Wireless won't get IP

[sidmickmol]

Reformated an laptop for a user's college son. Came back a week later and it won't connect to a wireless conection. At first it wouldn't get an I{ from an ethernet link either, but Winsock fix took care of that. Removed several trojans. Next is reinstalling the wirelss nic driver. Any other thoughts?

 

[erikhertzel]

Sounds like you still need to check for potential malware infection first:

Webroot Spysweeper

Download it here:

http://www.sabethacomputing.com/downloads.html

Webroot Spysweeper 14 day Trial

Update the defs and do a sweep.

Also check this out:

Ewido download:

http://www.ewido.net/en

Update it and run a complete scan.


I would also check it with some other virus scanners just to make sure.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan

Report back...

Best regards.

Erik

 

[sidmickmol]

I had thought that the pc was clean, after removing several trojans, but I've decided it just isn't worth it. Its a college kid of my regular customer. I had already once reformatted because of viruses. The mistake I made was, after completing the laptop the first time I only checked to see that the laptop's wireless would see my shop wireless network. I didn't feel like putting in the long security key. (lazy on my part) A week later I was told he couldn't connect to a wireless router. He said he didn't connect it to an ethernet connection, but its obviously been back on the internet. I'm going to wipe it out and start over. When done, if I find it still won't connect to a wireless, then I will know its a hardware issue and I won't charge them again. Otherwise, I'll recommend they make the kid pay from his summer job.

 

[kjv1611]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to load up the computer with these free apps, as well:
Firewall: Zonelabs ZoneAlarm Free
Antivirus: Grisoft AVG Antivirus
Spybot Search and Destroy
SpywareBlaster
Ad-Aware Personal SE

I've used all 5 of these on MANY personal and small business computers when helping others, and they seem to work together as a really good combination.

Also, you might want to advise that user to stay away from P2P internet file sharing. It could be they are getting loaded up with viruses from a source like that. P2P by it's very design can create a security risk, especially if it is not installed properly.

 

[erikhertzel]

Yes, good info. look at this great site on how to prevent spyware, etc...it gives in depth information on how to avoid these nasties:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525

Also, nice name khv1611, I like it!

Erik

 

[kjv1611]

Thanks.

MajorGeeks is a pretty good place to find all sorts of stuff - downloads, info, etc. Of course, there are many out there, now, that do a lot of that as well.

 

[cmeagan656]

If he's running XP and uses wireless hotsposts or takes the notebook on the road a lot you could suggest that he invests in a Personal Firewall for Notebooks. Its a small (flash drive size & weight) USB device that when plugged in provides industrial strength firewall security. In Canada it costs about $60 CDN so it should be even less in USD. It doesn't interfere with corporate firewalls or anti-virus software. Theres also no software to install. Its strictly Plug-and-Play.

Cheers.

 

[kjv1611]

What particular firewall are you talking about, cmeagan656, that sounds pretty specific, and pretty neat. I know they have small firewalls/routers for that purpose, but I'd like to take a look at that one myself (out of curiosity).

 

[cmeagan656]

http://us.kensington.com/html/6500.html

Specs available as a Word doc here:

http://files.acco.com/KENSINGTON/K64183/K64183-1414.doc

Cheers.