Win XP Home Problem

[robrpb]

Hi,

My friend has a HP computer that his kids use with Windows XP Home Ed on it. The computer is not set up for multiple users, so when the computer is booted up it is booted up as the administrator. When his son inserts a disk to install a game the install screen flashes briefly and then disappears showing only the desktop. When we try to install it from the run command the results are the same. Also, I tried to run MSCONFIG from the run command to access the startup file with the same results, where the System Configuration Utility screen displays quickly and then disappears. I was thinking of something being set for password protection, but my friend and his 9 year old son said they didn't change anything. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

[glc]

Scan for viruses and spyware. If they installed SP2, uninstall it.

[Cricket]

If that computer can get on-line, go over to Housecall to do a on-line virus scan.

Also have them scan for spyware and trojans.

Cricket

[robrpb]

Thanks to the both of you. I was just talking with my friend and he was telling me he was having problems with his browzer and going to websites as we spoke. I passed on your comments and I agree that his computer is probably infected. He does have SP2 on installed. If the problem is virus related, would you still recommend removing SP2? Thanks.

Rob

[glc]

Yes - SP2 has a nasty history already on HP computers. He must read the support documents on the HP site addressing SP2 before installing it. The computer MUST be squeaky clean prior to installing it regardless of the brand computer - any viruses or spyware can cause major problems.

[doubledragon5]

As a extra point, be sure that what ever game or program being installed, you check to make sure it is compatible with the system your runing it on. I have seen too many people buy software, before checking to see if it can be run on their particular machine.. Most stores will not take it back, they will only give you the same one you purchased...

[robrpb]

I had problems downloading Housecall. The download would not finish, so I ran Ad-Aware which found the Blaster Worm. I then ran Panda Active Scan which found more worms. After that, I tried Housecall again and it appeared to download, but when I went to run the scan there were error messages in different line numbers and I was not able to run the scan. After running the Ad-Aware and Panda Active Scan I was able to get into MSCONFIG. Also, the install screen did not disappear allowing me to install the game. The computer is better, but I am not confident everthing is removed. I guess I would feel better if I could get Housecall to run on the computer. Thanks for your help.

Rob

[Panama Red]

If there is any other antivirus program on there it obviously isn't doing the job. I'd recommend uninstalling whatever is on it and installing AVG 7.0 Free Antivirus. Probably best to download it to another computer and install it on the infected one from a burned CD or a usb flash/thumb drive.

www.grisoft.com