Computer Crashes

For three months I've had this problem; while working on line, my laptop crashes and the computer screen goes black. I shut it off, and when I restart, it asks me to start in safe mode. This occurs several times a week. I took it to a local repair shop; they had it for four days, and determined the problem was viruses. They cleaned the viruses, cleared temp. files, and told me to NOT use MS Security Essentials for virus protection. They could not tell me what viruses affected my laptop.
I am working in Vista Home Premium, using Windows firewall, and MS Security Essentials. I have always had the firewall on and keep my virus definitions up to date. I just began using Advanced System Care each day to avert another problem.
I've had the laptop back for three days, and it just crashed again. Can you help me determine what is wrong and help me fix it?
Thank you,
pjmorris

 

Hey pj, welcome to majorgeeks.

You are not using very good security, windows firewall is essentially useless as it is a "one way" firewall, try installing Kaspersky internet security suite (this is an AV and a firwall) www.kaspersky.co.uk (free 30 day fully finctional trial) and run a deep scan after it is installed.


If you are still having problems after that you should head over to the malware forum

Q

 

you're better off just doing the steps in the read/run me first thread for malware.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407
then once it's cleaned up good, choose a better anti-virus.

 

Thank you, I will try that.

 

I did all the steps in the read/run me first thread for malware, and downloaded and installed McAfee (free through Comcast). I am not sure what I should do about a firewall, and I do not understand how to set the Windows firewall for stronger protection. What should I do?
Thank you,
pjmorris

 

For XP, perhaps, but in vista and windows 7, MS has improved their Firewall:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2007.06.vistafirewall.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb878108.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/network/WFP.mspx

 

Try:

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6098592.html

 

Thanks, I will look at that.
pj

 

They may have polished the turd a bit but it still stinks....

I stand my my previous statement... "essentially useless" :|


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Pj, you need/want to get a proper firewall like Comodo..
www.comodo.co.uk


You could improve on McAfee by wearing a tinfoil hat when surfing, you should get Avira or Avast or Comodo AV [they do a firewall and an AV]

Just use the search on this site as all the app's i mention are available to download here for free


If yuou need any help with any of this just ask



Q

 

Hence why I posted what one could do to enable "2-way". The built in windows firewall can do just as much as those others.

 

Theefool, thank you for your response. It was clear from the outset that the information in the article was so far over my head.
Q, I prefer not wearing the tinfoil hat as I need the tinfoil for the turkey.
I actually downloaded Comodo, and I was waiting for clarification prior to installing it. Can I use just the firewall in Comodo, or must I use for AV and firewall?
Thank you for your patience and your sense of humor!

 

Yeah you can just use the Firewall or just the AV or both, it's entirely upto yourself

********************************************8

Even fully adjusted and updated, i disagree that Windows firewall is as good as Comodo.
Although it has a lot to do with the fact that most PC's have it running so just like windows itself, it gets targetted more.

[also i do believe all AV/Firewall tests are done "straight out the box" just as Mr Joe Public is likely to be running it]

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Honestly these days any computer that get typical use on the web and is only running a cack AV like AVG free and sitting behind windows firewall is a bot-to-be.




Q

 

Q, thanks, I will start with the Comodo Firewall, and continue using Advance System Care each day.
Thank you for your help.
Happy Thanksgiving!
pj