or learn where to obtain a good set of rules for the particular firewall of your choice......sure you could just install a firewall and use the pre-set rules....an then learn by trial and error....not the best of ideas....
Locate some websites with instructions on firewall rule making...bookmark those sites.....perhaps download a free rule based firewall and practice offline making rules....see if that suits you..if not...then consider another firewall.....all firewalls are not suited to all people.....whats right for you may not be right for me...so don't follow the herd.....secure you pc..an forget the emotional groupies...use the firewall right for Kathy.....

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

Whoa..slow down....SERVER is related to applications..not websites.......NEVER GIVE ANY APPLICATION SERVER RIGHTS.........there is SERVER or CLIENT........use Client.......

Careful Kathy......you can learn this...if you take your time...

[TheSnowMan]

Kathy

The above was my last post on this subject.....no doubt Nadriah can assist you further......
wishing you well

[Kathyhl]

Thank you so much thesnowguy :) . How right you are about me learning something before I jump into it. Right now I'm just gripping at straws. I've had my PC in and re-installed my Win98, it works perfectly at the shop, but when I bring it home I get errors and illegal functions, I take it back, and it runs smoother than silk and twice as fast, then bring it home and here I am with problems again. The tech has no idea, and I would be the last one to have any ideas, so I'm just trying to do some things that the tech had a problem with, and one of them was a conflict he said he had with Norton and Z/A. I knew Norton was a resource hog, so had no problem dumping that, but now I'm thinking maybe I should try something else besides zone alarm. Who knows, maybe my pc just doesn't like the room it's in, that was also mentioned by one of the techs. He said for some reason he could never explain, his pc always had problems in one room, but worked fine in the others, and it wasn't a grounded problem. I may wind up just learning to live with these minor irritations, but it does frustrate me when my pc shuts down, then gives me the blue screen of death, then lets me use it again :( .

Thanks everyone for helping.

[nod32_9]

Short of having AC power issues in your home (not likely), the root cause of the problem is the user and/or the lack of RAM. It's also possible that you have a program with resource leaks. Note that W98 has a fix amount of system resources. Bad applications will not release system resources, even after they are closed. I would not open more than three applications at the same time under W98.

A machine with W98 is at least 5 years old. You need a minimum of 128MB RAM but no more than 384MB. Launch MSCONFIG and click on the Startup tab. Uncheck ALL items except for your antivirus and firewall programs. Reboot PC.

ZA 4.5 is more stable than 5.x, plus it is much easier to configure than the other firewalls. Do not install other firewalls unless you have a good understanding of basic firewall setup.

If the PC runs well (twice as fast) at the shop, then you need to go back and show them how YOU operate the PC. You're probably clicking a set of keys or launch some programs that trigger the problem. I doubt if anyone on this forum can isolate this problem for you.

[Kathyhl]

Thanks all of you. I'm also thinking it's mainly the user, but I will try, try and try again, until I succeed. Good learning experience. Also, I have some work now checking up on firewalls, how they run and which one might just be something I might understand and would want to try.

Thanks everyone, You're all so great :D

[bellgamin]

-{ Quote: "I've had my PC in and re-installed my Win98, it works perfectly at the shop, but when I bring it home I get errors and illegal functions, I take it back, and it runs smoother than silk and twice as fast, then bring it home and here I am with problems again. The tech has no idea" }-
The scenario you describe sounds to me like you might have an infection somewhere. Have you scanned your complete system lately? If so, what did you scan it with? With which antivirus program? With which antitrojan program? Also, have you run a full scan with Spybot S&D or a similar program?

Are you connected to the internet via broadband (cable or DSL)?

ZoneAlarm 5 is a known trouble-maker on some machines. However, Sygate is NOT all that *light* either. Moreover, I agree with snowguy -- don't start switching firewalls until you have eliminated other possible causes.

[jag1967]

-{ Quote: " I've had my PC in and re-installed my Win98, it works perfectly at the shop, but when I bring it home I get errors and illegal functions, I take it back, and it runs smoother than silk and twice as fast, then bring it home and here I am with problems again. ...Who knows, maybe my pc just doesn't like the room it's in, that was also mentioned by one of the techs. He said for some reason he could never explain, his pc always had problems in one room, but worked fine in the others, and it wasn't a grounded problem. I may wind up just learning to live with these minor irritations, but it does frustrate me when my pc shuts down, then gives me the blue screen of death, then lets me use it again :( .

" }-

Kathy
Just to clarify your situation: your machine works fine in the shop but when you take it home, you get problems?

The answer from the tech guy that it is a room problem is vague and not helpful. Unless it is a ac supply problem, or some bizarre interference, this doesn't make much sense.

Have you tried using it in another part of the house (on a different mains ring), or at a friends house?
Would it be possible to get the tech to come to your house?
I would first try to eliminate the possibility that it's your home enviroment that's causing the problems

After that, closely look at what you do with your pc at home. Do the problems begin when you start up certain applications? Are you doing the same things at home and in the shop?
Try to identify when the problems begin to appear at home. Is it for example at boot up? If not, does it happen after some time when the machine is just idling? Or say when you go online or start up your word processor? If you have cable, try disconnecting it and see if you get the same problems

hth
jag

[TheSnowGuy]

KATHY

Well Kathy, you are getting some excellent advice already from the posters......now just go slow and heed their advice an you should be just fine. As NOD_ stated..its not likely anyone here can solve your problems completely....but in time you will learn how to resolve problems yourself...just stick with it......you can do it.
a couple of suggestions.....drop into safemode....there do a scandisc....if you do not know how to get into safemode post saying so an perhaps someone here can guide you........
next......install MAXMEM.....which is a memory manager......it comes pre-set...leave it as is..........use it each time you use your computer......even when not using the internet......
next...consider installing zone alarm 2.6 freeware......its old but should offer you all the protection you need for what you most likely do.......its doubtful that you need anything more complicated..........ZA 2.6.........am sure someone here can post a link to this version............
next..go to the freetools section here at wilders..download "newdefrag"......use it...its faster than what came with your puter.........
Since you were not awear of what a server/client is......you should always remember....NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING TO ACT AS A SERVER.......
Kathy, if you are using some type of messenger...don't allow it as a server.........never!! Also, messengers can be used to attack computers....as you are using the messenger.....ZA 2.6 will help prevent this......
Yours is an older computer....treat it as such.....don't install every program that comes down the pike......... your firewall..anti-virus...spywareblaster....adawear or spybot.....(an you can use a messenger) should hold you secure for now........keep it slim and trim for now an see if the problems continue or go away.....don't try keeping up with the folks here with newer computers......your 98 will server you well...if you treat it correctly.....

normally I never ever suggest a particular firewall to anyone......in this case..because of your older computer and lack of experience the suggestion of ZA 2.6 was made...........for no other reason.......its just to buy you some time to learn more.

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

As previously stated I wont be offering any comments.......I am not on my own computer/connection....an only passing through for now.....others here can without doubt give you some great advice...
So take care Kathy......an take your time.....what you are experiencing really is not that unusual.....it happens...........so don't let it get to you.
Good Luck


TheSnowGuy/The Snowman

[Etsnuffy]

Kathy, here is a link to Zone Alarm 2.6-
http://computercops.biz/downloads-file-142-details-Zone_Alarm_2.6.362_Free.html

[Kathyhl]

Thank you all so much for your help and advice. Etsnuffy, thank you for the site, I did go and d/l z/a 2.6. Thesnowguy, what great advice, it's going to take me awhile, but I'd like to get through all of it a little at a time, if for nothing else, to learn more and be able to make wise choices in the future ;) Thank you so much once again.
Jag1967, I do know when most of the problems occur, and when I took it in to the shop, I was the one going to the programs that always caused me problems, as they also thought it was a good idea for me to show them, but alas, it still ran smoothly. I have yet to move the PC. It was in my husbands office, but I finally had him put it out here in the frontroom where there's more light and room.
Bellgamin, I ran Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, AD-Aware SE, Regclean, plus a complete Avast scan, and they all have come up clean. One strange thing that did happen this morning when I turned on my PC however, was all my mail settings were changed. I was flabbergasted, there were #' in my e-mail address, plus the loopback ip was in both the areas where my outgoing and ingoing info were suppose to be, so I changed those back and received my mail ok. Certainly don't know why that happened ??? Oh btw, I have cable.

Nod, I do have 128 MB of RAM, and I did go in and uncheck everything but my antivirus and firewall, so I'm ok with that. And as I said previously, when I took my pc in the shop, I was the only one to run it, and they watched everything I did. The problem areas at home, were no longer problem areas at the shop.

I'm thinking being as it's not the obvious, I will eventually have it put back in the office and see how it runs in there. After all, we probably could use a dining room table again ::)

Thank you all so much for your input :)

[nod32_9]

If you've unchecked everything but the AV and FW, then you should be okay with websurfing and office works. Perhaps you can list ALL the applications that you've installed in this PC.

Note that USB cable modems (a favorite among cable installers) can be very buggy! The use of a 10/100 PCI network card is preferred, especially with older PCs. Try the PC for a few days with the minimum startup items (i.e. AV and FW). I would also connect only the mouse, keyboard, and modem to the PC. Provide as much details as possible (pre and post event) when you encounter the next fault.

[bellgamin]

-{ Quote: "Bellgamin, I ran Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, AD-Aware SE, Regclean, plus a complete Avast scan, and they all have come up clean." }-
So far so good, but none of the stuff you listed will do an adequate scan for trojans, backdoors, worms, etc.

-{ Quote: "One strange thing that did happen this morning when I turned on my PC however, was all my mail settings were changed. I was flabbergasted, there were #' in my e-mail address, plus the loopback ip was in both the areas where my outgoing and ingoing info were suppose to be, so I changed those back and received my mail ok." }-
It sure sounds like an infection to me.

-{ Quote: "Oh btw, I have cable." }-
In which case, if you don't already have a router, I urge you to get one. Once you have a router installed, then all you need is a simple, light, free firewall whose main job will be little more than checking your outgoing stuff. Good candidates are ZA 2.6 or Outpost FREE (http://www.agnitum.com/download/outpost1.html).

[Kathyhl]

Hi Bellgamin, you're right, what I ran probably wouldn't find the big monsters those sick individuals find it so amusing to send out for free. I have used Trend Micro quite a bit in the past, but not since I've gotten my PC back from the shop, so that I will do right after I post this. I have also downloaded Z/A 2.6, but have paid for V5 for another 20 days, so I'm going to try and still accomplish a good search for the problem, and if I find nothing, I'm going to check with Z/A about their bugs in V5. V5 for the most part has really been working ok for me, that I'm aware of, but if nothing has been accomplished on their end to satisfy the customer, I'll uninstall Z/A-5 and install 2.6 at the end of my year.

In regards to the router, I had one, Belkin, and after talking with their techs and downloading all the programs to try and make it work on my other PC just about 100 feet away, it still only caused me a headach, so I winded up dumping it.

Thanks for your support,

:)

[Q Section]

Hello Kathyhl

For an adequate anti-Trojan scanner you can get ewido. It is free and works quite well and is very user friendly. You can find it here (http://www.ewido.net/en/?section=features).

Let us know how it goes! :)

[Equisetum]

Dear SnowGuy (or anyone who knows),

You mention " Locate some websites with instructions on firewall rule making..."

I recently installed Outpost and would dearly love to know more about rule making. So how do I go about locating these websites? TIA--

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "So how do I go about locating these websites? TIA--" }-

Find your firewall in the link. :)

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=24415

[bigc73542]

here are a few sites on rule sets for firewalls here (http://www.gpick.com/agnisrules/pages/catagories.html) here (https://tns.its.psu.edu/Services/Networking/firewall.html) here (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=4426) here (http://www.outpostfirewall.com/guide/rules/)
check the last link first.

hope these help
bigc

[bellgamin]

-{ Quote: "Hello Kathyhl

For an adequate anti-Trojan scanner you can get ewido. It is free and works quite well and is very user friendly. You can find it here (http://www.ewido.net/en/?section=features).

Let us know how it goes! :)" }-
Q- I think Kathy is running Win98, whereas I THINK Ewido only runs on Win2K & XP. If I am correct, using Ewido on her box could cause problems, right?

[Tassie_Devils]

-{ Quote: "I've had my PC in and re-installed my Win98, it works perfectly at the shop, but when I bring it home I get errors and illegal functions, I take it back, and it runs smoother than silk and twice as fast, then bring it home and here I am with problems again. The tech has no idea, and I would be the last one to have any ideas, so I'm just trying to do some things that the tech had a problem with, and one of them was a conflict he said he had with Norton and Z/A. " }-
Hi Kathyl :)

Well, no doubt about it you have received some great advice in here, as I have been reading the thread as it progresses and I am loathe to add more re firewall, apps, etc. as you have a lot to digest, but just to add one comment regarding part of the above quote.

The only reason I am doing so, is because of a similar problem I had a good while back and it turned out to be so simple, fixed in 10 seconds. ;D

First, when you said it ran just fine at the shop, bring it home, and it ran like a dead dog with errors, etc., did you actually take it back more than the first time to the tech, and each time it ran just fine, until you got it back home?

I had exact same deal here, and so I thought it was not just my box [as I am presuming that, like most people, only the box was taken in, not keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.]

Anyhow, I thought must be a problem with either of those, as the box ran fine at shop and when got home, reboots, errors, then my tech rang me with an idea he had.

He knew I ran a multiple 6 point power adaptor, [bought from his shop] like most people, you don't have a row of power points to plug all your leads into, and he thought it could have been that as it has an inbuilt Power Surge Protector in it.

So I unplugged all the leads, plugged directly the monitor, box only leads into available wall sockets I had and ran fine. Soon as I tried the power adaptor, it just rebooted itself as usual, and errors, etc.

If you are running a multiple power point adaptor especially with power surge protection, it may be as simple as that. I bought a new one and no probs since. Spent the best part of a week sorting this. :(

He said sometimes, a small surge can cause it to trip out in milliseconds, enough to cause probs, but not enough to have no power, and it will continue to give power like nothing is wrong, but you needed to hit a 'Reset' button on the power board, [DOH] and it should have been fine, but I still got a new one, and just used the old for my work shed and power tools. :)

Just a simple thought. :)

Cheers, TAS

[Kathyhl]

TAS, I did take it back a couple times, which just led me to believe it could possibly be some hardware I had hooked up to it, so I have slowly been adding the hardware back over the past week, even bought a new keyboard I don't think I really needed, but it's always nice to have a back up ;) .

So strange that you should mention the power adapter, my husband mentioned the same thing about everything being plugged into the power protector, with the exception of the box, that's plugged directly into the wall socket. It's been in the back of my mind, but I haven't done anything about it yet because I couldn't justify why only certain things I do cause the errors now. The re-install of Win98 and deletion of quite a few programs I don't use, have smoothed out the errors somewhat, but certainly haven't stopped them, and they still happen in the same areas. I click on my windows explorer icon on my desktop as I work in there a lot, and get errors, when I click on my start button, then settings, to go to control panel, I get errors, and I get errors opening or closing my e-mail client. But as I say, they certainly aren't happening as much as before. Now I just hold my breath whenever I do one of the three things above (for real, I've caught myself !) and wait to see what happens.

Bottom line though is sometimes we never know why a PC does what it does or why, so tomorrow all my leads get unplugged and moved to a brand new multiple power point adapter :D

Thanks so much for your advice. How awesome would that be if all my errors were to just up and quit after this :o :D

[nod32_9]

If there are bugs in the PC, then the computer would run poorly at the shop and at home.

[iceni60]

hello, Kathy im not an expert, but thankfully i spend enough time here to pick up afew things. this post is concerning if you may have a trojan-malware
you can download this ( http://www.mwti.net/download/tools/mwav.exe) It detects more than 74000 viruses as well as hidden spy software, illegal dialers, illegal sniffers, keyloggers and other things that may be of concern :o and i checked and you can use it on windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP when its downloaded double-click it, wait afew seconds, then as well as all the boxes already checked, i always check the drive box too, dont know if thats the right thing to do , its just what i do. also if you can disable your anti-virus while you're doing it all the better, remembering to reenable it afterward

also you can do an online trojan scan at http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/
just click on scan my computer for trojans

[Kathyhl]

That's pretty much what I thought Nod32_9, so I still leaned a little to that side, but not much.
Iceni60, I am going to be downloading that and running it in a few days, but first I need to check to see how my PC is working.

CHECK THIS OUT EVERYONE! I decided to do a thorough Avast Scan, which I hadn't done yet, and darned if it didn't find three virus. One was Win32: Kuang 2, and the others were both Win95: Matyas. Kuang was fixed, but I could only quarenteen the last two. I turned off the PC for a few minutes, turned it back on, had a black out problem, so re-started it, went to the areas that sometimes give me errors and got none. That doesn't mean much at this time, as the errors are now coming randomly, but these three virii couldn't be found by Trend Micro, or Norton, which I had for quite some time, so I'm pretty impressed they were found. I looked them up and this is what they say:

It is a primitive nonmemory resident parasitic virus. It searches PE EXE files in the current directory, then writes itself to the end of the file. While spreading the virus uses direct calls to Windows kernel by using hardcoded addresses. These addresses are valid only to Win98 standard edition. As a result the virus is not able to spread under other Win32 versions, being run under non-Win98 the virus causes standard "error in application" message.

The virus does not manifest itself in any way. It contains the text string:

Mátyás Corvinus kezdett...


I'm most definitely still going to be switching out my leads tomorrow, but thought this might be of interest to not only me.

Thanks Everyone!! :)

[mandy821]

Hi! ;)

Ironically, I have been using the same strip box connector for 14 years, migrating from 386 boxes to the current XP box and have never had one iota of a problem with it. It even has a soldering iron burn on the front face; it didn't work worth a darn for a stand for the hot gun.

It sets right on the floor in all the dust bunnys and still works everyday. If you are getting weird errors at home, I would recommend that you see where your cables lay against each other and make sure none of them are near your speakers as the magnets in the speakers will place all sorts of erroneous data errors on your system. One of my monitors went up in smoke and I am using an older AOC Spectrum that does not have the better EMI/RFI shielding that newer ones have and when I turn up the stereo, the computer gets lub lines on the face........Just to show you that EMI/RFI radiation can be a problem sometimes. Computers by and large shed(isolate) most interference, but getting certain products too close can cause weird problems.

Make sure you don't have any CB or HAM radio transmitters in close proximity as those will drive a computer CRAZY!

Even an old calculator has all sorts of RFI (radio frequency interference) coming out of it when turned on; we used to use cheap walmart calculators to test car radio antennas for quality by running the calculator close to the antenna with the car radio receiver on and listened for a squealing sound.

I am still using Norton System Works 2002 on this XP box and just re-activate the Virus portion of the software once a year. I thought I had a problem with it, but it turned out to be in the registry.....and yes, I used WinDoctor to cure the registry problems......

I used to own the Pro version of the firewall software you use, but dumped it because it was just to "fragile" and unstable!

I am still using a three year old copy of Tiny Software Firewall and not only is it easy to maintain, but has an affinity for total cooperation with other Windows based softare.


Sincerely,

Mandy821

[Don Pelotas]

Hi Kathy

Good to see that you found some virusses (and removed them ;) :) ), since you found these there could be more, and it would in IMHO be good to do two things, first i would use some of the online-scanners they are effective and easy, there is links in my signature, use Panda, Housecall and F-Secure, the will ask you to download a component, after this just follow the instructions it will probably take 10-15 minutes pr scanner.

Next i think it would be a goo idea to download and install a trial of TDS-3 (trojan-scanner) from DiamondCS, they have their own forums right here on Wilders Security Forums, and they are very helpfull.You can download from Here (http://tds.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=download) , it is important that you update the signaturefiles (radius) Here (http://tds.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=update) , remember to check everything under "scancontrol" and "configuration",use "full system scan" found under "system testing" in controlpanel. It's a very slow (but thorough) scanner so be patient (probably 25+ minutes). Good luck Kathy. :)

BTW. I have a colleague who would always tease me with my computer-safety paranoia, until one evening she called (unfortunately not for a date ;) ) , her computer was acting weird, i told her to do pretty much the same things as i have suggested to you, she found 250+(a record perhaps?)virusses, trojans and other stuff. She has never teased me since that day. ;) ;D

[nod32_9]

Some W98 Hewlett Pack PCs have random lock-up/fault issues. What is the model number of this PC? You may also have a bad stick of RAM, which can often result in random errors.

If I was in your shoes/heels, then I would reformat the hard drive using the fdisk/mbr command, and reload W98SE (connect only the mouse and keyboard to the PC). Go to MSCONFIG\STARTUP tab and remove all check marks (to maximize system resources and RAM during PC boot...cause you only have 128MB). Next step is to install ZA 2.6 and Avast Home.

Now hook up the modem (avoid USB). Do not attach any other devices to the PC. Do not install any other software/hardware. Do not set up your email account, yet. Use the PC for a few days. Write down ALL the error codes and warnings.

ZA2.6 and Avast Home 4.1 are 100% compatible with W98. If you cannot achieve a stable platform with this configuration, then the cause may be you, the RAM module, the power supply, the modem, the hard drive, and/or the motherboard (listed in order of decreasing probability). Add one program or hardware if the PC is stable. Retest system for a few days.

Don't click on unsolicited emails or surf the dark side of the internet!

[Kathyhl]

Nod, model # SE 4.10.2222A - is that what you're looking for? I don't have the disc to this Windows Version as when I had it made for me, the tech "forgot" to give it to me, and I was heading to L.A. for surgery, so I never even thought about it until a few years later. After I got the PC home after this reinstall, I hooked up nothing except the mouse, no errors, then keyboard, 1 error, bought new keyboard, still had random errors, and now after hooking up the speakers, printer, scanner and external back-up, still have random errors, but fewer. I was suppose to switch out all the leads today, but haven't done it yet, and that is the next thing I want to do. I have Avast Home 4.1, it's great, but still have a couple weeks on my Z/A pro, so if the errors don't stop altogether, I have already D/L ZA2.6, and will install it then. I also don't open e-mail If I don't know who it's from, and even though I have accidently found myself in a site I didn't expect, that doesn't usually happen much at all. (but you'd be surprised what sites you get just looking for PSP tubes. I put in Fairy tubes once and couldn't get out of the site it took me to fast enough :o )

Thanks Don, I am glad Avast was able to find something nothing else did. Btw, I do use Housecall, and I had it check my entire PC yesterday morning, but it said I was clean, so maybe what Avast found wouldn't really have harmed me anyway, I don't know. I also did buy TDS-3, and was pretty excited because of everything I wanted to do with it, unfortunately some things just don't work for some people. I used it for quite some time, and all the people I talked to about it were great, and I know it's probably an awesome program, but for some reason it was one of the programs that caused me some problems before my reinstall, so I no longer have it. (I got rid of quite a few of my programs after the reinstall) I'm with you on computer saftey, I don't think we can ever have enough, but I'm beginning to think that some of my problems before the reinstall were compatibility based, especially since I'm still running with Win98. There are things I read about and want to try, but when I get to the site, it's not compatible with Win98. I knew this was going to happen, just didn't want to think about it. I can't expect technology to continue with leaps and bounds, and still have it work when I'm not changing with the technology.
Thanks for your post mandy821, I will most definitely check on some things you have said, but enough people now have told me about my power adapter that I'm really anxious to get that changed. I'm really not that close to anything that you have mentioned, however, the closest thing to me is my microwave, which is maybe 5 feet behind me.

After the reinstall, getting rid of programs, and doing so much that people have mentioned here, I am so happy to have my errors down to a bare minimum. I really doubt I would have gotten this far at all if it weren't for this Wilders Forum and all the kind hearted people here willing to work with so many novices like me.

Thank you all so much for your time and patience. If everyone was as nice as the people in here, I probably wouldn't be retired yet ;)

Kathy :)

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

Good Golly......this thread has turned into a real whopper....nice to see so many coming to your aid Kathy.

Kathy you are speeding down a deadend street......an you are presented with a choice.....you can continue down that deadend street an get nowhere......or, you can turn around and begin over at the beginning.
Kathy deadend streets are places to turn around on......an not to stagnate on.

Under normal circumstances the advice you are receiving would be great stuff....however, your's is not a normal situation......an frankly your actions and lack of actions is making your situation worse. FE: why on earth pay for extra time to use a program that simply does not work properly...not for you or anyone......Kathy thats kind of silly.......
Your computer has problems.....installing even more programs on a corrupt system will most likely add more problems.....thats like filling the gas tank on a car that has no engine.....you go nowhere........yes, you need certain programs.......one at a time.........nothing I see you doing will repair your computer....nothing at all. Your way just isn't working Kathy....time for a change..............NOD offered good advice....others did as well.......now Kathy its on you to follow the advice........an stop wasting your time
Already this thread is way off course.....not intentionally...........it began as a firewall question.........an yet you stubbornly kept the same firewall knowing it does not work properly.......sorry Kathy but thats just not using good common sense..........
After being recently flamed by a couple of real losers imo....I am reluctant to offer anyone here any computer advice at anytime now or the future........so as not to disrupt the forum........so this thread was more than I intended............nevertheless you are a nice person an deserve help........that will be left to the forum to give.........all I am saying is: Stick to repairing your computer......stay focused on THAT problem!!!
Perhaps NOD will understand this........your computer has repair programs build in Kathy.....but you don't appear to have used them.....now its up to others to explain how that is done............
What are you doing using REGCLEANER.......Kathy you don't have the experience to properly use a program as powerful as regcleaner....no offense.
My suggestion is simple......take one step at a time.....just as you were advised by NOD an others........an take those steps now not at the end of the year.......
This is posted with your best interest in mind Kathy......there is no desire in my heart to offend you........hopefully you know this.



***********

Perhaps someone could explain to Kathy how to drop into safe mode and so a scandisc.
Perhaps someone could explain to Kathy how to have her computer look for corrupt files......

[nod32_9]

Most Hewlett Packards with W98 will have a 4 digit number (ex. 6630 or 8670) followed by a letter like C for US, and A for Asia/Pacific. You need to post the mfr AND this 4 digit number (commonly located at the front or back label of the PC).

All HP PCs come with custom recovery CDs that will restore the PC to factory condition. If the tech created a W98 recovery CD for you, then you may not have the most appropriate drivers installed in the computer. This can result in errors.

The best advice is still to reformat the hard drive and reload Windows. You've probably reloaded many programs since, and W98 can leave a lot junks in the hard drive after an uninstall. A clean start will eliminate many unknown variables, allowing you to zero in on the most appropriate solution. I doubt that removing/reloading various programs will fix your problems. Make sure you follow the steps outlined in my last post.

The fact that you were okay with just the mouse tells me that you may have corrupted Windows. Just write down everything you see on the back label affixed to the PC and we should be able to decipher the model number.

[TheSnowGuy]

NOD

If she does not have her re-store disc........her computer should have <setup.exe> unless the Tech removed it.......but she will need the correct number......
Nice of you to give of your time helping Kathy.......wishing you well NOD.......got to get myself out of here now.......things to do.


Regards

[Kathyhl]

well goodness TheSnowGuy, I actually did think I was making just a little headway, but I'm far from having the experience you have, so I know you are probably right on all accounts. I think I'm just looking at the fact that I could hardly even use the PC before I had Win98 reinstalled and unloaded programs that always went down when I had the errors, and now the errors I'm getting are quite a bit fewer and a little further between, albeit still there. And btw, I took no offense at anything you said, constructive critisism can move even the most stubborn and uneducated, and I'm the first to admit I'm not that knowledgeable in all the workings of a computer. I've learned quite a bit over the years I've had one, but only recently since I've had the time now, have I actually started to try and understand why and how some things work.

NOD, I'm sorry, I cannot find any numbers on my PC anywhere, no labels. This originally started out as a Packard Bell Win95, years ago, I then took it in 4 years ago to upgrade, got a tower, and the tech turned my C: drive into what's now my D: drive, with a brand new Win98 on the C:. It ran great up until a little over 6 months or so ago when I started getting errors. The errors got worse, and as TheSnowGuy has realized, I probably used programs I downloaded to try to fix the errors without having the knowledge enough to use some of the programs, thus only making it worse. I will be uninstalling Z/A 5 and installing Z/A 2.6.

The only disc I do have for this PC is the recovery disc, and it's only labeled Win98 SE, therefore I can't reload Win98 again, and frankly, if I have to pay the tech again, I might be better off just going out and buying an XP and actually start keeping up with the technology that's coming out now. I had already externally backed up the programs I wanted to keep that I didn't have on discs before I initially took in the PC, so in fact I am ready in that area.

When I took the PC in I mentioned to the tech that another tech told me it sounded like corrupted windows, which actually was the case.
The tech reinstalled 98 knowing the corruption problem existed, it then worked flawlessly there, but still receiving a few errors here. I've copied and pasted everything you said, and when my husband gets home from work, I'm going to go over everything with him.

Thank you so much for all your help and the time you have spent explaining things to me. A light may not always come on the second I read something I'm not all that familiar with, but just keeping what you have written, and me going back on it and asking other questions, helps me more than you know.

Have a great evening

:)

[TheSnowGuy]

KATHY

rest assured that under no circumstances would I knowingly offend you....an was most grateful that you understood this. Yes I much admire your courage to attempt repairs yourself.......an yes you can do many repairs if you remained focused......I have full faith in your ability.
From jump street it appears that a bad job was done by the tech....an you have suffered since . Everything you need to re-format your computer is right there...but un-fortunately you don't know where or how to locate it....(most people don't Kathy)....
My concern is you being misled to install programs that can't and never will resolve your computer problems.....but instead make matters worse.....also, its pointless to waste your money on a tech if nothing is actually being done to improve the situation........you are being caught up in a circle.....which is why I was so blunt Kathy. Frankly I doubt that you need a new computer just yet......
I will try coming back to this post again......in the mean time....go to system information.......problem devices....see what it says.....
do a complete scandisc..use the proper setting.......definitely you need to have your system check itself for corrupt files..........an ask for someone to explain how to do this......this alone may resolve some issues.
Kathy you are doing real good.....you just need for someone here to step up to the plate and help you.........
Do the scandisc in safemode..its stronger in that mode....will also re-suggest that you install MAXMEM.....it will help out to some extent in regards to the memory issue..........
Kathy I'll drop by again

[TheSnowGuy]

GO TO:

programs, accessories....system tools....system information...components....problem devices............


see what if anything is listed there.......if anything listed report it here......(nothing should be listed in Problem Devices)

[nod32_9]

Ahhh, a bastard Pack Bell. It probably started out as a 100-200MHz PC with 32MB SIMM. In theory, it is possible to upgrade the PC. Hobbyists do it all the time. The problem is that you must spend quite a bit of time and $ to do it right. And you may still face compatibility issues in the future. In the end, it's always better and CHEAPER to buy a new PC if more RAMs and a bigger hard drive don't satisfy your needs. Most clowns at the PC shop won't tell you this cause they want your $.

The tech could install inferior hardware. Plus some vintage 95 components may not function properly with W9.x/WNT. Your PC is probably worth less than $30. And you cannot fix these problems on your own. There are too many unknown variables in this bastard to work with. Time to move on. You could purchase a used PC (800 to 1000MHz range) on Ebay for about $150. And it may come preloaded with a clean copy of W2000 or WXP.

Another option is to purchase a new PC for $400. I'd recommend a cheap Emachine without monitor. This is a good choice if you don't plan to edit video and play games in the next few years.

[TheSnowGuy]

KATHY SAID:

***The only disc I do have for this PC is the recovery disc, and it's only labeled Win98 SE, *****


Kathy have you tryed the win98se disc????? If not..you should. An if the computer accepts win98se.....then perhaps some "free up-grading" can be done right on the internet. Since you have not posted since yesterday I am wondering if you have given up........or lost interest. Until that is known...no point in my continuing....this is really draging out......so perhaps its best that others help you now......an I will just continue to wish you the very best...........

Sincerely

[TheSnowGuy]

NOD32

just thought to tell you that I respect your efforts to help Kathy....an will be wishing you much success. Due to the amount of time this has already consumed and will continue to do....its just not any longer advisable for me to continue posting......perhaps you can help Kathy eventually.....or some others may decide to jump in..........good luck to all.....seeya

[Kathyhl]

Hi, I have read all the posts and want to thank everyone so much for helping me. I have copied and pasted so much from here into a folder I created for pc information. I had a few free days to be able to do as much as I could from what everyone said here, and turned on the pc a few hours ago to start checking some things, however, I've just found out that I need to head out of town tomorrow morning and won't be back for a few days, and I didn't want anyone to think I was ignoring them, so I did want to take a few minutes to write this. TheSnowGuy, I would never intentionally ignore you or anyone else, and btw, I did go into the area you told me and it said "There are no devices with problems on this machine". I then copied what came up first, which was this:
Microsoft Windows 98 4.10.2222 A
Upgrade using Full OEM CD /T:C:\WININST0.400 /SrcDir=C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\CABS /IS /IZ /II /II /NR /II /C /U:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
IE 5 6.0.2800.1106
Uptime: 0:02:04:45
Normal mode
On "KATHY" as ""

AuthenticAMD AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
128MB RAM
69% system resources free
Windows-managed swap file on drive C (11030MB free)
Available space on drive C: 11030MB of 14638MB (FAT32)
Available space on drive D: 13922MB of 14638MB (FAT32)

Doesn't really tell you much, unless there's something with the upgrade that is of interest.

I still am having only a few random errors, NOTHING like what I had before the Win reinstall, deletion of programs, and actually doing a couple things people have mentioned in here. I know that's not 100%, but you can't imagine how good it makes me feel

Thank you all so much, I'm not done doing things I have copied down from here, but unfortunately for the next few days I will be out of town. Also, I will not be using programs I don't fully understand ::) I will try and come back in here before I leave, but if I don't,

You all have a great week and weekend! :)

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

Have a very safe and happy trip.....wear a smile and say hello to all you know.

An nope....I wasn't thinking that you were ignorring me........was more thinking that your problems should have been fixed days ago...an wondering why more advice isn't being posted relating to your corrupt system......
its a very good sign that there are no problem devices......if fact, your puter may possibly last some time yet......if you decide to keep it.........its on the small side...but so what.....if it does the job.....thats enough.........of course NOD is correct on the prices he posted on used computers.....even new computers are fairly cheap..........personally I prefer older computers for now.

when you return from your trip.....IF I am still around.....the topic can be picked up where you left off...........an Kathy don't kick yourself.....many things you are not suppose to know......an alot of people try programs that they should never try.......an many ruin their computers needlessly........the size and age of your computer means it needs some TLC......using programs made for that generation of computers is wiser than installing programs not ment for older, slower computers...........


tsg

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

There is a very good chance that I wont be around when you return.......an although I have no desire or intention of helping anyone repair a computer problem.....in your case....for oldtyme sake....will make this minor effort: Follow instructions to a "T"


1) download a WINDOWS ME bootdisk from here:
http://pesona.mmu.edu.my/~panzheng/bootup/bootme.exe


after doing so make a winME floppy boot disc (winME boot disc works on win98) ....ok, now shut down your computer.......
1) re-start your computer using the winME start-up disc

2) use the arrow key on you keyboard to select:
"start computer without cd rom support" and then press "ENTER"

3) at the "prompt" type "SCANREG/FIX" ...an then press "ENTER"

4) after the "scanreg" is complete: re-start your computer

** the registry scan utility finds and removes corrupt registry entries and system files. Those files are then replaced with a working copy of the file or files. (note: I do not promise that the "scanreg/fix" command will work on your computer....yours is an older computer) but if it does not work try this next:

follow instructions 1 & 2......at "3" type "scandisk" an allow a scan


ok Kathy, having done the above...now download ..
Spider v1.16 from:

http://www.fsm.nl/ward/index.html


*spider is for computers like yours...use it to clean...simply un-zip the download then open the folder thats now on your desktop...an run spider....no install.....to remove simply delete the folder. (running spider will cause your computer to re-boot.....nothing to be concerned about...normal behavior to delete index dat file


* Now go to windows explorer...open it an go to c:/programs.......open that...then find and delete every folder that has the name of a program that YOU KNOW YOU HAVE REMOVED/UN_INSTALLED from your computer/ if you do not understand...don't do this....


Kathy..don't over heat the CPU...allow it to cool during the above steps......

in your last post it showed that you had 69% resourses free....it would be better for your pc if it were 80% free.....Kathy you eith have to much in start-up..or running...or you are using resourse hogs......so now download and install this:

MAXMEM
http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/system/maxmem.htm


For the moment this will do....an yes Kathy, I suggested the winME boot disc for a particular reason....however, I wont go into details...much to tiring and boring............


SeeYa,, whenever

[TheSnowGuy]

NOTE:

The instructions given to Kathy are for her computer and not intended for newer computers.....nor are the programs

[Kathyhl]

Thank you TheSnowGuy, you've really gone way out of your way to help me, and as you said in an earlier post, this did just start out as being a firewall question, as that is where I had originially wanted to start. And to that end, some very nice helpful people in here directed me to Z/A 2.6, which is now on my pc. Maybe I should have started a new post in a more appropriate area when I started getting into other things, that was my fault, I didn't. But thank you for all your help.

I want to thank everyone that had input and the patience to continue to help me. NOD, you had some great advice, some that made me smile quite a few times, ie;
"Ahhh, a bastard Pack Bell", so you probably know the few problems I encountered trying to buy parts and finding only Pack Bell could help me, talk about having a corner on the market!

What a great place this is, you people in Wilders here are pretty awesome ;)

Everyone have a great week and weekend :D

Kathy

[nod32_9]

Some folks are really attached to their old PCs and will spend an unreasonable amount of $ to keep it going. I see a PC as a tool, not a pet. You're NOT going to achieve a stable PC platform with the Pack Bell. Logic dictates a new PC. Time is $. The fact that you cannot reload windows on your own tells me that you're not capable of repairing windows. And taking the PC to a shop will cost more $ than the PC is worth.

I also don't have a good vibe when it comes to those techs. Why install a second hard drives when you have so much free space in the first one? Again, this is NOT a power PC. The use of a hard drive partitioning tool would be more cost efficient.

A modern PC comes with recovery CDs. Reboot with disc 1 and it will restore your PC to factory condition. This is a great tool for novice users. No need to spend more $ for someone to reload windows for you.

Time to cut your losses and move on.

[mercurie]

Nod_32 9,
My PCs are more like pets to me then tools. I never even thought about it that way. Hmmmm. I do not have any pets (live ones) but you are correct in what you are saying. I agree with you. After all even pets die or have to be put down. It's just the way it is. ;)

[fannymites]

-{ Quote: "One strange thing that did happen this morning when I turned on my PC however, was all my mail settings were changed. I was flabbergasted, there were #' in my e-mail address, plus the loopback ip was in both the areas where my outgoing and ingoing info were suppose to be, so I changed those back and received my mail ok." }-
I know I'm a bit late in the day here but I just wanted to clear up this area of confusion. Avast can be set to automatically scan your emails and in the case of some email programs it will even set it up automatically, this is what happened with your email. It changes your your email settings so it can scan them and (if you want it too) place a message at the end of emails to let recipients know it is virus free.
You should go to the start menu, select avast! then email wizard to re-setup.

[Kathyhl]

Nod, cute analogy, but I have a living breathing pet, my PC is a machine I use for enjoyment, nothing more or nothing less. I never chose PC's as my career, therefore I don't know as much as people that have been tinkering with them, using them for business, or who have made a career out of them. I am however capable of doing a few things with it to keep it going, and thanks to so many kind people in here, I have access to every single one of my programs, and can use them. As it stands, I have no losses to cut. The very few errors I still get, don't hinder what I actually like to do on the PC at all. So I think I'll just keep it for awhile. I realize upgrading is always good, and one day I will do that, but right now I'll just continue to enjoy using it.

This post did in fact get off the beaten track, so rather than continue with it, I will just thank everyone who has given me yet a little bit more knowledge about PC's.

Wilders continues to remain one of the best forums I've ever found, and what really makes it that way is the time and patience the people with the PC knowledge have with people like me that just don't have all the knowledge they need in order to accomplish a bit more than they would like to.

Thanks to everyone,

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

am really sorry to see you close the subject.....you were doing just fine Kathy......so let me encourage you to continue your efforts to repair your computer an by so doing gain knowledge from the experience.
do yourself this one favor....go back to System Information ....TOOLS.......an run SYSTEM File CHECKER....will only take a few moments.........
Well Kathy.........speaking for myself I very much enjoy older computers an find hours of enjoyment rebuilding them only to give them away to someone in need......after years of doing this....my out of pocket expense is under $20......many good people have donated software...old computers..etc. In the past I have given away new computers as well....but those days are gone now....for awhile at least
True...computers are machines....just machines......I have no desire to be a computer wizard.....even sounds rather boring....nope, I have a life....a rather good life that I enjpy.....computers and the internet....well, its nice to use them but they wont ever use me.

Good Luck Kathy.......


ThatSnowGuy?The Snowman

[TheSnowGuy]

COMMENT


This thread has been a reminder to me to respect the need for gentleness when offering help to others. Oh so well I can remember the frustration I felt trying to learn the small details of computers....like how to turn one off. I was very fortunate to have some excellent instructors along the way........they must have smiled alot as I made my mistakes..but they always encouraged me to continue.
Kathy is a Newbee....I personally recall her first post here at wilders....afterwhich she has tryed to learn and grow.....just as many other Newbees coming to wilders have done.....
My hope for myself is that I can always be patient towards Newbees....remembering that they are struggling....often confused.....but the have the amasing courage to face the task....an achieve the goal.
Anyone can become a computer wiz.....will a little encouragement....just alittle. Afterwhich their may be wonderful results.
In my earlier posts I stated my giving up on offering help....an I very much ment that......but made an exception for Kathy....an kept hoping others would join in........some good people posted...........but here we are Kathy is closing the subject....yes, she installed another firewall....but her computer isn't fixed.......can it be fixed......guess we will never know now..will we?

[TheSnowGuy]

COMMENT (2) (NOT RELATED TO KATHY)


My I also respectfully suggest that it be taken into consideration that not everyone visiting wilders can afford new computers.......what may seem like a triffle amount of money to some may mean keeping a roof over the head of another or feeding a hungry child......the person may find it very embrassing to discuss their situation...an rightously so.....
Thank You

[nod32_9]

The most logical path is to reload windows, not removing/loading/running a bunch of applications hoping that they will fix the "mysterious" fault(s). The more you tinker with the operating system, the greater the probability that you will break it beyond repair. If you can live with the random errors, then that is your best solution at this time.

Like I said before, if you cannot reload windows (that's FREE), then it's time to look for a replacement PC. BTW, I suspect an individual with broadband access could probably afford a used $150 computer.

[Kathyhl]

I thought about starting a new thread, then wasn't sure where the appropriate place would be, and being as I'm following up on something you told me to do in one of your last posts, just thought I would leave it here and if it is meant to be moved, it will be. Not sure when or if you will see this, but I went into the system information and ran system file checker, these are the results:
Folders examined - 273
Files examined - 2050
Files added to verification data file - 17
Files removed from verification data files - 10
Files updated in verification data file - 26
Files restored - 0
Files changed ignored - 0
Also after doing a few other things I now have 86% system resources free.

I also do want to apologize to you. I wasn't going to keep this thread going, and still have no intention on doing so, but you were only trying to help me, so I really had no right to ignore you. Normally I have a pretty thick skin to what people say over the PC that I can't see. We all know you can't feel or hear emotion over the PC, so I always try and give people the benefit of the doubt. I'm really a very intelligent person, PC's not withstanding ;) I guess it's just difficult at times when I'm having problems that I really do want to learn about without having to always run to a tech.......and without going any further here, or laying blame anywhere, most everything you said was true, and quite frankly I was just frustrated to the point of tears, so didn't even think it was worth trying anymore.

You're a good person TheSnowGuy, don't ever quit coming here or trying to help someone when everyone else has given up. I doubt leaving someone to fend for themselves is really your style anyway :)

PS. Fannymites, thank you for your input on Avast, I had no idea that could happen. Knowing that also tells me nothing else was messing with or conflicting with it :)

[TheSnowMan]

KATHY

That a girl....Kathy you can do this.....I know you can!!! An no you have no need to apologise....none at all....instead, once you master that Ye Ole Computer......pass the wisdom on by helping someone....just pass the wisdom on. Yes you are most intelligent.....with much insight...a truely great gift.
An yes Kathy...my decision to stop helping is final...times have changed......its become a battleground of mixed personalities and deferred goals....the quest for privacy has been lost......defeat has arrived......its all meaningless now. Let the egotist strike the final blow of their own defeat but I wont be around to watch.

An now as to your computer issues. The results of the system file check were favorable....no files were restored.....corrupt files would have been replaced..none were. Hey,,REAL NICE that you raised the resources.......remember to use MAXMEM......
Now, here is a program for you to install...the very last free version......AN ONCE INSTALLED DON"T DO ANYTHING ELSE>>>JUST LET IT DO ITS THING ON ITS OWN>>>>>ITS POWERFUL KATHY>>>>>AN IF IT DOES NOT HELP>>ON ITS OWN>>JUST DUMP it

http://www.freewareweb.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?ID=1188


Kathy, at the moment there is a sense of bitterness in the air.....brought about by those who wish to lock up this forum......but I wont battle nor argue with them.....they can have the forum......you are correct in that I did not want to leave without trying to assist you....now however, its at the end....you did well Kathy.....there is only so much you can do if the computer's hardware has become worn......obviously it still meets your needs an thats all that counts.......There is a website that could give you ALL the win98 tweaks and updates....if I can find the url then I'll login and send you a private message containing the url..only.


Warm Regards

TheSnowGuy/ The Snowman

[Anonymous Fan]

-{ Quote: "....you are correct in that I did not want to leave without trying to assist you....now however, its at the end" }-

Sorry to hear you're leaving, SnowGuy, I really enjoy reading your posts. Not everyone appreciates your advice, but that's because your approach is to make people THINK, and not everyone wants to do that.

Goodbye, good luck, and I hope you change your mind.

[nod32_9]

As expected, system file checker did not reveal anything NEW. There are probably multiple issues with the registry and/or other software conflicts. Most pros wouldn't even touch these problems. That's why PC vendors developed the recovery CDs.

Take the computer to a good PC shop and tell them to reformat the hard drive/reload windows. And instruct them to burn the image file of your C partition containing the newly installed operating system on a CD-R disc. You will need to pay for the imaging software (drive image 4 is small and can run from two floppy discs). If you encounter PC problem in the future, then use the image file on the CD-R disc to restore your PC to the state it was in when it left the PC store. This is essentially your recovery CD.

Restoring the image file is quite easy if you have Drive Image 4. Reboot with Drive Image (DI) floppy disc 1. The system will tell you to reload disc 2. Now instruct the system to restore the image file from the CD-R disc to the C partition on the hard drive. Reboot the PC in about 15 min to complete the restoration process.

Expect to pay a one time fee of $100 for these services.

[TheSnowGuy]

Anonymous

I am truely humbled by your words.....an grateful. An oh yes you are most correct......to awake a person"s mind to its ability is a wonderful achievement............I've no desire to be a computer wiz....heck I don't even like using computers........people..once they realize that they can solve their computer problems go on to advise others.....an the kindness..the caring and sharing gets passed on.....isn't that what its suppose to be all about.......the caring and sharing??/ Well, I guess I was wrong in believing that it was caring for each other,,,,
Every person in his own right is a leader......no one need ever settle for being a follower.........unfortunately there are those who "need" followers.....an prefer to dominate instead of educate.......


***********************************


NOD

If you notice Kathy has expressed a willingness and courage to deal with her computer issues........not once has she complained......because she is not a quiter.....but instead she is already a winner..even if she never fixes that old computer........an the good news is: SHE IS LEARNING!!!! She is doing all the things that she is instructed to do.....an doing it RIGHT!!
A re-format could well be the best way.....in time perhaps she may decide to do that.....but for now..for this moment in time....Kathy is the tech......she is the repair person......an I will give her my deepest respect for making that effort....whatever the outcome....

[nod32_9]

There's a big difference between learning and reading a recipe. Experiences tell me to take out the BIG gun if I don't fix the problem within a few days. Don't think most of those who come here are interested in starting a science project. Course I could be wrong.

[TheSnowGuy]

NOD

If one.....just one person is willing to go that extra mile......I'll take the steps to encourage the person........your experience......my experience.....stay we both began somewhere.....an it wasn't at the top.

Well..got to get some supper.......Seeya later NOD......

[Kathyhl]

TheSnowGuy, I too am deeply humbled by your words. What a great loss to everyone if you were to leave. Forget you are needed here, but let me be the first to tell you, you are most definitely wanted. I felt compelled to tell you that before I can no longer do so :( .

For some reason I'm now losing all my memory 2 minutes after the PC has been turned on. I'm hoping this post will go. I had downloaded Maxmem, and was just in the process of d/l the other you just mentioned, but I had to subscribe, then go to my e-mail client and finish there, then I was hoping it would allow me to d/l it, but alas, to much running for the e-mail client to even work. It was working fine when I turned it off last night, but when I turned it on this morning I noticed it said it was configuring the setup? I never downloaded anything yesterday, or changed anything for it to want to configure. I clicked on cntrl/alt/delete and the only thing it said was running was explorer and z/a. This has certainly come out of nowhere, but I think something good always comes from things that happen to us, so maybe me being so stubborn and wanting to keep my win98 and learn from it's problems, will end with a new PC. Not really very good timing for a new PC right now, but we get my husbands dispatch's for work via e-mail, so I may not have much of a choice.

One last thing TheSnowGuy, It's not all meaningless, you helped me, and you taught me, isn't that what giving is all about? This Forum is a better place with you in it. One day someone may ask me a question that I will be able to answer because you answered it for me, and that person could then pass on that information.........and all because you took the time to help ;) .

Thanks so much...... :)

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy


lets see if I can help out alittle


http://ftp.ntua.gr/pub/pc/winsite/win95/sysutil/anticrash5x.



executable link disabled at posters request==bigc

[gerardwil]

Snowguy,

It might be wise to tell a bit more about this exe file before putting it straight here.
Regards,

Gerard

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

As a pre-caution scan your computer with trogan Hunter...below is the direct download link...trogan hunter is payware......just discard it after scanning.

http://www.misec.net/products/TrojanHunter.
*******************


Gerard


The post was specifically addressed to Kathy....she knows what the <exe>......is



executable link disabled at posters request==bigc

[TheSnowGuy]

Gerard

Actually you are correct....posting of <exe> downloads do deserve some sort of notice......its the proper thing to do.......
Due to events of the past 24 hours here at the forum..my mood is not the best tonight....just quietly trying to help Kathy


best regards

[Kathyhl]

TheSnowGuy, thank heavens for my shortcut to Wilders on my desktop! Thank you SO much, I d/l that and will run it now.

Kathy :)

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy


Amasing what alittle team work will accomplish.......Hey...let us know if you can if the program helps.....

[TheSnowGuy]

LowWaterMark/ or Mods



Now that Kathy has downloaded the programs...please feel free to either delete or inactivate those <EXE> links..........by reading her posts its clearly seen that she was not able to download the programs without some help.

[bigc73542]

-{ Quote: "LowWaterMark/ or Mods



Now that Kathy has downloaded the programs...please feel free to either delete or inactivate those <EXE> links..........by reading her posts its clearly seen that she was not able to download the programs without some help." }-


links disabled at your request==bigc

[TheSnowGuy]

BC


THANK YOU

[hayc59]

SnowGuy, Nice work dude!! very helpful
you are an assest hear for SURE;)

[Kathyhl]

TheSnowGuy, Thank you! you have gone out of your way helping me. I was really hoping to find a Trojan or 3, but it came up clean. I then ran Ad-Aware SE, and Spybot S&D, both coming up clean. I then opened a few programs and checked my system resources (just one more thing you taught me ;) ), and my system resources still sat at 85%, however, when I went to open my e-mail, my problems started, and my resources went down to 6%. Is that strange that it would only happen there? If I got a virus, you'd think it would also reside outside of my e-mail client ??? .

NOD could be right, I could be beating a dead horse here. I "assumed" with just a few minor errors and being able to still use all my programs, I'd be the happy little camper I was before any of the problems. But who knows, maybe just a re-install of the e-mail client ;) .

One thing is for sure, I have learned a few very important things along the way, from some very nice people in here. You really shouldn't take your knowledge and wisdom away from this forum TheSnowguy, you're a great asset :D

Thanks again,

[TheSnowGuy]

HAYC59


Very kind words my friend.......there a few people here that have shown themselfs to be exceptional......you are one of those HAYC

Hope you continue looking out for these good folks.....

Very Best Regards

TheSnowGuy/The Snowman


hee hee...I was tempted to login....nawwwwwwww LOL

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: " hee hee...I was tempted to login....nawwwwwwww LOL" }-

Why not? You have many friends here. :)

[TheSnowGuy]

KATHY


WOW..now you are getting very impressive....you do realize that you are solving your computer problem..........by first lets address this..
If ever your computer drops below 40% its ready to crash....so close it down.......if your computer didn't crash when it hit 6% thats a real good sign.

Of course re-install the e mail client.....an if that does not work.....simply don't use the mail client...instead use an online e mail account........find a work around Kathy.....buy yourself some time to locate the problem......say, you do have all the M$ security updates ???
Naturally its your decision to keep the older computer or buy a new one...........86% free is very good....Mine is 75% free as this is being typed...obviously your computer is not in as bad a condition as you may think.......if you want an online e mail account post back an I'll give a link.

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

Meet your new friend SCRIPT DEFENDER.....its a script detector...install..set and forget...it uses NO resources....but jumps into action when needed.........I use it.


http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/system/sdefend.htm

[TheSnowGuy]

RONJOR

Naw...the time has come for The Snowman to melt.....hey, its was fun..some very good years....but a man needs to know when its time to go.........an my time has come.........there are good people like you...HayC and Kathy who can carry the cause.......I am tired of being flamed and arguing.......was ill for much to long to be wasting my time and life in that manner........the talk of locking the forum was the last straw.....but thats going to happen sooner or later........an I don't want any part of it......
Right now life is good with me.....a major fortune 500 company has offered me a job in management......but I want bluecollar work instead....build myself up again.......Ron, for what its worth ..you can be really proud of the advancements you made since last we spoke...an I am proud to be your friend.........

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "an I am proud to be your friend" }-

Snowguy,

You helped me once. I don't forget. I am proud to be your friend as well.

[Kathyhl]

Thank you TheSnowGuy :) . All programs are installed and functioning. The Maxmem is working great. I am going to uninstall, and re-install my e-mail client either tonight or tomorrow. (need to save a few things first) It has lots of bells and whistles, and the ability to allow me to make my own stationary, which I really like about it, but it's ability to run with so many things involved are keeping it's creators constantly putting out bug fixes, so it's never surprised me when it started acting up, I usually let the creators know, and then learned how to work around it until the newer fix came. I haven't however gone into it yet this time when I just turned the PC back on, and even though my resources started out at 86%, they did go down considerably. I never knew that a PC can crash if it dropped below 40% (something else new :D ), but I will certainly look at that in a more serious light from now on.

I do understand you not wanting to continue to be flamed, or argue with people, it was one of the main reasons I retired after only 22 years, when I wanted to put in 30. Unfortunately those reasons were all management, I was really doing some good with the public. But now I look back and see there is no one in there any longer that treats the public like I did. I'm not saying everyone is bad of course, they are not, but everyone does have their own particular way of dealing with people. I felt pretty good when I was able to help, and quite often went out of my way doing it, another conflict I had with management. But it does seem to me there are so many people in here wanting you to stay. I don't understand what "locking the forum" means, so I really can't speak to that, I only know that you've gone out of your way for me, so I'm sure I'm not alone.

Thanks again for all your help.

[nod32_9]

Perhaps someone can point to a Microsoft link that would support this statement..."If ever your computer drops below 40% its ready to crash". Resources is there for the operating system to use. W9.x runs fine with single digit resources. W9.x should remain stable as long as there aren't any conflicting software. Often, W9.x will have a difficult time managing more than 512MB or RAM.

Most W9.x machines tend to slow down around 50% resources level because they are equipped with 128MB of RAM. When you open sufficient programs to draw your resources to to 50% mark, you're also out of physical RAM. Therefore, W9.x has to use the swapfile for RAM. And we all know that it takes much longer to read data from the hard drive!

Anyone can post on the internet. Unfortunately, there are people who continue to propagate myths, without any scientific data to support their statements.

Let's see...spyware clean, trojan clean, memory issue, and email problem. If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck.... So now we're going to reload/repair Outlook Express, which is part of Internet Explorer. And Bill Gates has said that Internet Explorer is integrated into Windows!

Would have saved a lot of time and wasted energy if you followed my advice from day one.

[Kathyhl]

Nod32, I've never used Outlook, I use Incredimail. But thanks for your input.

[TheSnowGuy]

NOD32

Your comments expose a real bitterness within you.....constantly through out this thread you have been negetive.....an now rude....all without purpose........no one has offended you....but yet you continue
with the remarks.....this is very un-becoming to a person of your inteligence
Kathy has expressed real joy in what she has learned...however minor it may seem....she knows more than when she began.....an that NOD...was the intended goal. An if her gaining knowledge is some sort of threat to you......deal with it.
This time you went out of your way to be rude towards me....again without cause. There are lots of others ways that Kathy's computer could be repaired.....none of which needed your approval.....this to.. you can deal with. . This forum can use people with computer skills such as you appear to have........if you have personal issues....had a rough life....the dog bites you.....deal with it......an then move on with your life......this nonsense of being rude to others without cause.......well, think about it.
As to the 40% issue......sorry pal..but I could care less what you believe..,..I hear that yahoo messenger has a fight room.....perhaps you can try there. If instead you would care to be friendly...I will make effort to be pleasent and polite........ There are many members here who make posts simply trying to help....not everyone posts correct information...so what...they give their best....do it with a good heart....work as a team....an somehow....the job gets done. So, if you dislike people or working with people.......deal with it........there are a few wonderful members here...an they aren't going anywhere.
In the future it may be for the best that you and I not associate....,.you seem un-reasonabily bitter towards me for some un-known reason......we never met before....yet ....
I'll wish you well NOD......an suggest that if you were to chill just alittle...you would find that people would accept you alot quicker.....

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

Its been an honor sharing with you Kathy. You did exceptionally well..an thats the honest truth.....you earned that compliment.
This thread can be a good starting point......from here..you could take the knowledge as high as you want......one last comment.....its unfortunate but there is alweays those who find fault.....learn to ignor it....an proceed.
Kathy I have taken everything you and other members have said regarding my leaving.........you folks really touched my heart. I have noticed that many of the "old timers" here at the forum have already left.
As for me....I'll need to think about this......kinda a "we'll see" attitude now.
But as you can tell from my post to NOD....I consider all the petty bickering just worthless non-sense.......life is to short for such negetive stuff.
Well Kathy...consider using another e-mail client......or..if you just gotta have the one you now have...you now know what to expect......an that the sky isn't falling after all.......in time you will locate any and all issues that your computer may have......there isn't many so it seems.....an yupper your computer will putter right along down the pike....get you where you got to be................

Best Regards To You and Your Husband

TheSnowGuy/ The Snowman

*On the way out of the door...for now.....until???????

[TheSnowGuy]

Kathy

This is for YOUR personal knowledge...(on the resorce issue)



http://www.internet4classrooms.com/sysresource.htm


Low Resources

Do you ever get a warning message that says you are "dangerously low on resources" but you know you have over 128MB of memory?

Insufficient resource errors occur when Windows calculates that not enough system resources are available to perform the desired operation.

Symptoms:
Your computer becomes slow after you run and quit one or more programs.
Your mouse starts to act strange.
Your computer windows start losing their content and color.
You cannot open your programs without error messages.
Your programs are constantly interrupted with "Illegal Operation" messages or freeze repeatedly.

***continued at above link

[TheSnowGuy]

This link is placed; "in Fairness"


http://aumha.org/win4/a/resource.htm


here its commented that resources can be below 40%

************************

Whatever the readers chose to believe is their own choice..in fact I would encourage everyone to make their own decision.
If.......yes, if....a person is having a resource issue....an continues using the computer without correcting the problem......an the computer continues running badly......lets say resources are 10%...an nothing works properly.....whats the advantage??? Yet, if resources are 70% an programs are working properly.....whats the advantage?



**Well I have to leave now so wont be able to comment further....to all..good tiding.....

[nod32_9]

It appears that Incredimail may be a re-skinned version of Outlook Express. I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong. This is a feast/famine software for most users.

http://www.freewarefiles.com/review.php?categoryid=5&subcategoryid=55&programid=343&action=review

There's nothing wrong with posting your personal opinion. But don't make statement like "If ever your computer drops below 40% its ready to crash" if you cannot back it up with official microsoft link(s). Instead of addressing this credibility issue (yeah I'll give you an A+ for cheerleading), you've decided to cover your track with statements like "As to the 40% issue......sorry pal..but I could care less what you believe", "Your comments expose a real bitterness within you", and "petty bickering just worthless non-sense".

The quality of any forum is directly influenced by the accuracy of the responses. If you can provide a valid link to support your statement, then I will post an apology.

[Kathyhl]

TheSnowGuy, don't you dare leave, you're to valuable to this forum! I bookmarked the site you gave me, quickly went over it and want to follow up with it as soon as I get back from some errands. I uninstalled my e-mail account last night and re-installed, and happy to say things are much better all the way around. Incredimail can become a VERY large program in no time, and with everything it does, I have seen it conflict with a few other things I have been doing, but always hesitated to uninstall it because I've had about 3 years of things I'd collected and made in there. After my problem yesterday, I figured I no longer had a choice. It was a very good move on my part. No resource problems whatsoever.

NOD32, I don't know you, and I know you only started out wanting to help me, and for that I thank you. I'm going to be painfully honest here, and probably show a bit of stupidity on my part. If someone is trying to help me, but I don't understand, there are times that I'm actually afraid to do what they say because I won't know what I'm doing. some of the time I won't come back and say, "what does that mean?" because I know by what was said that the person will then have to back peddle 10 or 20 steps just trying to explain something else to me, that they never really expected to do. I've found that different people explain things in different ways, and in some of the things you had mentioned in the beginning, I honestly didn't understand, but was afraid to tell you, because you seemed SO intelligent to me, and I just wasn't ready to wave my stupid hat at you.

You, TheSnowGuy and myself don't know each other, but if I were to see you down somewhere and in trouble, and not knowing you, I'd stop and help you all I could. I'd do the same for TheSnowGuy or anyone else in here. I'm sure you are truly a good person, or you wouldn't be here trying to help people. You and TheSnowGuy shouldn't have to apologize for being who you are, neither one of you would be here giving of your time and advice if you both weren't good people. I may not have learned how to take this trouble making beast of a PC apart and put it back together again, but I have learned from this forum, and from you two, and as far as I'm concerned we're all winners for it.

And this is where I stand down from my podium ;) But really guys, it's a learning experience for everyone. I need to learn to not care how stupid I look, (even though that's not in my character!) but it's something I still need to do, in the meantime, I'll continue to take little steps, so one day I may be able to walk in your steps and TheSnowGuys steps.

My very best to both of you :)

Kathy

[nod32_9]

There are no stupid questions. I'd reload windows for free if you can get the unit to me with prepaid return shipping and $35 to cover for the imaging software. Of course you must show proof that you have a valid license for W98. What goes around comes around.

I'm well aware of your limited understanding of PC engineering. That's why I suggested a full format/reload of Windows. A little knowledge can be a very dangerous thing. I don't have an ax to grind against anyone on this forum. Just don't post BS claims that you cannot backup and you won't get a response from me.

A bad forum is one that's full of mis-informations disguised as FACTS.

[Kathyhl]

NOD32_9, I appreciate the offer, but even though the pc says it's registered to me, I have no supporting documents to that effect. I would assume the tech who built this for me has all that, so it does me no good.

With what I've learned in here, the programs I've downloaded, and now re-installing my e-mail client, I'm 80% better than when I first posted. I would have never gotten that far without everyone that has helped me.

Thanks to everyone :)

Kathy

[nod32_9]

If he's an honest tech, then he should have provided you with a hollographic piece of paper containing the microsoft logo and the registration key for W98/W98 upgrade.

[Kathyhl]

NOD32_9, I do believe he's an honest tech, my husband has known him since he was a kid, however, at the time I asked him to do this, I had just moved here, and was on my way to L.A. for surgery, so I just picked up the PC when I got home, never knowing I should have asked for the 98 disc or anything else. Around a year ago I realized I needed that disc, so I found him and advised him of this. His very first buisness venture (when he built my PC) didn't last long, and apparently his partner he went in with was a nightmare he just never expected. It took him a couple years to get back on his feet and into another building (alone). He never told me this when I asked him for the disc, but by the way he hesitated and his body language, I thought he might have lost it with all his moving and trying to get started again, or even the partner might have had something to do with it, so all I winded up with was a recovery disc, and I never followed up after that.

Since then I've learned, on this forum, to ask and make sure I get the full disc that comes with the PC I am buying, as I have a right to it.

Life has handed me a few lemons, including the predicament I'm in now with no disc, but I have learned to make some pretty good lemonaide ;)

Thanks,

[Bubba]

-{ Quote: "Life has handed me a few lemons, including the predicament I'm in now with no disc, but I have learned to make some pretty good lemonaide" }-Sometimes on installs of Win98....All the setup.exe\install cab files are placed in a sub-folder off of Windows. If my memory serves me correctly....they are in the C:\Windows\Options\Cabs folder ?

BTW Kathy....you have an Instant Message (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/private.php?).

[nod32_9]

Call the guy and ask him what's on the recovery disc? Does it contain the operating system and the drivers for that bastard PC?

[Kathyhl]

Thank you very much Bubba, I'll check that out :)

And on that note, I think this thread should be closed.

Thanks everyone for your help :D

Kathy

[Bubba]

-{ Quote: "Thank you very much Bubba, I'll check that out :)

And on that note, I think this thread should be closed.

Thanks everyone for your help :D

Kathy" }-

Thanks for everyones participation in this thread and as usual more than one problem was solved.

As per the thread starters request....this thread is now closed.