Programs won't run

[BossTweed41]

I have a pc that runs some programs, but not others. The CD-ROM won't start, mapping another CD-ROM to this pc will not run a program, while the mapped CD-ROM will start on its own PC.
Checked for spyware, seems ok. Cannot download AV or do a online scan as the web browswer wind fails to find the page.
Any ideas?

 

[ski]

Do the programs that do not run require their CD's to be inserted, or are they run just from the HD?

 

[BossTweed41]

From the hard drive. I tried to reinstall the program from the CD but the cd won't start.

 

[ski]

What happens when you try to d/l an AV program, or do an online virus scan?
Did you use Ad-aware, Spybot, and Hijack This to remove any spyware?

WRT the CD-ROM drive problem, make sure the IDE controller that the CD-ROM drive is connected to is enabled in BIOS.

If that's ok, then see if there are any problems with that controller in Device Manager.

If there are no problems there, then make sure the CD-ROM drive's cables are securely connected, try a different power lead, and try a different known working IDE cable.
If no luck, then try a different CD-ROM drive.

 

[BossTweed41]

Ok here is what I did and what I found out. I did a system restore, 5 days back. All programs load and run, even the CDROM I asked about. But every day we have to do a restore to the same date.

 

[ski]

Immediately after you do a restore, are you able to run an online AV scan or d/l and run a freebie AV program, and also d/l and run the previously recommended spyware programs(asasuming you did not already run them)?

 

[BossTweed41]

That where I have had trouble. Their DSL connection is very slow, speed test 196kbs. Their AV is hosed and I am going back later to install a new copy.

 

[micker377]

That where I have had trouble"

Why is speed a problem? I download programs like AVG on dial-up (56k).

 

[BossTweed41]

Well, when I gi to Trend Micro, the scan will not start, says page not found.
AVG is on the pc but will not update correctly.

 

[ski]

Are you updating AVG from within the program?

 

[BossTweed41]

Yes, AVG "check for updates

 

[PRPhx]

Just for the heck of it, try opening a command prompt (Start->run->type: cmd and press the enter key).

Then type: chkdsk c: See if it returns any problems. If it does, it will tell you to run CHKDSK c: /f. Type that at the command line. You will be prompted to reboot. Do so.

After chkdsk is done and your rebooted, defrag your HD. If you've never run defrag, your HD (meaning your OS) may be having problems doing much of anything. I've seen this happen in the past. THEN, if your still having problems, you may want to either do a repair install or wipe your drive completely and reinstall the OS. Also relaise that you MAY have to reinstall your software after you do a repair.

 

[ski]

AVG is by Grisoft, not Trend Micro. Is the update utility taking you to the correct site?

You can also do an online virus scan at these sites:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

 

[BossTweed41]

I know AVG is Grisoft. I ran the Panda online scan and it found 10 viruses. Downloaded their software, trial version, and tried to install it. Says AVG is installed even after I removed it.
Took the pc home and ran Tred Micro... no problems. Rerand Panda.. no problems.
I received and email from this clients web site. addy webmaster@xxxx.com
Had the sober worm attached.
Woe is me!!!

 

[BossTweed41]

Also, there is no addy as I described.

 

[ski]

It appears that you have but 2 choices:
-Install an AV program, and remove the worm.
-Reformat and reinstall.

 

[jlockley]

If you have zone alarm on your computer, download a new version then remove your current version. Try to remove AVG again. Try to install the other program again.

Zone Alarm occasionally plays havoc with DSL connections and other AV products.

If you know the names of the worms you have, you can download the various removal tools from either Norton or Antivirus.com. Also download the instructions and print them.