Bloody computers

[bandit12]

We all use them, most of us love them, when they work,and sometimes , they make us fuming and frustrated. The last one is me. Computers.

I am either jinxed or just downright unlucky. I've been using then at home for a few years now, but seem to always run into stupid problems.

Because my last last home desktop pc became so useless I took the bold leap and went out and bought a new unit online from Dell. All has been well until recently when I noticed that upon start-up the hotmail stopped putting up the windows live today page. Now I am unable to open attachments of any sort, which is vital in some of the emails I receive.

The latest couple of attachments have been in pdf and jpeg formats but when you double click on the link it opens up the new window. Now in the past this would tell me the size of the attachment and how long it estimated it would take to open it. Today it does not tell either of these facts and I can leave it running all evening but with no result.

I understand some very basic entry level bits but would not confess to being very adept in most areas of how the bloody thing works, especially programmes.

The operating system is vista, the security is norton.

Can anyone tell me why I'm having this problem and how to solve it as I have tended to leave well alone since buying the new one. Could it be a virus? If so, how did the bloody thing get in if norton is so good? and how do I find it, kick the living shit out of it, and then repair the problem?

Helppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rerb]

The best piece of software I've found for crap removal is "spybot search and destroy" but I would only download it from the authors site:-
The home of Spybot-S&D!

Let it install and update etc (it's up to you if you install the tea timer thing, that's a bit of a pain), once finished immunize the system then run a spyware search. I have heard and had to fix problems in the past from so called antispyware programs that actually cause more problems than they claim to fix.

If you are unsure of any software like this make sure you google the name to see if anyone has had any problems with it.

Give it a try and report back

[Reborn]

It probably isn't a virus. It's probably Norton itself. I have made a point of uninstalling Norton from every PC I've ever had. I've had nothing but trouble with it.

[druidsam]

yep-spybot is great and norton is shite


.........................Sam

[Reddit]

Originally Posted by Reborn

It probably isn't a virus. It's probably Norton itself. I have made a point of uninstalling Norton from every PC I've ever had. I've had nothing but trouble with it.

Likewise. I've used the AVG for a couple of years with no problems.

[milo99]

Originally Posted by Reborn

It probably isn't a virus. It's probably Norton itself. I have made a point of uninstalling Norton from every PC I've ever had. I've had nothing but trouble with it.

I agree Norton actually acts like a virus itself totally routes into your computer. I use to work as a it tech not long ago and I have fixed many computers where norton has been cause. I have no love for the dam thing. But ultimate solution to spyware is to wipe the drive reinstall everything. I peronally use norton ghost so if anything f##ks up i can restore the system in about 5 minutes works a treat. Some computers are beyond rescue though but usually they can easily be fixed with some scanners. My personal preference to programs AVG antispyware nod32 mcafee do a scan with all should do the trick.

Maybe worth disabling norton to see if that is the problem most likely is.

control panel/admin tools/services

right click anything with the word norton in it properties Click stop then scroll disable if you cant stop it just disable it. Do this with everything that has norton in. Reboot if your computer seems to be alot faster its usually the cause. renable and try and uninstall it. Doubtful you will be able to though I remember alot of times where norton would not remove itself from the computer it really is beyond shite.

[Rerb]

If you want to get rid of all Norton stuff try Symantec's own removal tool

ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/englis...moval_Tool.exe

[bandit12]

if I remove Norton how will I protect my computer from attacks from all the nasty people in this world? Are there alternatives that are free, or shoul dI be prepared to pay out for a suitable alternative?
I'm afraid i will need idiot proof instructions, so please be gentle with me!

[Reborn]

I use AVG (same as Reddit) and ZoneAlarms. Both are free downloads. In the last year only one nasty has got past ZoneAlarms and AVG sorted it out.

http://campaign.grisoft.com/ww.speci...02b-free78cnv/ AVG FREE

[v3locity]

Ill third that, always used AVG on my pc and it has always worked excellently.

I do not know exactly as i now use a mac, but i should think you could find an option to view a box giving the details. I know it is not much help but all i got sorry.