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SP3 issues

P

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (NG problems.)

1. Try disabling the Communities "feechur" in Windows Mail.

2. Please do NOT edit the subject when replying to an ongoing thread.


Ronin wrote:
> For some reason, I can only post to this sub-thread. I can't post any
> replies to Pa Bear or Daave, and some guy named Jose posted a reply that
> also doesn't show up here (directly subscribed to msnews.)
>
> So anybody who wants to continue with me probably ought to head over to
> Google. http://preview.tinyurl.com/yaveerk
>
> In any case, I will repost my replies to Daave and Pa here in this
> sub-thread. Maybe that will cover it.
>
>
> "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:e$KSm2bsKHA.1796@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Ronin wrote:
>>> The system is snail-slow all the time. It's only when I leave that
>>> ton of stuff in the Startup queue that it takes ten minutes to load
>>> (maybe more like 20!), and is so slow that I keep expecting a bunch
>>> "Not responding" messages. Of course, it's so bogged down, maybe
>>> those messages are trying to appear and never actually make it to
>>> the screen, ;-)With the startup queue disabled entirely, it loads
>>> as fast as I'd expect under these conditions.
>>> As noted in my reply to Shenan, I loathe both Hibernate and
>>> Standby. And I'm installing 2GB of RAM when I get back from running
>>> chores later, so I figure that problem will disappear.
>>>
>>> You may be able to run XP on 256MB of RAM, I may be able to run XP
>>> on 256GB of RAM (though I of course couldn't get any real work
>>> done, being in the graphic arts business), but this is XP Home
>>> Premium, with Media Center or whatever it's called, and while he
>>> doesn't store much on the HD, he obviously uses it fairly often to
>>> listen, watch and burn. Plus, as I said in my reply to Shenan, why
>>> would anybody want to practice such stinginess when you can buy two
>>> gigs for 50 bucks?
>>
>> I think you went overkill with the RAM - my bet - you won't even use up
>> 1GB. You *might* make it to 768MB, but my bet would be between 384MB and
>> 640MB actually used. Not that I wouldn't have probably just bought as
>> much as the machine would take, myself - just that I don't think it is
>> really going to speed up much of anything on that system in the long run.
>> ;-)
>>
>> --
>> Shenan Stanley
>> MS-MVP
>> --
>> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
 
J

Jose

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (reply to Daave)

On Feb 19, 10:53 pm, "Ronin" <wanderer> wrote:
> Figures that as soon as I whined, the rest of my posts would show up. Don't
> see the one for Pa Bear yet, nor the post from Jose. Strange days indeed.
>
> --
> Ronin
>
> "Daave" <da...@example.com> wrote in message
>
> news:3PidnenOLaLPyuLWnZ2dnUVZ_oSdnZ2d@cavtel.net...
>
>
>
> > No worries. I finally saw your other post. :) Here's my reply:
>
> >http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg...
>
> > Ronin wrote:
> >> Daave, as noted elsewhere, I seem to be restricted to this sub-thread
> >> and can't post replies to you or Pa Bear. Google Groups shows
> >> everything, but I figure I'll try one more trick here. Replies are
> >> inline.
>
> >> Thanks for your interest and assistance, Daave
>
> > You're welcome, Ronin.

I doubt anybody is filtering posts and why would they just pick on
some people and nobody else?

I would recommend reading the Jose post following your message of SP3
installation experience.
 
D

Daave

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (reply to Daave)

Jose wrote:
> On Feb 19, 10:53 pm, "Ronin" <wanderer> wrote:
>> Figures that as soon as I whined, the rest of my posts would show
>> up. Don't see the one for Pa Bear yet, nor the post from Jose.
>> Strange days indeed.
>>
>> --
>> Ronin
>>
>> "Daave" <da...@example.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news:3PidnenOLaLPyuLWnZ2dnUVZ_oSdnZ2d@cavtel.net...
>>
>>
>>
>>> No worries. I finally saw your other post. :) Here's my reply:
>>
>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg...
>>
>>> Ronin wrote:
>>>> Daave, as noted elsewhere, I seem to be restricted to this
>>>> sub-thread and can't post replies to you or Pa Bear. Google Groups
>>>> shows everything, but I figure I'll try one more trick here.
>>>> Replies are inline.
>>
>>>> Thanks for your interest and assistance, Daave
>>
>>> You're welcome, Ronin.
>
> I doubt anybody is filtering posts and why would they just pick on
> some people and nobody else?

There is no person filtering, but it is occuring (automatically). Simply
compare the Google Group versus the MS news server feed.
 
R

Ronin

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (NG problems.)

1. After looking high and low for any mention of "Communities", I finally
bit my tongue and consulted Help. I am not subscribed to any "Communities"
and as I said, I see absolutely no mention of them in Windows Mail
whatsoever. Is there something else I should do?

2. I am not in the habit of changing subject lines, but I was intent upon
getting the best advice possible, including from you (heck, especially from
you), and not seeing them show up was more than a little frustrating. Not
something I was used to seeing here back when I was more active. Catching
your eye with an addendum to the subject seemed the best way to proceed. My
apologies.

--
Ronin

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:e6AAkFgsKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> 1. Try disabling the Communities "feechur" in Windows Mail.
>
> 2. Please do NOT edit the subject when replying to an ongoing thread.
>
>
> Ronin wrote:
>> For some reason, I can only post to this sub-thread. I can't post any
>> replies to Pa Bear or Daave, and some guy named Jose posted a reply that
>> also doesn't show up here (directly subscribed to msnews.)
>>
>> So anybody who wants to continue with me probably ought to head over to
>> Google. http://preview.tinyurl.com/yaveerk
>>
>> In any case, I will repost my replies to Daave and Pa here in this
>> sub-thread. Maybe that will cover it.
>>
>>
>> "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:e$KSm2bsKHA.1796@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> Ronin wrote:
>>>> The system is snail-slow all the time. It's only when I leave that
>>>> ton of stuff in the Startup queue that it takes ten minutes to load
>>>> (maybe more like 20!), and is so slow that I keep expecting a bunch
>>>> "Not responding" messages. Of course, it's so bogged down, maybe
>>>> those messages are trying to appear and never actually make it to
>>>> the screen, ;-)With the startup queue disabled entirely, it loads
>>>> as fast as I'd expect under these conditions.
>>>> As noted in my reply to Shenan, I loathe both Hibernate and
>>>> Standby. And I'm installing 2GB of RAM when I get back from running
>>>> chores later, so I figure that problem will disappear.
>>>>
>>>> You may be able to run XP on 256MB of RAM, I may be able to run XP
>>>> on 256GB of RAM (though I of course couldn't get any real work
>>>> done, being in the graphic arts business), but this is XP Home
>>>> Premium, with Media Center or whatever it's called, and while he
>>>> doesn't store much on the HD, he obviously uses it fairly often to
>>>> listen, watch and burn. Plus, as I said in my reply to Shenan, why
>>>> would anybody want to practice such stinginess when you can buy two
>>>> gigs for 50 bucks?
>>>
>>> I think you went overkill with the RAM - my bet - you won't even use up
>>> 1GB. You *might* make it to 768MB, but my bet would be between 384MB and
>>> 640MB actually used. Not that I wouldn't have probably just bought as
>>> much as the machine would take, myself - just that I don't think it is
>>> really going to speed up much of anything on that system in the long
>>> run.
>>> ;-)
>>>
>>> --
>>> Shenan Stanley
>>> MS-MVP
>>> --
>>> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
>>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
 
P

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (NG problems.)

You will find support for still-in-beta Windows Mail (i.e., disabling the
Communities feature) in this public newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail


Ronin wrote:
> 1. After looking high and low for any mention of "Communities", I finally
> bit my tongue and consulted Help. I am not subscribed to any "Communities"
> and as I said, I see absolutely no mention of them in Windows Mail
> whatsoever. Is there something else I should do?
>
> 2. I am not in the habit of changing subject lines, but I was intent upon
> getting the best advice possible, including from you (heck, especially
> from
> you), and not seeing them show up was more than a little frustrating. Not
> something I was used to seeing here back when I was more active. Catching
> your eye with an addendum to the subject seemed the best way to proceed.
> My
> apologies.
>
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:e6AAkFgsKHA.4220@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> 1. Try disabling the Communities "feechur" in Windows Mail.
>>
>> 2. Please do NOT edit the subject when replying to an ongoing thread.
>>
>>
>> Ronin wrote:
>>> For some reason, I can only post to this sub-thread. I can't post any
>>> replies to Pa Bear or Daave, and some guy named Jose posted a reply that
>>> also doesn't show up here (directly subscribed to msnews.)
>>>
>>> So anybody who wants to continue with me probably ought to head over to
>>> Google. http://preview.tinyurl.com/yaveerk
>>>
>>> In any case, I will repost my replies to Daave and Pa here in this
>>> sub-thread. Maybe that will cover it.
>>>
>>>
>>> "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:e$KSm2bsKHA.1796@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> Ronin wrote:
>>>>> The system is snail-slow all the time. It's only when I leave that
>>>>> ton of stuff in the Startup queue that it takes ten minutes to load
>>>>> (maybe more like 20!), and is so slow that I keep expecting a bunch
>>>>> "Not responding" messages. Of course, it's so bogged down, maybe
>>>>> those messages are trying to appear and never actually make it to
>>>>> the screen, ;-)With the startup queue disabled entirely, it loads
>>>>> as fast as I'd expect under these conditions.
>>>>> As noted in my reply to Shenan, I loathe both Hibernate and
>>>>> Standby. And I'm installing 2GB of RAM when I get back from running
>>>>> chores later, so I figure that problem will disappear.
>>>>>
>>>>> You may be able to run XP on 256MB of RAM, I may be able to run XP
>>>>> on 256GB of RAM (though I of course couldn't get any real work
>>>>> done, being in the graphic arts business), but this is XP Home
>>>>> Premium, with Media Center or whatever it's called, and while he
>>>>> doesn't store much on the HD, he obviously uses it fairly often to
>>>>> listen, watch and burn. Plus, as I said in my reply to Shenan, why
>>>>> would anybody want to practice such stinginess when you can buy two
>>>>> gigs for 50 bucks?
>>>>
>>>> I think you went overkill with the RAM - my bet - you won't even use up
>>>> 1GB. You *might* make it to 768MB, but my bet would be between 384MB
>>>> and
>>>> 640MB actually used. Not that I wouldn't have probably just bought as
>>>> much as the machine would take, myself - just that I don't think it is
>>>> really going to speed up much of anything on that system in the long
>>>> run.
>>>> ;-)
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Shenan Stanley
>>>> MS-MVP
>>>> --
>>>> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
>>>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
 
P

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (reply to Daave)

Daave wrote:
<snip>
>> I doubt anybody is filtering posts and why would they just pick on
>> some people and nobody else?
>
> There is no person filtering, but it is occuring (automatically). Simply
> compare the Google Group versus the MS news server feed.

Posts aren't going missing due to Filtering, they're going missing because
of the ongoing (i.e., since 2Q09) problem keeping the master and slave
newsservers in synchronization. When you open this or any other
heavily-trafficked newsgroup and find scores of new posts, the newssevers
have been syncing properly. When you open the same newsgroup(s) 12-24 hours
later and find only a handful of posts, syncing is horked again.

No amount of bitching & griping to the Power That Be have made any
difference.

PS: /No one/ is monitoring the synchronization between 5 PM PT Friday and 9
AM PT Monday or on any holidays!!
 
S

Sam Ronin

Flightless Bird
On Feb 19, 6:06 am, Jose <jose_e...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 4:32 am, "Ronin" <wanderer> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > A friend's son's machine is relatively new for XP (2005), but it is sorely
> > lacking in RAM, something that will be remedied as soon as Crucial delivers
> > on Monday. It was also wildly inundated with spyware, etc., but no viruses
> > according to Avast! Took a couple of days, but it seems relatively clean
> > now. Probably some permanent damage, but clean reinstall is something I'm
> > trying to avoid.
>
> > Meanwhile, being an impatient sort of person, I still tried to install SP3
> > before upping the RAM. The install failed at first due to permissions issues
> > which I thought I had remedied using SUBINACL as described here:http://www.askvg.com/windows-xp-service-pack-3-sp3-setup-error-access...
>
> > The install actually finished after several hours -- 256MB RAM for WinXP is
> > a
> > crime, Dell should be held responsible for even allowing such a
> > configuration. Anyway, when I rebooted, it showed itself updating things
> > before logging on (the way Windows Updates often do.) But after loggingon,
> > two command windows popped up. One did whatever and went away quickly, but
> > the other one showed a dozen or two responses, all of them "Access denied"
> > (may not be the exact phrase.)
>
> > I plan to reinstall SP3 when the new RAM arrives (unless that is
> > contraindicated), but I suspect that won't solve this issue. My assumption
> > is that the errors mean that the install wasn't entirely successful, but I'm
> > not stuck on that. Maybe the responses are expected in certain
> > circumstances. Still, if there is anything more I can do to ensure a clean
> > installation, please tell me all about it (or them.)
>
> > Much thanks,
>
> > --
> > Ronin
>
> You did not mention if you followed the SP3 installation directions.
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

I did check that page, and the only thing that isn't SOP is the issue
about the two updates that need to be uninstalled. They're not
installed so that was that. I checked the error listings, and while it
gave me hints about earlier permissions errors, they don't appear to
cover my issue, the question about the post logon scripts. I later saw
the issue of DoRegistryUpdates failing, but only after I'd already
dealt with it based upon info from the site I mentioned in my first
post. It's fixed by installing SUBINACL.

> It includes solutions to the access denied issues that come about by
> not following the recommended installation procedures, why they happen
> and what to do about it.


> You should not need to download any third party solutions, ideas, etc.
> to install SP3.
>
> I would think that if I got a single error that defied explanation
> during any SP3 install, I would just start over.

Which I did, at least four times. Each time I researched and remedied
the error. It's just that this last time when the installation went
through to the end and I rebooted and then saw one console for a
couple of seconds with no text showing (usually normal), and then the
second console window that listed one "access denied" message after
another -- it's got me stumped. Daave says that if the winver says
it's SP3 then SP3 it is, but it just nags me that all those commands
returned those errors. Makes me feel all cold and clammy.

> I would recommend expanding your malicious software detection horizons
> a bit.  No single program knows about everything and it is easy for me
> to infect my computer on purpose and Avast! will miss some infections
> every time.  It is not terribly bright about some things, and I have
> concluded it is weak, a system resource hog and a waste of time.  But
> that is my opinion.

I agree that no one program can catch all viruses. And when there's
any question I run lots of various scans with the usual players. But
you can only run one AV background scanner at a time, and Avast has
proven to be (in my own experience), easy to use and dirt cheap (hard
to beat a price of $0). I don't know what tests or comparisons you've
run, but I'd be interested in seeing the results, and knowing what
things you're talking about that Avast! isn't too bright about? As for
being a system resource hog, I'm not clear on your meaning. You can't
be talking about Windows Resources from the 9x models. Do you mean
RAM? Or is there some other part of the architecture you're referring
to?

> Depending on your Avast! installation options and what pieces you
> chose to install (or did you just let it install everything?), you
> probably have a bunch of Avast! things running you do not need and can
> thwart an SP3 installation and reduce your performance - a lot.  If
> you decide to stick with Avast! you may want to uninstall it all,
> clean up the mess and   then uninstall/reinstall SP3 properly so there
> are no errors (using the directions), then rethink how to install
> Avast! again with less overhead for your system resources.

Avast is no different from most major-brand AVs and their "pile it
higher" mentality. In fact it's rather at the top of the list in this
regard when comparing "suites". And no, I don't install all scanners.
Even if they are all installed, I generally only enable Standard, Web,
and Network scanners. For home users, I often don't even bother to
install that last one if the home's machines aren't sharing. On the
other hand, the owner of this machine needs as much protection from
himself as I can build into it, so I'll enable the rest of the shields
as well, except the mail shield which I'm pretty sure is unnecessary
when there's no local email client being used. Heck, it's unnecessary
even when there *is* a local email client and the user is minmally
educated, but like I said...

> 256MB RAM is fine for some people.  It has served me well for many
> years but I run a pretty lean configuration.
>
> You do not want your system to be relatively clean, you want it to be
> squeaky clean.

1. It's not my machine, thank Gates.
2. The owner is very likely to have this thing reinfected to the gills
within weeks, anyway, even after a perfectly clean install and as much
protection as I can pile on. If relatively clean manages to pass my
own tests, it's going to have to be good enough, at least until I have
more spare time to do it right and to give the guy the training he
needs.

> Perform some scans for malicious software, then fix any remaining
> issues:
>
> Download, install, update and do a full scan with these free malware
> detection programs:
>
> Malwarebytes (MBAM):  http://malwarebytes.org/
> SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS):  http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
> They can be uninstalled later if desired.
>
> If you want some ideas about your configuration, start here:
>
> To eliminate questions and guessing, please provide additional
> information about your system.
>
> Click Start, Run and in the box enter:
>
> msinfo32
>
> Click OK, and when the System Summary info appears, click Edit, Select
> All, Copy and then paste the information back here.
>
> There will be some personal information (like System Name and User
> Name), and whatever appears to be private information to you, just
> delete it from the pasted information

I don't see anything there that could possibly be of any further use.
Just a couple of things that have already been covered quite a bit
(RAM and WINVER). But thanks! I didn't respond to your post earlier
because it didn't show up on the msnews servers. I really am
interested in a more detailed account of your experiences with Avast,
and I know it's time I did another massive review of the field. Last
one I did was four years ago, having been out of the business
(actually more like outside civil society altogether).

Thanks again,

--
Ronin
 
S

Sam Ronin

Flightless Bird
On Feb 19, 7:34 pm, "20100220" <20100...@discussions.microsoft.com>
wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_h...@earthlink.net> wrote in messagenews:uo1qOtdsKHA.4752@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>
> > Based on what, I wonder?
>
> Based on whether you are insulting Microsoft Valuable Pigs (MVPs)  as
> Scum-Sucking Pigs or questioning the solutions provided by MVPs even if they
> are blatantly wrong.  If you treat all MVPs as your gods then all your
> messages will be posted otherwise they are likely to be censored without
> giving any reasons.

Ooooohhh... Sombowy got his feelings hurt... 'Course, he's a bit on
the schizo side... I think I'll choose your advice over that of the
MVPs. Got any? Let's trade!

--
Ronin
 
J

Jose

Flightless Bird
On Feb 20, 6:23 pm, Sam Ronin <samroni...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 6:06 am, Jose <jose_e...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Feb 19, 4:32 am, "Ronin" <wanderer> wrote:
>
> > > A friend's son's machine is relatively new for XP (2005), but it is sorely
> > > lacking in RAM, something that will be remedied as soon as Crucial delivers
> > > on Monday. It was also wildly inundated with spyware, etc., but no viruses
> > > according to Avast! Took a couple of days, but it seems relatively clean
> > > now. Probably some permanent damage, but clean reinstall is somethingI'm
> > > trying to avoid.
>
> > > Meanwhile, being an impatient sort of person, I still tried to install SP3
> > > before upping the RAM. The install failed at first due to permissionsissues
> > > which I thought I had remedied using SUBINACL as described here:http://www.askvg.com/windows-xp-service-pack-3-sp3-setup-error-access...
>
> > > The install actually finished after several hours -- 256MB RAM for WinXP is
> > > a
> > > crime, Dell should be held responsible for even allowing such a
> > > configuration. Anyway, when I rebooted, it showed itself updating things
> > > before logging on (the way Windows Updates often do.) But after logging on,
> > > two command windows popped up. One did whatever and went away quickly, but
> > > the other one showed a dozen or two responses, all of them "Access denied"
> > > (may not be the exact phrase.)
>
> > > I plan to reinstall SP3 when the new RAM arrives (unless that is
> > > contraindicated), but I suspect that won't solve this issue. My assumption
> > > is that the errors mean that the install wasn't entirely successful, but I'm
> > > not stuck on that. Maybe the responses are expected in certain
> > > circumstances. Still, if there is anything more I can do to ensure a clean
> > > installation, please tell me all about it (or them.)
>
> > > Much thanks,
>
> > > --
> > > Ronin
>
> > You did not mention if you followed the SP3 installation directions.
>
> >http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
> I did check that page, and the only thing that isn't SOP is the issue
> about the two updates that need to be uninstalled. They're not
> installed so that was that. I checked the error listings, and while it
> gave me hints about earlier permissions errors, they don't appear to
> cover my issue, the question about the post logon scripts. I later saw
> the issue of DoRegistryUpdates failing, but only after I'd already
> dealt with it based upon info from the site I mentioned in my first
> post. It's fixed by installing SUBINACL.
>
> > It includes solutions to the access denied issues that come about by
> > not following the recommended installation procedures, why they happen
> > and what to do about it.
> > You should not need to download any third party solutions, ideas, etc.
> > to install SP3.
>
> > I would think that if I got a single error that defied explanation
> > during any SP3 install, I would just start over.
>
> Which I did, at least four times. Each time I researched and remedied
> the error. It's just that this last time when the installation went
> through to the end and I rebooted and then saw one console for a
> couple of seconds with no text showing (usually normal), and then the
> second console window that listed one "access denied" message after
> another -- it's got me stumped. Daave says that if the winver says
> it's SP3 then SP3 it is, but it just nags me that all those commands
> returned those errors. Makes me feel all cold and clammy.
>
> > I would recommend expanding your malicious software detection horizons
> > a bit.  No single program knows about everything and it is easy for me
> > to infect my computer on purpose and Avast! will miss some infections
> > every time.  It is not terribly bright about some things, and I have
> > concluded it is weak, a system resource hog and a waste of time.  But
> > that is my opinion.
>
> I agree that no one program can catch all viruses. And when there's
> any question I run lots of various scans with the usual players. But
> you can only run one AV background scanner at a time, and Avast has
> proven to be (in my own experience), easy to use and dirt cheap (hard
> to beat a price of $0). I don't know what tests or comparisons you've
> run, but I'd be interested in seeing the results, and knowing what
> things you're talking about that Avast! isn't too bright about? As for
> being a system resource hog, I'm not clear on your meaning. You can't
> be talking about Windows Resources from the 9x models. Do you mean
> RAM? Or is there some other part of the architecture you're referring
> to?
>
> > Depending on your Avast! installation options and what pieces you
> > chose to install (or did you just let it install everything?), you
> > probably have a bunch of Avast! things running you do not need and can
> > thwart an SP3 installation and reduce your performance - a lot.  If
> > you decide to stick with Avast! you may want to uninstall it all,
> > clean up the mess and   then uninstall/reinstall SP3 properly so there
> > are no errors (using the directions), then rethink how to install
> > Avast! again with less overhead for your system resources.
>
> Avast is no different from most major-brand AVs and their "pile it
> higher" mentality. In fact it's rather at the top of the list in this
> regard when comparing "suites". And no, I don't install all scanners.
> Even if they are all installed, I generally only enable Standard, Web,
> and Network scanners. For home users, I often don't even bother to
> install that last one if the home's machines aren't sharing. On the
> other hand, the owner of this machine needs as much protection from
> himself as I can build into it, so I'll enable the rest of the shields
> as well, except the mail shield which I'm pretty sure is unnecessary
> when there's no local email client being used. Heck, it's unnecessary
> even when there *is* a local email client and the user is minmally
> educated, but like I said...
>
> > 256MB RAM is fine for some people.  It has served me well for many
> > years but I run a pretty lean configuration.
>
> > You do not want your system to be relatively clean, you want it to be
> > squeaky clean.
>
> 1. It's not my machine, thank Gates.
> 2. The owner is very likely to have this thing reinfected to the gills
> within weeks, anyway, even after a perfectly clean install and as much
> protection as I can pile on. If relatively clean manages to pass my
> own tests, it's going to have to be good enough, at least until I have
> more spare time to do it right and to give the guy the training he
> needs.
>
>
>
>
>
> > Perform some scans for malicious software, then fix any remaining
> > issues:
>
> > Download, install, update and do a full scan with these free malware
> > detection programs:
>
> > Malwarebytes (MBAM):  http://malwarebytes.org/
> > SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS):  http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
> > They can be uninstalled later if desired.
>
> > If you want some ideas about your configuration, start here:
>
> > To eliminate questions and guessing, please provide additional
> > information about your system.
>
> > Click Start, Run and in the box enter:
>
> > msinfo32
>
> > Click OK, and when the System Summary info appears, click Edit, Select
> > All, Copy and then paste the information back here.
>
> > There will be some personal information (like System Name and User
> > Name), and whatever appears to be private information to you, just
> > delete it from the pasted information
>
> I don't see anything there that could possibly be of any further use.
> Just a couple of things that have already been covered quite a bit
> (RAM and WINVER). But thanks! I didn't respond to your post earlier
> because it didn't show up on the msnews servers. I really am
> interested in a more detailed account of your experiences with Avast,
> and I know it's time I did another massive review of the field. Last
> one I did was four years ago, having been out of the business
> (actually more like outside civil society altogether).
>
> Thanks again,
>
> --
> Ronin

Experiences are different for different environments. I just know
what gets me the most bang for my buck with the least amount of effort
and consistent reliable results so when I get done, I know I'm done.

I can usually find something I don't like about most everything and
have to bite my tongue a lot!

If a system gets afflicted, it usually ends up being a self inflicted
wound. I just fix 'em.

Rotsa ruck!
 
2

20100220

Flightless Bird
Sam Ronin wrote:
>

> Ooooohhh... Sombowy got his feelings hurt... 'Course, he's a bit on
> the schizo side... I think I'll choose your advice over that of the
> MVPs. Got any? Let's trade!

I have read your initial email and have noted that the whole problem
started with machine being infected with viruses of all kinds. This
being the case, the only solution is to start from scratch by
re-installing the OS and all other applications. I know that you want
to avoid doing this but there is no point in wasting any more time in
trying to get a solution because there isn't one!

You can install SP3 with only 256 MB of Ram. In your case you will be
better off doing a slipstream of SP3 and then installing the OS from the
new CD. The full instructions are here:

<http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp3_cd.htm>

As far as anti-virus software is concerned, I strongly recommend you to
use AVAST (version 5 - this is the latest -
<http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2239_4-10019223&ontId=2239_4&spi=4760315f46254456ce15dab0ea583ab1&lop=link&tag=tdw_dltext&ltype=dl_dlnow&pid=11267557&mfgId=85737&merId=85737&pguid=KyCWQgoPjF8AAGk0UrwAAAAe&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2239_4-10019223.html%3Fspi%3D4760315f46254456ce15dab0ea583ab1%26part%3Ddl-85737>)
and Microsoft Security Essentials:
<http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials>

The reason you need to start all over again is because the system has
become completely unstable and for that there is no other solution.

hth
 
P

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Flightless Bird
Sam Ronin wrote:
> On Feb 19, 7:34 pm, "20100220" <20100...@discussions.microsoft.com>
> wrote:
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_h...@earthlink.net> wrote in
>> messagenews:uo1qOtdsKHA.4752@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>
>>> Based on what, I wonder?
>>
>> Based on whether you are insulting Microsoft Valuable Pigs (MVPs) as
>> Scum-Sucking Pigs or questioning the solutions provided by MVPs even if
>> they
>> are blatantly wrong. If you treat all MVPs as your gods then all your
>> messages will be posted otherwise they are likely to be censored without
>> giving any reasons.
>
> Ooooohhh... Sombowy got his feelings hurt... 'Course, he's a bit on
> the schizo side... I think I'll choose your advice over that of the
> MVPs. Got any? Let's trade!

Please don't feed the trolls. Thank you...
 
D

Daave

Flightless Bird
Re: SP3 issues (reply to Daave)

PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> Daave wrote:
> <snip>
>>> I doubt anybody is filtering posts and why would they just pick on
>>> some people and nobody else?
>>
>> There is no person filtering, but it is occuring (automatically).
>> Simply compare the Google Group versus the MS news server feed.
>
> Posts aren't going missing due to Filtering, they're going missing
> because of the ongoing (i.e., since 2Q09) problem keeping the master
> and slave newsservers in synchronization. When you open this or any
> other heavily-trafficked newsgroup and find scores of new posts, the
> newssevers have been syncing properly. When you open the same
> newsgroup(s) 12-24 hours later and find only a handful of posts,
> syncing is horked again.
> No amount of bitching & griping to the Power That Be have made any
> difference.
>
> PS: /No one/ is monitoring the synchronization between 5 PM PT Friday
> and 9 AM PT Monday or on any holidays!!

That's interesting (and unfortunate). But that certainly explains what's
happening. I guess TPTB don't care too much partly because of the
transition away from newsgroups to Web forums.

But I have seen posts filtered in the past if they contain certain words
or even names of certain newsgroups.
 
R

Ronin

Flightless Bird
If you read my original post, then your reading comprehension is faulty. The
only thing I actually asked was if someone can tell me what those two logon
scripts do. The diversion into a discussion of malware was simply due to my
adding it to the post as a possible source of this specific set of failures.
Everyone latched onto that as the issue, not noting that I'd pretty much
cleaned it all up. Look again. I had already cleaned the system up enough to
successfully install SP3, even with the minimal RAM. I even used Avast!,
because that's pretty much the only AV I've been installing for folks since
I can't remember when. 2003? 2002? Of course, I use other on-demand scanners
when I think it's warranted. Like in this case

As I explained elsewhere, I've run a decent handful of anti-malware apps,
several times, and I will be doing quite a bit more before returning the
machine, including a few AV scans (so-called "online" scans included.) I
could pull the HD and stick it into my test machine (or throwaway machine,
however you want to call it), but it's going to be more convenient in this
case to plop another drive into the problem machine, load an OS (minimally),
install the various scanners and go for it. Or maybe I'll take the time to
build a fresh set of bootable CD/DVD-based systems. Or try using a USB
stick. Always wanted to play with that one.

Heck, the system is running just fine, now, and my next step is to refresh
my memory as to what tests I might want to run to further establish this
stability. While I'm ludicrously familiar with clean installs (many
hundreds, at least), even if it might actually take a smidge less effort,
I'm just not interested at this moment in dealing with getting together all
his installer CDs, making sure I've collected all his personal data and then
configuring the whole thing just like it was, so I don't spend the next six
months fielding calls for help because he can't find what he knows should be
right there. This is one of those cases where a clean install sounds more
efficient than it really is. Besides, I already mentioned in another post
here that the machine is more than likely going to be reinfected within
weeks if not days. "OK", in this case, is good enough. I didn't agree to
clean and armor his system, I just agreed to get SP3 installed. Cleaning up
was simply a prerequisite. With any luck, the little that I have done in the
way of armorizing will keep any future damage to a minimum. Maybe after I
recover from my open-heart surgery, maybe after my young sons whom I've
seldom seen have finished their spring visit, maybe after we've finished
doing taxes and filing bankruptcy, maybe after we've done moving her folks
into assisted living...

IOW, maybe next fall I'll have the time to sit down with the boy and do it
right. Or maybe not.

Here's my advice, as promised: You really ought to contain your venomous
rants, whether or not they are valid. They do absolutely nothing good for
your reputation (except among like-minded ranters). Just the opposite. This
is another place where I suspect I have more experience than you. Some of my
rants have cost me a lot, including money and marriage(s), several have
resulted in various physical damage to myself from people I shouldn't have
been ranting about, and more than a few got me free all-expenses paid weeks
down the street at the sheriff sub-station. Why so much ranting? Darned
thing is seriously habit-forming. Being a bipolar drunk didn't help.

PS -- Exactly how was your advice any different than that of the MVPs? Other
than being the only one to recommend Avast!?

--
Ronin

"20100220" <20100220@20100220.NET> wrote in message
news:4B808C1F.3F786C7C@20100220.NET...
>
>
> Sam Ronin wrote:
>>
>
>> Ooooohhh... Sombowy got his feelings hurt... 'Course, he's a bit on
>> the schizo side... I think I'll choose your advice over that of the
>> MVPs. Got any? Let's trade!
>
> I have read your initial email and have noted that the whole problem
> started with machine being infected with viruses of all kinds. This
> being the case, the only solution is to start from scratch by
> re-installing the OS and all other applications. I know that you want
> to avoid doing this but there is no point in wasting any more time in
> trying to get a solution because there isn't one!
>
> You can install SP3 with only 256 MB of Ram. In your case you will be
> better off doing a slipstream of SP3 and then installing the OS from the
> new CD. The full instructions are here:
>
> <http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp3_cd.htm>
>
> As far as anti-virus software is concerned, I strongly recommend you to
> use AVAST (version 5 - this is the latest -
> <http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3000-2239_4-10019223&ontId=2239_4&spi=4760315f46254456ce15dab0ea583ab1&lop=link&tag=tdw_dltext&ltype=dl_dlnow&pid=11267557&mfgId=85737&merId=85737&pguid=KyCWQgoPjF8AAGk0UrwAAAAe&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.cnet.com%2F3001-2239_4-10019223.html%3Fspi%3D4760315f46254456ce15dab0ea583ab1%26part%3Ddl-85737>)
> and Microsoft Security Essentials:
> <http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials>
>
> The reason you need to start all over again is because the system has
> become completely unstable and for that there is no other solution.
>
> hth
 
R

Ronin

Flightless Bird
OK, I'll try.

--
Ronin

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:uqJDt9psKHA.6004@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Sam Ronin wrote:
>> On Feb 19, 7:34 pm, "20100220" <20100...@discussions.microsoft.com>
>> wrote:
>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_h...@earthlink.net> wrote in
>>> messagenews:uo1qOtdsKHA.4752@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> Based on what, I wonder?
>>>
>>> Based on whether you are insulting Microsoft Valuable Pigs (MVPs) as
>>> Scum-Sucking Pigs or questioning the solutions provided by MVPs even if
>>> they are blatantly wrong. If you treat all MVPs as your gods then all
>>> your
>>> messages will be posted otherwise they are likely to be censored without
>>> giving any reasons.
>>
>> Ooooohhh... Sombowy got his feelings hurt... 'Course, he's a bit on
>> the schizo side... I think I'll choose your advice over that of the
>> MVPs. Got any? Let's trade!
>
> Please don't feed the trolls. Thank you...
 
2

20100221

Flightless Bird
"Ronin" <wanderer> wrote in message
news:esG2tPqsKHA.5976@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> PS -- Exactly how was your advice any different than that of the MVPs?
> Other than being the only one to recommend Avast!?
>

I am the only one who has suggested that your system WILL NEVER be up to
scratch unless you install the OS from scratch. All so called MVPs
(Microsoft Valuable Pigs) have suggested to scan and re-scan your system for
viruses. There is simply no evidence that viruses will stop you from
installing SP3 because if SP3 is interfering with their work, they simply
destroy the relevant file. PERIOD.

I hope you manage to achieve what you are trying to achieve without
reformatting the HD and please let us know of any progress towards this
goal.

Ps: I am also the only one who suggested to use MSE as fall-back
anti-virus. I would also install Windows Defender (another Microsoft free
Product) for its tools apart from its anti-spyware function already
incorporated in MSE.

Good luck.
 
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