How to turn ... back on

by kyuui-chan Dec 14, 2005 6:59PM PST

First of all, please forgive me for posting this if it's posted somewhere. I know next to nothing about computers and wouldn't know the first place to look for this information.

About 24hrs ago, I got hit badly by spyware and instead of doing good, Windows Security did me more harm than good. I don't know what all it did, but I found all this in Spybot:

Windows Security Center AntivirusDisableNotify
Windows Security Center AntivirusOverride
Windows Security Center FirewallDisableNotify
Windows Security Center FirewallOverride
Windows Security Center PS2Update
Windows Security Center TaskManger
Windows Security Center UpdateDisableNotify
Windows System

Can anyone tell me how to turn all my stuff back on? Every time I try I get a 'Due to unidentified problem, Windows cannot display Windows Firewall Settings' popup.

I don't have norton, or any of that. I used the installed Windows Firewall throught my wireless connection. I can't get the preferences to come up or anything to access it.

Also, you know how if you right click on the taskbar you can access preferences? I can't get that to work either. But I can right click on the desktop and that works.

I really don't know the specifics about my system. I have Windows XP. My harddrive was made by Medion. But I'm afraid I know little more.

Discussion is locked

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As a beginning

by eddie11013 Dec 14, 2005 11:57PM PST

Have a look at the following post for how to clean up your computer if you think that you have Spyware and maybe a virus, it?s a very good start: http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6122-0.html?forumID=44&threadID=141215&messageID=1584080
In addition, a good way to find out what your system is composed of is to download and run the following program from download.com, its called Belarc Advisor. This way when people ask you what you have you can tell them and they can then better help you. http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0.html?tag=srch&qt=Belarc+Advisor&tg=dl-2001
Good luck
Eddie

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I'm not great at this, but in previous posts about this.....

by tobeach Dec 15, 2005 4:28PM PST

the main was don't panic! MOST of what you're seeing is not that you programs are turned off but rather that the "nanny nag" notifications (from Win Security) are turned off. I.E:
The pop-up that says : Go check for updates, your firewall is now on, etc. Your AV is disabled, etc.
You didn't mean to say: I have no Anti-Virus Program
(I don't have norton, or any of that) did you?? If you did, that's your # 1 priority problem ! You can get free AV protection from AVG or Avast.
To check if Firewall on: Go : Start>Control Panel (on right side of start list) click on Network Connections>
the board you see should have at top "status" below should say "firewalled" if it does your OK. If NOT:
Cursor to connection type (wireless?) & Right click on it>Left click on properties>Left click on Advanced Tab
& put check mark in box: Protect my computer.L. Click on OK at bottom and close out.
It is important when you are notified of a Virus or Spyware that you write down EXACTLY what it says:
Name of Virus/spyware, where it is (Ex: C:\windows\system32\all users etc.etc.).
Is that ALL Spybot Said?? Did you tell it to "fix problems" ?
See this post by Moderator Roddy32 about this:
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7813-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=140853&messageID=1580867
Hope this helps some. Post back with answers/results for more help & links to free programs if needed.

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The problem isn't so much... as it is...

by kyuui-chan Dec 15, 2005 5:42PM PST

The problem isn't so much 'how to turn it on' so much as 'how to get rid of the override' - if that's what the problem is. When I go to click preferences on my internet, the window comes up, but then closes right after. My father suggested I still have something on my comp, but I can't seem to find it.

The internet preferences aren't the only thing. The same thing happens with Taskbar preferences.

The other things Spybot found were a few adwares that went away along with the notices. But I still can't bring up the firewall and taskbar/internet option windows.

As for the Norton issue, I'm afraid that I don't have the money to buy it at the moment.

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You should really check for a virus

by eddie11013 Dec 16, 2005 1:36AM PST

as previously mentioned, many are for free, including AVG and Avast, which are top rated. They can be obtained at download.com, for "free". And you can do an "online" scan for free.
Only a suggestion
Eddie

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Got it, but still...

by kyuui-chan Dec 16, 2005 1:11PM PST

I got "avast!" and while it did get rid of some viruses/worms and a few Trojans, it still hasn't solved the problem.

Thank you Eddie and tobeach for your suggestions. I'm going to have it looked at by someone who works with computers and see the problems first hand. I hope to come back with news that it is fixed.

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A Good Idea. I Was Going To Suggest Same Depending.....

by tobeach Dec 16, 2005 2:01PM PST

on what you were able to post back. That Avast found virus/trojans onboard makes your symptoms much clearer.
Many attack your AV/Firewall/scanners as 1st order of business so they can complete their attack plan (backdoor for additional downloads?). Some trojans leave damage to system behind upon removal (LSP, Winsock, I.E.) I'm sure you'll get it in order soon. At least, you'll now have some protection. Good Luck and let us know !!
P.S. Please consider Free Mozilla or Firefox with Sun Java for your main browser. Will avoid many problems.

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