Help with cleaning computer

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by Hallie, Jun 6, 2008.

  1. Hallie

    Hallie Private E-2

    I have a sluggis computer, and am trying to follow the instructions, but when I go into the Add/Remove Programs, I'm not sure what I can uninstall and what I should keep. I know the programs I use, but don't have a clue as to what some of the others ones are.

    For Instance, I believe these are games that came installed on my computer. I have never used them and will never use them. Is it going to cause a problem if I uninstall them?

    Bounce Symphony from Compaq
    Crystal Maze from Compaq
    Final Drive Nitro from Compaq
    Lexibox Deluxe from Compaq
    Overball from Compaq
    Phoenix Assault from Compaq
    Polar Bowler from Compaq
    Polar Golfer from Compaq
    Python 2.2 pywin32 extensions (build 203)
    Python 2.2.3
    Slyder from Compaq
    Tradewinds from Compaq

    Next bunch - I haven't a clue what they are or what that do. Some appear to be updates from Microsoft.

    Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1
    Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 Hotfix (K928366)
    MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB027978)
    MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)
    Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)

    I want to mention here, since this reminded me, whenever I boot, a windows installer box comes up to configure or install a fax and a photo gallery. This just started after I downloaded RegCure and cleaned the Registry. I have to click cancel several times to get it to stop.

    As to removing Java items, I have the following that I "think" are Java, but am afraid to remove because I don't know for sure.
    J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0.

    I do have other items of which I am unsure. but I think this is long enough for now.

    Thanks for any and all guidance.

    Oh, I can't download any of the tools suggested. I get the following error:
    Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html Operation aborted (for Spybot Search & Destroy). I get similar messages (except for the part after com/) for the Super Anti Spyware and Malwarebytes Anti Malware

    I think I have a problem?

    Again, thanks for any and all help, suggestions, and guidance.
     
    Hallie, Jun 6, 2008
    #1
  2. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    If you are running the READ & RUN ME, only uninstall things we list in the Uninstall Malware via Add/Remove Programs thread and also the old Sun Java versions. Click the links!!!! It gives you a pretty large example list of old Sun Java versions.

    Everything else is not a topic for this forum. You can decide about them later and discuss them in the Software Forum.


    Not a topic for this forum. It was cause by using a registry cleaner which we recommend avoiding unless absolutely necessary and it rarely is. Restore whatever you changed and perhaps you issue will go away.


    I don't understand what you download issue is. Could you explain more clearly? Are you able to download anything from anywhere?

    What problems were you having to begin with that prompted you to run the READ & RUN ME?
     
    chaslang, Jun 7, 2008
    #2
  3. Hallie

    Hallie Private E-2

    The problem I was having which prompted me to try the READ & RUN ME was that everything was very slow.

    I assumed I had registry problems and probably malware/spyware since I do not have a spyware killer/scanner program. I attempted to download AdAware. It would not download fully. So I came to this site.

    I went in and uninstalled the items listed on the READ & RUN ME, but was unsure about the other items I posted. I am not very computer literate, but thought I should list those I was unsure of.

    After I received your reply, I went in and uninstalled the last program on your list (the old Java). When I tried to download the SunJava update, I received this message:

    Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site http://www.majorgeeks.com/Sun_Java_Runtime_Environment_d4648.html

    Operation aborted.

    I get the same message when I try to download the other suggestions on your READ & RUN ME thread, including, but not limited to Super Anti Spyware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Malwarebytes Anti Malware.

    I was able to download the registry cleaner that you state is not a good one. Guess I'll ask for my $$ back and uninstall. Other than that, I have not tried to download anything other than the update for my virus protection, so I do not know if I am having a problem anywhere else. All I know is I cannot download anything from the READ & RUN ME thread.

    Hope that explains what I am trying to say. I will post the other questions in the appropriate forum threads.
     
    Hallie, Jun 7, 2008
    #3
  4. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    I did not say that RegCure was a bad program. I just said that we (in the malware forum) do not recommend cleaning the registry. It is rarely needed and it is not a good idea to be playing with the registry especially when malware could be present. Did you restore whatever you did with RegCure. Most registry cleaners worth anything will make backups that you can restore to.

    Did you try downloading and running MGtools? If not, please follow the instructions for Using MGtools and see if you can get the MGlogs.zip file.

    What browser are you using to download files? Is your problem downloading the tools, installing the tools, or running the tools?
     
    chaslang, Jun 7, 2008
    #4
  5. Hallie

    Hallie Private E-2

    I made a restore point before cleaning the registry. I went back to that point and did a restore. It wiped out CCleaner, which is the only program I have been able to download from this site so far. I downloaded it again. I will attempt to download MGtools.

    I use IE8 for everything. It is the only browser I have installed.

    My problem seems to be getting a dowload. Error message states IE cannot open the www.majorgeeks.com site.
     
    Hallie, Jun 7, 2008
    #5
  6. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    But you have no problem coming to the forums?? Are you blocking majorgeeks.com with your firewall? Shutdown your firewall just as a quick test.

    How large is your c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts file?
     
    chaslang, Jun 7, 2008
    #6
  7. Hallie

    Hallie Private E-2

    Can't find MGtools to download. Please point me in the right direction.

    I don't know how to access c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts file to answer that question.
     
    Hallie, Jun 7, 2008
    #7
  8. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    It is in the links in the READ ME. I thought you had tried to run the READ ME. Not sure what Windows version you have since you never told us but the below are the links from the READ ME to clean Vista and XP:
    Either of those would get you to the Using MGtools link.

    Right click Start and select Explore. Then paste c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc into the Address bar and hit the enter key or click the Go button. The scroll down to the hosts file and right click on it and select Properties.
     
    chaslang, Jun 7, 2008
    #8

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