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General discussion

Outlook express account settings change on restart

Mar 13, 2005 7:00AM PST

After a crash when Microsoft Outlook Express 6 was running, mail account settings changed themselves - mail server became 27.0.0.1 and username became email address. Setting now reset to these duff settings whenever the machine is restarted. Tried adding a new account - both accounts now do it. Tried using the XP system restore to well before the crash - no effect. Anti-virus and anti-spyware updated and run.
Anybody got any ideas ?

Discussion is locked

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More Info
Mar 15, 2005 8:10AM PST

Sounds to me like you've got a bug. Do you get any error messages at all?

Also:

1) What kind of AV and spyware removal tools are you using?

2) Are you applying your Windows updates and patches regularly?

3) What version of XP are you running?

4) Did you add/remove anything before the problem started?

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more info
Mar 16, 2005 7:04AM PST

1) Norton Anti-virus 2004, and adaware se
2) yes
3) home edn
4) no

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Okay.
Mar 16, 2005 12:04PM PST

I would add "Spybot Search & Destroy" to your security tools, along with "Zone Alarm" (freeware is fine, no need for pro). "Hijack This!" can help you find some deeper problems, but don't delete anything if you're not sure what it is. When in doubt, Google it. There are also plenty of "Hijack This!" forums available.

Also, what browser do you usually use? The latest version of Firefox is more secure than most. You can get it from www.mozilla.org. Remember to clear out your cache, cookies, etc...every time.

Finally, what version of Java are you using? (Go to control panel and right click the Java icon.)

The idea is to keep anything from moving in or out of your system without permission (plug the holes, so to speak), then dig around and remove the problem.

*It is possible that your System Restore is screwed up...as are many things in Windows...but it doesn't sound like it.

I hope this helps you. Wink

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Okay...
Mar 16, 2005 12:34PM PST

I've been digging around a bit...and it sounds like your system has been infected by some kind of worm/trojan. The setting "27.0.0.1" seems to be some kind of instruction for your computer to listen to a certain port (or ports).

I haven't got too much info yet, but this bug seems to have been around for quite a while. Unfortunately, all the forums I've found are in "Server-speak"...so I can barely follow what these guys are trying to say! Shocked Where the heck is the rest of CNET when you need them?

Anyway, all we care about is how to toast the damn thing...right? Silly

I'll let you know what else I come up with. Wink

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When?
Mar 17, 2005 5:42AM PST

When exactly did your email crash? The newest variant of the Bagle virus was released on Feb. 28, so you might have gotten it (if it your crash happened after that date). It reconfigures your port settings in order to spread trojans.

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norton av should have picked up on that
Mar 22, 2005 3:24AM PST

Although the dating makes this a possibility, Norton AV was updated and run over a week after the 28th, so it should have picked up on a new bagle if it had been present. I will try spybot - as you note it does pick up on stuff missed by adaware.
Re-importing the account settings every time the machine is turned on is crazy

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Congratulations!
Mar 19, 2005 4:21AM PST

Congratulations on getting your issue resolved!

However, it would be nice if people like you would let the rest of us know when you've solved your problems. That way, we can move on to other things and stop searching for info on your behalf. There are too many people on CNET who ask for help, take the advice, resolve the issue...as a result of that advice or otherwise...and then forget to say, "Thanks for the help and/or effort! Problem solved!"

Is it just "individual rudeness", or is it the result of "bad parenting"? I guess we'll have to leave that question for another forum. Silly

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???????????
Mar 22, 2005 3:26AM PST

solved when????????????

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Lighten Up
Mar 22, 2005 7:18PM PST

Same question back at you:
"Is it just "individual rudeness", or is it the result of "bad parenting"