Uninstaller/java problems

Hi,

I've just had some great help fixing some malware problems I had on the malware forum from Chaslang. Unfortunately fixing them thew up a few software problems.
It was recommended it would be better to try fixing them prior to deleting all the old restore points.
I was told using the event viewer would hopefully help solve them.
If anyone can help me sort the problems underneath it would be much appreciated.
I've got XP Home edition 2002 SP1, printer is HP2175 all-in-one

1) Every time I switch on the computer now I get numerous installer messages, something installs , then something else. So it takes forever to log on. Never used to have any bother with this.
2) I now have a copy printer installed as the main printer but I have to manually select the copy printer as all prints still want to go to the original printer. How can I get rid of that?
3) I uninstalled all my old Java 5 runtime programs and installed the latest Runtime 6 update 10 beta one. I use it for a flow of realtime information over the internet.
I now get 3 outgoing internet messages one after the other to connect to Java which I let through the firewall, but the updating figures don't appear. How can I fix that?

Many thanks

 

Hi

You really should update to SP2, otherwise you're bound to end up with malware problems again.

Could you describe this in more detail?

Go to start->run and type in "control printers" (without the quotes).
In the control panel that comes up, right-click in your copy printer and chose "set as default printer".

What do you mean when you say "updating figures"?

 

Hi Sharagoz,

I did try and install the SP2 update a long time ago. The problem I had was it stopped/changed the settings on some of my programs and I couldn't get them to work the same way again, so I had to uninstall it.
The main one I remember was Intervideo winDVD which stopped opening in preference to Media Player.
If your OK with helping me through this process I'll give it a go again.
Have you got a link to the SP2 download?

I've got the copy printer working, thanks. I think I maybe didn't phrase my question very well though.
My printer is an HP psc 2175 and the copy printer is a duplicate of it called HP psc 2175 (copy printer). Printer seems to be installed twice maybe?
I think it could be part of my installer problem.
The copy printer installed now never existed prior to doing all my malware fixes. I'd like it to disappear again and just have the original printer option.

When I say updating figures I'm meaning the real time flow of information from a website to me over the internet that should be giving me constantly updating share prices.

Installer problem -
I power up the PC, then the screen showing all the icons come up (is that screen called the desktop?)
Bottom right the program symbols start to appear - Norton firewall, DVD for free, smart defrag, HP digital imaging monitor, Norton antivirus, Superantispyware, HP psc 2170 (copy1), spyware doctor.
The order varies a bit sometimes ( I thinks its because I defragmented the drive to help with the malware problem - more efficient?)

I'm assuming the symbol that appears next after an installer message dissappears is related to that message, is that correct?
The 1st windows installer message comes up and says preparing to install - can last 1 minute or longer
Then a big Superantispyware picture comes up, then symbol bottom right of computer appears
Then another windows installer - preparing to install message comes up.
It also can last another minute or so
The HP printer symbol appears around this point as well
So to me I think the problems are probably with these 2 programs.

The Superantispyware is a new programe I was told to install to help get rid of malware with.
I also installed Smart Defrag then but I don't think that's the problem.
I would like to keep both on my computor if possible as they are useful.

Would it be helpful to have a link to the malware query to see what I did in that forum?

Thanks

 

Hi

Re: SP2
Using an XP machine on the internet without SP2 is not an option in my opinion. The risk of malware is too big.
I suggest you install SP2 and then if any issues arise we try to solve them.
I assume the language of your xp home is english. If so then you can download SP2 from here.
Download the installer package, disconnect from the internet, disable your security software, install SP2, enable security software and connect to the internet again.
After that is done you should visit http://update.microsoft.com and get all critical updates. When all critical updates are installed, restart your computer and do the same thing again. Repeat this until no more critical updates are coming. It may take a few runs to get everything.

Re: copy printer issue:
If you want to remove the duplicate printer you are not using, do this:
Go to start->run and type in "control printers".
Right-click on the printer you dont want to use and chose "delete". Make sure you dont remove the wrong one, otherwise you will have to reinstall it.

Re: share price issue:
It sounds like the issue might be related to the share price application and not java, even though it appeared when a new version of java was installed. What's the name of the application you're using for the share prices? Have you tried reinstalling it?

Re: Installer issue
When you see the "preparing to intall" window there should be some info about exactly what is preparing to install. It usually says "xxxx is preparing to use the installshield wizard". Find what that xxxx is and let me know.

Re: SAS
There isnt really any need for SUPERAntiSpyware to be on autostart, unless you have payed for the full version that offers real-time protection.
Unless you plan to use it for regular scans you might as well uninstall it.
If you want to keep it, but do not want it to start automatically, open SUPERAntiSpyware, click on "Preferences" and uncheck "Start SUPERAntiSpyware automatically when windows starts".

 

Hi Sharagoz,
Sorted the printer issue and also stopped the SAS starting automatically.

I've noticed Smart Defrag loads automatically at windows start up (its says recommended to allow this). Is it safe to stop that starting up as well or does it perform some important function at start up.

I will try clicking on the help button on that prices website. I don't think there's any additional software involved that I've installed. Is it possible that website is not yet compatible with this very latest Java 6 beta update 10 I installed last week? It was running OK on Runtime 5 and its various updates.

All that ever comes up is the windows installer rectangular panel in the middle of the computer, inside it is the little computer symbol and the words ''preparing to install..........'' After a minute or so it goes away. There is nothing else to be seen at all.

I downloaded the SP2 package and tried to install it but it wouldn't finish.
It came up ''The service pack installation did not complete. The system is in an unstable state. Go to the control panel and uninstall it''
I've done that so no progress unfortunately - any ideas what next?


Hi Mark,
Thanks for replying as well. I did all the bits and bobs on that link last week when I was sorting out some problems on the malware forum.

Is it updates for SP1 I don't have you're meaning?. How do I go about that?



Do you both think that missing SP1 updates could be why the SP2 installation failed?

 

It runs in the background an defragments the HD.
Its safe to remove it, but then you should defragement your HD manually from time to time.

What's the link to the page?

Did you get any other details besides "The service pack installation did not complete"?
Do what the message said and go to Add/Remove Programs and uninstall service pack 2. Then I suggest you go to update.microsoft.com and install SP2 from there. If it fails again, be carefull to note down any details about the cause if there are any.

 

Hi again

Had major problems when I tried that SP2 download again. The PC crashed just as it was installing the SP2 information.
Message was ''Missing or corrupt Ntfs.sys'' when I tries rebooting. I had to use the F10 option for system recovery to reinstate the original factory settings. It cleared up the uninstaller problem though so I hoped the SP2 would work now and it did thankfully.
I also got the new Java installed no problem and its working well.
I defragged it all again and the PC overall is much faster.
Got there in the end.

A couple of things have changed because of the crash. I have Virgin broadband cable access and I simply click on their symbol to open up their home page.
I can also click on the normal IE symbol as it will also open up on the Virgin page.
When I look in the networks settings of system security in Kaspersky I seem to have two public network connections open. Is this normal and safe?
If not, how can I disable the IE connection and just leave my normal Virgin one running?

When I click to download a file from some internet sites I get a blocking message from The Information Bar of IE saying its blocking a popup window/file download that might not be safe, even if I know its safe. Appears to have something to do with Active X. Why is it dangerous?
Whats the best thing to do here. Since I have Kaspersky firewall/virus/malware package is it safe to turn it off?

Thanks