PC problems

[steam_mill]

I'm a computer consultant so I am very perplexed by the following problem:<br /><br />My dumb a$$ brother-in-law is getting divorced so he had to move into my house. My wife and I were away and he used my home computer.<br /><br />Of course he hit websites and installed crap he should not have. Norton did not catch it.<br /><br />Well my IExplorer now will only work if I have a webpage with a URL like this:<br /><br />c:\winnt\secure.html<br /><br />so I created this web page but every time I open up a new IE session, it must go to this web page before I can go anywhere else.<br /><br />Changing the home page setting has no effect. When I reboot the PC, it resets to the above URL.<br /><br />This setting has to be somehwere, but where?<br /><br />I've regedit etc. etc.<br /><br />Ideas?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[eurolarva]

Re: PC problems

System restore from prior to when he used it. Should be in program files , accessories , system tools.<br /><br />If that works you might want to put a password on it so he cant use it in the future

 

[Pikey2574]

Re: PC problems

I had a similar problem and as eurolarva says the system restore should fix you problem that is what I was told to do and it fixed mine.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: PC problems

What the H**l is any one doing changing things on someone elses computer! The nerve, Youre right, he really is a dumb a*s, and disrespectfull too! There I said it!!

 

[Homerr]

Re: PC problems

First of all... Take your brother outside and beat him senseless... <br /><br />What operating system are you running?<br />If XP, then do as suggested. System restore to an earlier date.<br /><br />If W98, then I think you can simply do a re-install of IE. Not sure.<br /><br />Sounds like you got a re-direct Active-x program.<br />Can be nasty little things to get rid of.<br />Those are usually found on porn sites and those flash-type jokes or short movies.<br />A little box pops up and asks if you want to install and run 'xyz whatever', or 'do you want to set your homepage to...' and not thinking... you click yes. <br /><br />That happened to my daughter's computer. Messed IE all up. Luckily we had XP and system restore. Otherwise... CTRL/ALT/Delete and C:format ! <br /><br />If you run a decent ad and active-x blocker like Zone Alarm Pro, you won't have that problem. It stops them cold.<br /><br />H.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: PC problems

Sorry, I'm running Win 2k server. Tried all those things so far to no avail.<br /><br />Yeah, I know I could set up zone alarms etc. but the way I look at it I've never had a problem thus far because I don't ever install anything or go to those types of sites.<br /><br />I've never had viruses etc.<br /><br />My brother in-law is just a fool. I'm trying to avoid a complete re-install just because it is a royal PITA.<br /><br />Any other ideas?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[JB]

Re: PC problems

Moving to Non-Boating Tech.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: PC problems

download a spyware removal tool like adaware.<br />it should find/remove it.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: PC problems

Originally posted by steam_mill:<br />Sorry, I'm running Win 2k server. Tried all those things so far to no avail.<br /><br />Yeah, I know I could set up zone alarms etc. but the way I look at it I've never had a problem thus far because I don't ever install anything or go to those types of sites.<br /><br />I've never had viruses etc.<br /><br />My brother in-law is just a fool. I'm trying to avoid a complete re-install just because it is a royal PITA.<br /><br />Any other ideas?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

You mean you have system restore in you system tools and it did not take care of it?<br />Then yea, get you some spyware removal and run it.

 

[FireAm94]

Re: PC problems

If you still cannot webbrose you should dowload a program called lspfix. It is a winsock repair utility. There is likely spyware that is redirecting you (when you type google.com instead of immediately translating to an ip it goes to the spyware server and then does the dns translation) so it needs to be removed using spybot search and destroy. I recommend that program due to the immunize feature...that prevents the programs from coming back. Just don't forget to run the immunize. You can find the download link for spybot by searching cnet.com. After removing the spyware if you still cannot browse you will be required to run lspfix.<br /><br />Joe

 

[EdW]

Re: PC problems

Might take a look at this link Computer Cops

 

[steam_mill]

Re: PC problems

Due to the dumb a$$, I'm currently redoing my PC right from re-partitioning.....<br /><br />And yes it will be password protected...<br /><br />Let's just say my boss has been asking me to go work in the states for a while...I leave Sunday...<br /><br />Boston here I come....