Mixed software events - maybe a hardware problem?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by newbino, Feb 3, 2016.

  1. newbino

    newbino Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2007
    Posts:
    464
    Hi, I am running Win 7 x64.

    I have recently (last 10 days or so) been experiencing a series of apparently unconnected software events, and I am beginning to wonder if there might be a common hardware problem at root. In that time period, I have neither installed any new software nor Windows updates

    The problems:
    • Windows Firewall Control would not register my input to allow a new installer to connect to the net
    • Exe Radar Pro does not register my whitelisting of an updated application
    • This is the major one: I am experiencing *intermittent* problems with my keyboard, that is, occasionally when I type some characters are skipped and some out of order - this has happened mostly with Thunderbird and also with Word, but is not replicable, as for example it has not happened in the last few hours but it did at the start of the day
    What I have done so far:
    • run Scannow
    • run Chkdsk
    • checked the Event Viewer - to my untrained eyes there is no specific problem there
    • checked the region and language settings
    • the (wireless) keyboard shows battery level good, wireless signal excellent
    • run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
    I am wondering if somebody can give me a clue on how to proceed. I am going to post the specific problems connected to the two security softwares in the respective threads, but it feels like there is something else going on

    thanks!
     
  2. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Location:
    Nebraska, USA
    That is normal. If you downloaded and installed a program, Windows Firewall is going to assume you, as the user, authorized this. And the assumption can be made that your anti-malware program not only scanned this program when you downloaded it, but is still scanning for malicious activity in real as you installed and run the program.

    Exe Radar Pro is new to me and I try to keep aware of security programs. Google does not show me any reason to use it either. Is this your primary antimalware solution. With W7, I used and still recommend MSE with supplemental scanning with MBAM. In fact, I recommend MBAM regardless your primary antimalware solution.

    I would try a different keyboard too (after scanning with MBAM) and see if problem persists.
     
  3. newbino

    newbino Registered Member

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    Thanks Bill for your reply, I am referring to Windows Firewall *Control* which asks you to authorize new connections https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/windows-firewall-control-4.347370

    You may want to read about it here https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/new-antiexecutable-novirusthanks-exe-radar-pro.300552/ it's a very effective anti-executable

    I scan daily with HitmanPro and weekly with MBAM. Having said that, my problem is that I cannot replicate the keyboard issue, as stated
     
  4. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Location:
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    Sorry. I forgot there was a program called Windows Firewall Control. I have never seen a need for it so am afraid I cannot help you with that.

    I did read some of that thread about Exe Radar Prop (but not all 202 pages!) It does sound nice but W7, W8 and especially W10 are not XP. We don't have to install all sorts of advanced security programs to remain safe. If you keep Windows updated, don't participate in risky behavior like filesharing via torrents or P2P sites, don't visit illegal pornography or gambling sites, and not "click-happy" on unsolicited links, downloads, and attachments, a basic anti-malware solution like MSE/WD, Windows Firewall, and supplemental scanning with MBAM just to make sure is just fine.

    Now the user is always the weakest link, so if there are multiple users of the system, and not all are so security aware, or disciplined, then extra security may be needed.

    Anyway, you might ask your questions about Exe Radar Pro and WFC in those two threads. I think then you will get some applicable advice.

    As for your keyboard, intermittent problems that cannot be duplicated at will are the most difficult to troubleshoot - for obvious reasons. So again, I would try another keyboard to see if the problem surfaces again.
     
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