HELP: Computer is whacking out (plus, need new Antivirus)

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

I'm looking into buying a new antivirus program since my computer is doing some extremely random and facked up things lately.

Right now I have AVG 7 full (unregistered) but I'm not sure if it's doin the job axactly.
I like how it uses hardly any resources though, unlike mcafee or Norton (especially).

Have you guys got suggestions?


BTW, here are some retarded things that my computer has done recently, all by itself:

-cancelled windows firewall (can't run "Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Service" even though it's already started)
when I try to run the service again it says I can't start it. I've tried the re-registering process in DOS and it still doesn't work

-my network connections have been changed from 2 different ones to just on LAN connection (net still works though)

-cannot uninstall certain programs. It says my Windows Install Service is not running.. when it is.

-firefox deleted all my bookmarks.. out of nowhere. It also got rid of google as a search option in the top right bar. I cannot add google back into it either

-I can't run Mudbox (a 3D graphics program) all of a sudden

-my computer takes 1/4 longer to boot up (hangs at the blue "Windows is starting" screen)

-out of nowhere I couldn't open MP3's by just double clicking on them.. I had to right click, open with


there are numerous other ****ed up things but I can't remember them all..

Any info or suggestions would be appreciated (that don't require a format/re-install of windows... that would take so goddam long since I have an insane amount of small programs/codecs/tweaks/services)

[vortex19103]

Just posted same thing below for Klickinator...

http://www.webroot.com/shoppingcart/...f57b9b3a1bb0be (http://www.webroot.com/shoppingcart/tryme.php?bjpc=64021&vcode=DT02A&WRSID=c6307f896b793f913bf57b9b3a1bb0be)

Click here to download Webroot Spysweeper's free scanner. It will not fix anything but it will tell you what you have and if it is repairable.

I am working with Webroot sales to purchase more licenses on Monday 18th, (2 year lic versions 2008-2010) so if you want to purchase let me know and I will get some extra's, post the download on my website and email you the key...

9 times out of 10 it is a Spyware/Adware problem, and I prefer Norton AV or Norton Internet Security 2005 or higher.

Stay away from Norton System Works, eats all system resources and McAfee - all programs suck. I have a 3 kit (antivirus, spyware, and x) that I didn't even install and it in garage.

P.S. how much ram do you have...256, 512 or more...

[antigen]

also...

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Free virus scanning, it's online, from a reputable company, and it works.

[CHUCKBilly]

Do you have a hardware firewall?

[Gruthar]

Sounds like your registry is quite messed up... question is, what's the culprit?

It may be worth your while to run a diagnostic on your hard drive to make sure it's not dying. Running chkdsk /r will also indicate if there's a problem with the hard disk and may be able to fix some stuff.

Alternatively, you could've picked up some sort of malware that has chewed up your registry.

All I can think of ATM, good luck!

[GroovyDude]

I was a norton AV user for years and frankly it's pricey bloatware. I've been using Avast! AV (free) for about 8 months or so now and have been generally happy with it.

http://www.avast.com

[Multiplex]

The question that immediately springs to mind is: "What program(s) have you downloaded from questional sources and installed."

The only reason I ask is because if you go through the effort of fixing all that you might just nuke it again when you reinstall stuff.

[CHUCKBilly]

I was a norton AV user for years and frankly it's pricey bloatware. I've been using Avast! AV (free) for about 8 months or so now and have been generally happy with it.

http://www.avast.com

Thing about the free stuff is it doesnt give you access to the full capability of the package. :hump:

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

@Gruth: Yeah I just bought a program called registry booster, it cleans out all the trash (my first scan got rid of 370 entries).
I'll run chkdsk though.

@Groovy: Yeah I have AVG free, I know I'll need to buy a full AV program soon so i can get all the features like chuck said.

@Chuck: no, I don't have a hardware firewall.


BTW, I still can't run the windows firewall service.. fack