I can't download anything.

Hi, I'm having trouble downloading anything and I think spyware might be involved somehow. I tried following the READ ME FIRST thread but couldn't download any of the programs to help me. I did run Ad Aware in safe mode, but couldn't download the VX2 plug in. I did have Aluria's Spyware eliminator running, but uninstalled that and went with Ad Aware and found 63 more items. I'm pretty new at this, so please be patient with me. Other problems I'm having (not sure if they're connected) are my windows firewall turns off every time I reboot. I have the following programs running and I'm not sure what they're for- msngr.exe, smss.exe, spoolsv.exe, Isass.exe, winlogon.exe, svchost.exe (there are five of these running- 2 of them under user name NETWORK SERVICE, 1 under user name LOCAL SERVICE, and 2 under user name SYSTEM), cisvc.exe, services.exe, rundll32.exe- and I'm not able to "End Process" on any of them. I get a message that says "Operation cannot be completed. Access is denied." This message is fairly new, as I have been able to end these before, within the last three days this problem started. I currently don't have an anti-virus program, and can't download a new one. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And please remember, I'm fairly new so you may have to go greater in-depth with me. Thanks.

 

Welcome to Major Geeks.
Try downloading the programs again, only this time don't open Internet Explorer. Double Click MYCOMPUTER and in the address bar, type in the URL of the download page and see if you can get the program that way.

Remember, when scanning to do so in Safe Mode Without Networking.

 

Hi, Please don't think I'm stupid, but I don't have an address bar in My Computer. All I have is a small box in the upper right hand corner that says address. Also, I just remembered something. When I went to window update, I was able to download the updates, but I do remember a couple of files that I couldn't download. Sorry, but I can't remember what they were.

 

double click on mycomputer again. Right click on the menu bar on the top in any EMPTY grey space. Make sure the option to LOCK TOOLBAR is NOT checked. If it is, click it once to uncheck it. Now you should be able to click on the word ADDRESS and hold your mouse button down and move the mouse to the left to extend the address bar so you can type in the white text box.

 

I still can't download anything with My Computer. I tried downloading a number of things but still get the same error message. "Internet Explorer cannot download 'whichever file' from 'whichever website' Internet Explorer was not able to open this internet site. The requested site is either unavailable or cannot be found. Try again later." I've tried unplugging my modem and that hasn't solved anything. I'm going to try Ad Aware again, I can't really remember if I used Safe Mode without networking before.

 

what OS are you using? Win98? Windows XP?

 

I'm using Windows XP.

 

I just noticed something. I used IE and an information bar popped up below the address bar and says it has blocked a pop up. I clicked on it and it shows up in the IE help area. Is this a result of my window update, or is this perhaps another piece of spyware? I haven't heard of a built in pop up blocker for IE.

 

Hi King,

Sounds like SP2's new pop up blocker, not spyware

Regarding your running processes, they look OK - Why end them?
You should expect to see a number of svchost - Five sounds within reason.

If indeed you have SP2 installed, you should note that others are experiencing similar problems. Check some of the threads in the Software Forum.

Sorry I'm not more help. Perhaps a moderator could request an HJT log to help see what is going on w/ your computer? Assuming you can d/l it.

Best luck,

PP

 

Something new here. When I got to my computer today, there was a balloon in the bottom right corner saying that my Local Area Connection has little or no connectivity. I've never seen this message before. When I clicked on it a window titled Loca Area Connecion Status appeared. It had a repair button, and when I clicked it, I got another error message that read "Windows could not finish repairing the problem because the following action could not be completed: Renewing your IP address. For assistance contact the person who manages your network." Also, there is an icon in the bottom corner near the clock that has two little monitors with a yellow triangle in front of them with an exclmation point in it, if that helps. As soon as I can find the number, I'm calling the cable company to see if they can do anything.

 

OK. I called Road Runner and they said that my not being able to download is probably linked to my download of SP2. But since I can't remember the files that didn't download during my update, they couldn't help me. He gave me the number of Compaq's help line, but since my warranty expired, they wouldn't help me either, and I was getting too frustrated just trying to understand the person on the other end. I tried to update again, but there was nothing to install. I tried turning off my firewall, adding exceptions to it, but still can't download anything. If anyone knows anything, please help. I'm going to try to find similar threads to read.