Overall, thinking of just rebooting . . .and starting over???

[defendandprotect]

I was just downloading one of the cleaners and noticed the area on bottom right
"Show all downloads" and it seems that the stuff I've been adding over last weeks
to try to fix my problems are still there!! But, now I guess I can find them in my files
and it seems to me this much of anything is going to screw up my computer.

I have Google Chrome as browser, I have Internet Explorer and Firefox!

Don't know that any of the problems have to do with the browser and I like Google.

I still can't watch YouTube videos unless someone else posts them on a website directly.

And I still have a "google search" page pop up EVERY time I do a search --
It keeps me from directly getting thru on a link. Keeps backing me up to the google
search form! Anyone have any idea how I can get rid of this?

The last time my computer worked right re YouTube was back in September . . . maybe I should
just do a system restore?

And what about simply rebooting and starting over -- I have the disc --
How do I do that if I want to???

Thanks for any assistance --

:)

PS: XP2000

[Why Syzygy]

1. Have you updated Flash lately?

They have version 10.32 ... something. You can use Revo uninstaller (Advanced option - remove bolded registry entries and all files it finds) to cleanly uninstall anything you don't want to keep. Some people suggest reloading the Operating System. That's a personal choice, hopefully. Before reinstalling the OS, you might try the MS online scanner, One Care Live, which I link to repeatedly here in the group.

I'm not real clear on what your issue is, other than youtube? Does it work in any of the browsers? Flash has to be updated in every browser.

[defendandprotect]

3. I update Flash every time I go into YouTube to check if I can watch a video . . .

think I'm up to #16 now . . .

I tried to go back to "restore" and evidently however my son set this thing up 3 months

ago, I can't go back -- some part of the connection must have been removed?

I think I'm going to have to go back to Internet Explorer which is the default internet

connection on my computer.

What's the "OS"?
And presume the MS is Microsoft . . .
One Care Liv .... ?

After my son made the connections for me it worked great for a month of two then everything

started to fall apart. YouTube is one of the problems.

Right now I can't do any searches because I keep getting blocked by a Google form for search.

Even when I bring up a list of topics, when I hit the link I'm back at the Goggle form!

I think I have to completely get rid of Google Chrome -- but I also use google as an alternate

mail box.

Frustrating -- !!!


Video works -- except directly on YouTube --
If someone posts a video here, I'm fine ...
If you have to link directly to YouTube -- no good!

Thank you for your attention and assistance --


:)

[struggle4progress]

2. "Rebooting" to most of us means something like "Turn the computer off, then turn it on again"

It shouldn't require a disk to do that

What do you mean XP2000? I had Windows 2000 on one machine, and XP (which was released in 2001) on another machine I bought in 2002. If you're thinking of re-installing Windows 2000 or XP, think about the support cycle: some critical updates may be unavailable or may become unavailable in the near future

If you want to do a clean install after backing up your critical files onto an external hard drive, maybe you should consider using a more modern OS: either shell out a few hundred for Windows 7, or download a free Linux OS like the latest Ubuntu or Linux Mint

[defendandprotect]

4. My disc says Microsoft Windows XP -- XP x64Edition 2000 -- ???

Well, yes, you're rebooting everytime you start the machine . . .

But, I mean going back to a clean slate --

I don't really have a lot of things on the machine to worry about --

Links I can always pick up again --

I've also found out I can't use system restore because the machine can't do it --

I've tried it from a half different points on the system.

Evidently the way my son set it up and the way it fell apart, I can't go back?

And, I often rely on system restore.

I think I have to take everything off and just start over again --

My original browser is Internet Explorer --

The way I work on a computer, however, this will probably take me a few weeks!!!

Thank you --

:evilgrin:


:)

[Why Syzygy]

5. Dump (remove) Norton

and then reassess the video issue; after you've installed the new anti virus software. OS-Operating System.

As far as I know, Flash doesn't have a version "16". Go ahead and do the above. If the issue with video still exists, next possible step is uninstall and reinstall Flash.

[defendandprotect]

6. OK . . . I'll be back . . . unfortunately!!!

:)

Thank you!

[defendandprotect]

7. Ok . . . I got rid of Norton thru my computers add/remove . . .

and I did download the new micrcrosoft security --

and the Uninstaller --

I also just had to download a firefox adblocker which seems to be working so far --

Recently, I was getting ads and a google form every time I moved on the internet --

blocking me from my yahoo mail and from internet searches.

I still can't watch YouTube videos -- and will try to uninstall all the flash downloads

I've added over time. And then try to reinstall.

I still have firefox browser downloaded on my computer --

but as far as I know I'm using either google or internet explorer . . . not sure which!!!????

Maybe this is enough for today?

Think I'll take a break and see what the computer is doing tomorrow --

I also uninstalled a Malwarebytes'malware thingy I had put on some months ago - it was free.

When I would run it was making my computer sound like a lawnmower!!

Of course, my Dell computer is about 5 years old . . . so I may be beginning from scratch soon

with a new one???

NOW . . . while I've downloaded the Revo Uninstaller . . . how do you use it?

Does it kick in automatically?

Or do I have to tell it to go back and make sure the programs I've uninstalled are gone?

:) :) :) :)

[madokie]

8. I suggest maybe you go here and download linux mint

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
download the main edition and when its done burn it to disc then put it in your cd/dvd drive and boot to it and let it install and learn a few new tricks and then quit worrying with windows. I was reluctant to do that myself but a few weeks ago I made the change and haven't looked back. I like the way you don't need anti-anything on your linux machine. Oh I know some will tell you you need this or that but read the screen while mint it installing and it tells you in plain english that you don't need any of that anti-shit nor do you need registry cleaners plus you never need to defrag your hard disk. What is there to not like about all that. Use firefox and add adblocker and you'll see speeds from your machine like you've not seen before.

Thats what I did and I'm one happy camper for having done it.


Many linux users on this board who will help you when you have questions, including myself.

I started off with a dual boot with xp but after a few days or a week or so I removed xp cause I could see I'll never need nor want to use windows again

[Why Syzygy]

9. *

[defendandprotect]

12. What does an asterisk mean in this forum?

[defendandprotect]

11. Thank you -- that seems to make so much sense -- and Windows doesn't . . .

but, at the moment I just want to get back to some reasonable situation after

6 weeks of aggravation.

Have heard a lot of good things about Linux and I hate Windows word program --

it's a major pain in the arse -- I'm always fighting some stupid feature that I don't

want.

Keep in mind I've never "burned a disc" so I think that's all something that I would

wait until after Winter Solstice to look at -- .....!!!....???

Yes . . . I have xp -- and from what I've heard of Vista was glad to have avoided that crap.

I think I understand all that you're saying, but this computer thing has already taken a

lot of my time -- makes me very nervous -- gives me high blood pressure -- and I want to get

back to other things it's been preventing me from doing. My searches have been screwed up,

for one thing, for more than a week! And a google form is still occasionally interrupting my

searches and taking me in circles. Not as often as before, but still annoying.

Thank you -- and I hope to be coming back to this discussion at some point --



:)


And, I still can't watch videos at YouTube . . .
If someone posts them directly, I can watch them, however --

[struggle4progress]

14. If you don't want to download and burn a Linux Mint disk, you can buy one for $10 or $15

One warning: you might want to check with your ISP regarding Linux support FIRST, especially if you're using dial-up or a DSL; you're probably OK if your connection if wireless or ethernet

I have no trouble connecting to the Internet via wireless or ethernet with several Linux machines -- but if you're using AOL (for example) you won't be able to do it (some people say they can do it, but it's really a gigantic pain)

Linux Mint will enable you to boot from the installation disk without installing the OS and to try out the OS to see what works on your computer and what doesn't. And there may be some peculiarities in the installation: when I installed Ubuntu on my AAO, I needed an ethernet connection to update the installation before I could get wireless to work

[defendandprotect]

15. No . . . I should probably learn how to "burn a disc" . . .

but not right now --

I don't have dial up -- what's DSL . . . I have Verison and lots of wiring --

I use Yahoo for news and e-mail -- and google for personal e-mail --

Third paragraph I'd need to dwell on for a week or two --

but I'll be back . . . !!!

:dunce:

[struggle4progress]

16. DSL = dedicated signal line: it's essentially a phone line reserved for your computer

Verizon probably also offers cable and wireless access

[defendandprotect]

17. We have cable . . .

provided now by Verizon . . .

I also still have all of the old Comcast wiring --

and while I'm here, I might as well point to both as corporatism, IMO!

We do have a land phone, still -- but our computer runs via cable.

:)

[pokerfan]

24. To burn an image CD in Windows in five easy steps

1. Download and install http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/">Infra Recorder, a free and open source image burning program.

2.Insert a blank CD in the drive and select Do nothing or Cancel.

3. Open Infra Recorder and click on the Write Image button.

4. Select the image file you want to use, then click Open.

5. In the dialog, click OK.

[defendandprotect]

27. Hi poker . . .

I'm copying your info and e-mailing it to myself for future --

thank you

:)

Meanwhile, just got a message that my "shockwave flash has crashed" . . .

any thoughts on that?


I'm starting to look like Defend&Protect SOAP OPERA of computer woes!!!

Embarrassing!!!

:blush:

[defendandprotect]

19. Hi madokie --

Will you take a look at my "not so happy now" post I've just added --

What kinds of problems were you having when you moved to Linux?

I've got so much crap loaded on my computer now ... all due to trying to work

my way out of this mess that it's frightening just to think about --

And you lose so much time fooling around with this computer nonsense -- !!!


If I did this -- IF . . . what do I do about the stuff in my "word" program . . .

It's not all necessary to save -- probably 3/4's junk --


Where do I get a "disc" to burn . . . Radio shack?

How do you know what kind you need?

Thanks --

:)

[Why Syzygy]

10. Well, no.

Revo Uninstaller needs to be used INSTEAD of Add/Remove programs in Windows. It isn't a second step. I was hoping you would use that to remove Norton since the Add/Remove leaves lots of registry entries and files behind. There is no way to use Revo after you've used Add/Remove.

I wondered about you starting that so late at night. Be sure you are fresh and well rested.

I don't know what to suggest at this point. You need a step by step analysis and solution. A shotgun approach isn't going to work here. You need a rifle approach.

Do you have Ccleaner?
Malwarebytes is highly recommended.
These utilities do different things.

What's going on today?

[defendandprotect]

13. I'm happier today ---

I seem to have a fairly well working browser . . .

The google form isn't coming up as often as before -- but it does still do it.

Needless to say, I can't put Norton back on at this point so I'm stuck with whatever

is left of it --

Is there no other Uninstaller for after the fact gum-ups???

:hide:

And . . . I'm a night person. Usually do my best work at night!

Guess just not last night!

I'm not putting Malwarebytes back on -- in fact it was free for 6 weeks or something

but it lingered . . .

I had a google chrome CARE cleaner but then they started to annoy me with ads to move up

and I've now gotten rid of that, as well.

I've used some defrag and other stuff on my machine, as well to clean up stuff.

Seems I have 80% unused space. I don't use my computer for anything serious --

it's simply informational -- communication.


But I have a lot of other things to do tonight so I'll pick this up again another time --

cause still have NOT solved the problem of YouTube not working for me.

I think I have to use the Revo Uninstaller and get rid of all the flash downloads I've

put on my machine -- and then reinstall them.

That's my main problem right now --

Glad to be able to use my search function again -- it's a bit annoying still but not the

total block it has been.

OK -- thanks for everyone's help -- and I'll be back .... unfortunately for you all!!!



:evilgrin:

[defendandprotect]

18. OK . . . NOT so happy now . . . I'm continuing to get ads popping up ...

and a notice that I have three viruses -- one severe.

Biz.rite was offering to help me scan for viruses and remove!!????

I'm looking for a FREE program for virus removal --

Anyone have any info on this?



Meanwhile, I now have this Microsoft program on my computer and it doesn't provide

virus protection????? It's recommending a whole series of pay sites!

I'm not even sure where this new microsoft program is in my computer because there's no icon and

I don't see it in my list of programs???

Yet, it seems to be there because I got part of the virus threat info from "windows" . . . ???

Why is all of this crap with computers so complicated -- here's another half day gone to fooling

around with this!


I've now put Avast on my computer and it's telling me I have to "register" -- code for PAY --

in order to get the viruses removed . . .

HELP!!!



Keep in mind, I only removed Norton/Symantec yesterday -- and either they missed three viruses

or I've gotten them since then?


I also think that I've been commenting on interference in getting to search for quite some time --

so I think I do have viruses and need to get them removed quickly.


I can pay Avast -- ????

Don't like to do that however, cause don't like to use my credit card on internet --

Used to pay Norton by check -- but that was renewal in advance.



PS: I'm also at times yesterday and today having trouble connecting to DU . . .

after many tries got back here late today --

So, I try to have DU up on a screen before I make any changes so I can get back here for help!

Has anyone else here had trouble connecting to DU -- presume it's just me???

[Why Syzygy]

20. Did you get my PM? nt

[defendandprotect]

22. Yes -- replied -- back later --

[Earth Bound Misfit]

21. Your machine is infected with all kinds of bad stuff....

"I'm looking for a FREE program for virus removal"

You already have one by what I've read previously on this thread...MalWareBytes Anti Malware, however, the type of infection(s) you APPEAR to have often are so insidious that they BLOCK this and many other anti-virus/anti-malware programs from "doing their thing".

I've been following this thread for the last couple of days with interest but haven't posted a reply until now because I do not have the tech expertise to try to "walk" you through a fix without knowing EXACTLY what types of "pop-ups" you're getting,(sounds like Rogue Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware Programs) what EXACTLY happens when you do a search and a "'google search' page pop up EVERY time I do a search", etc. By what I've read, it appears you have several problems consistent with rootkit/trojan infections: searches/homepage being redirected and or changed, several security related programs being blocked/stopped before they can attempt to scan/fix, system restore either unavailable or blocked among other problems.

I hope you are not offended by this,:hi: but it appears that your "computer tech-savvy" is somewhat limited and I would suggest to you that you get someone... a friend, family member, neighbor, etc...with a better general understanding of computers/computer "jargon" to assist you in removing these "beasts" from your machine. There are MANY FREE online forums where you can get FREE EXPERT ADVICE on how to do this, unfortunately the wait times before someone is assigned to assist you can be 1-2 weeks...or LONGER:shrug: Here's some links to a couple of good (IMO) sites:

BleepingCompter.com: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum103.html
Computer Hope.com: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=aa3bc0b05aa0542e2bbd44bb9b46c387&board=7.0
GeeksToGo (NOT to be confused w/the RIPOFF GeekSquad): http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Virus-Spyware-Trojan-Removal-f37.html

Feel free to PM me if I can be of any assistance to you in resolving your problem, I'm "rooting" for you!:pals:

EBM

ETA another good malware removal forum: TechSpot.com: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic58138.html

[defendandprotect]

23. Not offended . . . no problem . . .

This may be repeating what I've said before ...

I took Norton and Malware off the machine yesterday -- and obviously I had these

viruses while they were still supposedly working --


I would prefer a free virus REMOVAL ... they used to be around --

Just because of the credit card thing --

I haven't needed anything like this in the years I've been using a computer.

Evidently, a lot of free stuff has disappeared?

Truth be told, I think my problems have worsened every time I turn the computer over to

someone else to correct the problems.

At the moment, I allegedly put an AVAST program on my machine for $27 which .... as I recall

it was supposed to remove viruses.

Meanwhile, my opinion is growing that this is a merry-go-round to keep computer users busy and

buying products... ???

Even FREE programs are eventually badgering you to move up or buy something.

Thanks for your concern, Earthbound -- I'll keep the links and your offer to PM you in mind.

It's not like I use my computer a great deal -- it's simply for e-mail and an occasional website.

I have some stuff stored in "word" but could lose 3/4s of it and it wouldn't matter.

Oddly enough, I just got a postcard yesterday for someone to come in to fix your machine --

and my husband just mentioned to me that he knows people who have done this.


It's also difficult for me to get thru on a search -- there is constant interference by ads.

At one point I was looking for Avast, clicked onto an Avast website and ended up at McAfee???

Almost as though they are hijacking customers?

Thanks, again --









:) :) :)

[Earth Bound Misfit]

25. OOPS, you did say you removed Malwarebytes, sorry!

"I took Norton and Malware off the machine yesterday -- and obviously I had these

viruses while they were still supposedly working" --

Two points:
1) Norton S@#KS!
2) MBAM is a malware REMOVAL program, not an Anti-Virus app that runs in real-time and works to PREVENT infections.

"I would prefer a free virus REMOVAL..."

See above point #2.

Here's a list of just SOME of the TERRIFIC :thumbsup: programs (w/download links) I have installed on my machine that has cost me $0.00, and my machine is clean as a whistle and running like clockwork (which I assure you it WASN'T about 3 months ago): ;-)

Autoruns autostart program viewer for Windows v9.57 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx
Avira AntiVirus Version 9.00.01.32 http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
Belarc Advisor Version 8.1e http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html#tips
CCleaner Version 2, 26, 0, 1050 http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Defraggler Version 1, 14, 0, 159 http://www.piriform.com/defraggler
Erunt emergency registry backup & optimizer http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/
Foxit pdf Reader Version 3, 1, 4, 1125 http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/reader3.php
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Version 1.42 http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button
Online Armor Free Firewall v4.0.0.15 http://www.tallemu.com/downloads.php
RegSearch registry search tool V 2.0 http://www.xs4all.nl/~fstaal01/regsearch-us.html
Revo Uninstaller Version 1, 8, 3, 0 http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
RootkitRevealer v1.71 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897445.aspx
Secunia PSI (Personal software inspector) Version 1.5.0.1 http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
Trend Micro HijackThis Version 2.00.0002 http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

[defendandprotect]

26. Thanks for your reply . . . and sympathy . . .

:)

I just went to check NJ lottery numbers and got a message along the way

that my "Shockwave flash has crashed" . . . !!!

RE Norton and Malwarebytes'malware . . .

Yes -- Norton sucks and we were paying $50+ a year for it -- for quite a number of years.

The malwarebytes'maleware I had on the machine -- to be fair -- did tell me that I had a virus.

And, immediately followed by telling me I'd have to purchase something to remove it.

Since they had been badgering me anyway with ads to move up, I ignored it.

Shouldn't have -- but I just felt like I was being hustled.


I've picked up the info on links you've given me and e-mailed them to myself so I'll have them.

Thank you --

Meanwhile, re AVAST could never get it to download, talked with two people at their support

for a while this afternoon and got no where -- and the e-mail I got from the middle guy click/bank

re my purchase had a place where you could ask for a refund. Which I've done -- and hopefully I'll

get a confirmation on that tomorrow.

Somewhere along the line it seems this might happen frequently?

Evidently the opportunity to download is only available a short time after you order --

seems they fear duplicate downloads!!???

I'll see what happens tomorrow -- but I have a busy day tomorrow, as well so not much time to

fool with this.

Thanks -- B





:)

[defendandprotect]

28. HAPPY ENDING . . . Viruses Removed Successfully . . . !!!

Thanks to you all for your help ---

and most especially WHY SYZYGY for her wise assistance --

and constant efforts to save me from myself!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[Earth Bound Misfit]

29. GOOD for you! -n- KUDOS to WHY SYZYGY !!!!

Just in time! For a minute there I thought you were gonna :argh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfPg5LjGYz8

Who, what, where, when & most importantly, HOW?????

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[defendandprotect]

32. Was able to watch your video at YOUTUBE . . . !!!!

I'd checked a number of times as my computer improved so it wasn't

til you posted this video that I realized it was working again!!!


:party: :party: :bounce: :dunce: :hi:




PS -- for anyone else here questioning why they can't watch YouTube videos

I'd say check for a virus --

[Why Syzygy]

30. I hope you get that refund!

Any word on that?

btw .. You should never have to pay for software to keep your pc in good shape. There are plenty of 100% free options.

I hope I wasn't too hard on you ;)

[defendandprotect]

31. Haven't checked into that yet today --

but hope it will get straightened out --

At the moment, I'm making a Chile, waiting for my car which is

being serviced and trying to catch up with my non-computer things

that have to be done. Also caught up on some sleep last night.

I'll be back soon to finish final stage of "Computer For Dummies" --

Enjoy your freedom from Computer Nanny-ing for a while!



:) :) :evilgrin: :party: