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Hi B. Rath!
I am back and have been plugging along on all the problems with AVG and downloading an upgrade.
Last week sometime, my computer was infected with a virus System Security. I was leaving town for the weekend so did not follow through except to contact my IP about the virus.
Today I scanned my computer using “housecall” and a lot of infections were found. The program zapped them and ran the scan again. So far so good. I then ran Spybot and that program cleaned up the computer even more. I was clam happy. Then I logged on to the internet and Microsoft security immediately told me I needed to upgrade. So, ok, I tried to upgrade. No luck. And, Foxfire continues to crash.
During the search and destroy phase of Spybot, there were many listings for Tracking cookie (Internet Explorer & Firefox) all stated the cookie was fixed. Now I don’t understand cookie from cornbread, but I guess all those cookies were clogging up my system.
I just sent an email to AVG asking that

Submitted: 215 days and 20 hours ago.
Category: Computer
Value: $16
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

OS: Windows XP; Browser: Firefox

Already Tried:
SEE JUST POSTED QUESTION

Accepted Answer

Hi,

Thanks for requesting me ...now, 'System Security' is a rogue security program installed by a trojan/malware on the user's computer, which will display fake security alerts or notifications to trick the user to buy the paid version of its application, and will duplicate itself when not removed correctly. In order to get rid of the same, please download and install the following freeware security program:
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.htm (hit the green 'Download Now' button)

Done that, run the same and carry out a full system scan ..hopefully, this should get rid of the malware all right.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards

Picture
Expert: B. Rath
Pos. Feedback: 98.7 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 4/21/2009

Computer Software Engineer

Qualified Software Developer and Support Specialist.

Posted by B. Rath 214 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer

Thanks so much for the big bonus ..I really appreciate it! :)

Let me know if you encounter any issues while running the security program, if it's able to detect and remove the malware(s), and regarding Firefox crashing, so that I can follow up further.

Regards

Edited by B. Rath on 4/22/2009 at 12:50 AM

214 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

I hit the accept button and you should receive payment now.

 

I downloaded the Zoombli program and hopes it works. After the download closed automatically, I opened outlook and received the following message.

Unspecified AVG error. Send for diognotics. I clicked don't send--why bother

The MSN security shield also popped up with "Computer may be at risk, etc. etc.

 

So..do I zap all the AVG icons on my desktop and whatever is in the add/delete programs sections? Is there anyother area where these programs are stored. And then install a free version of AVG or what? I am assuming nothing at this point.

I will get back to you later. It is time to fix some dinner here.

XXXXXXXX

.

 

 

Accepted Answer

It looks like you downloaded the wrong program; now, I have included a direct link to download the 'Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware' program, as follows:
http://tinyurl.com/dfaf54

Please download and install the security program in your system accordingly, then run a full system scan using the same and get back to me with the results, so that I can follow up regarding the other issues, one at a time.

Regards

Picture
Expert: B. Rath
Pos. Feedback: 98.7 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 4/22/2009

Computer Software Engineer

Qualified Software Developer and Support Specialist.

214 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

Ok, Malware has done its scan. Wow, stuff was scanned that was never scanned by the other programs. Impressive.

Results: Objects scanned, 228353

Objects infected: 0

Time: 49min, 4 sec.

one message: c:\ProgramFiles\malwarebytes' anti-Malware\zlib.dll

An error occured while trying to replace the file. Delete file failed: Code 5. Access is denied.

I asked for a retry, program returned to home page and automatically closed down.

 

I think the zlib.dll is the Zoombli program that I downloaded by mistake. I have no idea how that happened. Should I uninstall the program?

 

It is getting late for me here. So if something will take awhile to download or correct, I had better wait until after I return from an early morning appointment. I will be home again around 1:00 pm PST.

I will be on-line for about another 30 minutes.

XXXXXXXX

 

 

Posted by B. Rath 214 days and 19 hours ago.

Answer

Great to know that ..that indicates that the 'System Security', along with other malware(s) had been detected and removed by other security scans you had run earlier, since Anti-Malware is among the best there is in this regard, if you take my opinion. Now, the 'zlib.dll' file is a legitimate part of the security program, so we needn't go further into it ..as for the 'Zoombli' program you downloaded, you may go ahead and uninstall the same without any complications.

Now, let's tackle some of the other issues you are having, one after the other ...fire away!

Regards

Edited by B. Rath on 4/22/2009 at 5:13 AM

214 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

Hi B. Rath

There are two problems. 1) microsoft security shield will not allow me to upgrade. I contact microsoft and a support person contacted me last night. I went through the routine he offered and I remain in square one. I did NOT do the scan he suggested as I had done that scan several days ago and had to leave the computer on all night to finsih scanning. At the end of the scan, I do not know the time it really took, a pop-up message told me that scan could not be completed.

 

Problem: AVG Anti-virus and anti-spyware are out of date. Update manager is active occassionally. I have to direct it to install several times a day which it does when I install through the directory.

 

I have several things on my desktop that are related to all the correspondence with AVG support, such as, screen shots and other files. I would like to remove those unless you will need to see them.

 

I think that sums up the problems, for now.

XXXXXXXX

Posted by B. Rath 214 days ago.

Info Request

If you take my opinion, I can suggest a couple of freeware security programs which, in my opinion, do a better job of protecting your system against security threats than AVG, and which I personally use. If you permit, I'll suggest and follow up with instructions about the same, or we can continue troubleshooting with AVG if you want, which seemingly comes across as a liability in your case.

Regards

214 days ago.

Reply

Yes, I have no problem using a different freeware security program.

Will installing a different security program solve the microsoft updating problem as well?

XXXXXXXX

Posted by B. Rath 214 days ago.

Info Request

As for the Windows Security Shield, is it the 'Windows Updates' it's not letting you to carry out? If so, what's exactly the error message/code you are getting?

Regards

213 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

It is the Automatic Update for security protection that I can not update. I have tried the recommendations such as "click, run, type winver. I then went to Update for Windows XP website and under validation recommended, clicked continue. Followed directions, then closed down and restarted the computer. No luck. I have also tried (at the direction of MS tech support), righ clicking "my computer" selecting "manage", dble clicking Services and Aplications, dbl clicking Services and right clicking "automatic updates service. Setected "Stop" then "Repeat to Start the service. Nothing happened.

 

The next "fix" was to repair 2 registry keys but I was never able to accomplish that operation. The files that were called up when I "click", "Run", type "inf gave me a bunch of files. I located the file "au.inf", but the inf was hidden so I clicked on au. I clicked on it and it was supposed to restore the registry b ranches automatically. Nothing happened. I was warned that I may not recieve any notification. If files are not located automatically, select the installation source, click browse and got to this location. The choices to find were C:\Windows\Service PackFiles\i386 or C:\Windows\System32

I tried to find anything that even vaguly resembled these files or a derivitive of the file name. I restarted the computer just in case something took place that I did not know about. Nothing solved!

XXXXXXXX

Posted by B. Rath 213 days and 23 hours ago.

Info Request

Sorry about the slight delay in follow up ..now, do you get an error code when trying to get the Automatic updates installed?

Regards

213 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

More information because I may not have expressed the problem exactly.

Windows Security Center: Firewall ON, Automatic Updates ON, Virus Protection - Out of date.

Recommendations: there are 5 recommendations on the left side of the screen. I have tried all 5 at some time or another.

A warning states that Windows does not detect all anti-virus Programs.

 

I clicked on recommendations and there are 3 statements. 1. Update the installed program; 2. get another program; 3. "I have another program and will manage virus protection myself.

There is a listing of 14-15 free ware sources.

I was incorrect in my previous information. It is the virus protection that is out of date and blocking automatic updates.

XXXXXXXX

Posted by B. Rath 213 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer

That makes sense ...now first off, as I had mentioned in the earlier thread as well, please go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs, then look for and uninstall AVG accordingly. Done that, download the AVG Remover utility using the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/69oxbb, and remove any traces of AVG, if present, using the utility.

Next, download and install the following freeware security programs in your system, which should prove as excellent alternatives to AVG, and the Windows Firewall:

http://download.cnet.com/BitDefender-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10322483.html (Antivirus)
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html (Anti-malware; I presume you have already installed)
http://download.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-10435_4-10039884.html (Firewall)

Click on the green 'Download Now' button in each of the webpages to download them accordingly; done that, check for updates in each of the programs as well ..this should keep your system protected against most security threats, along with resolve the issues with the Windows Security Center as well.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards

213 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Hi Rath,

Malware was already on my computer from the other day. Bit Defender download with out a hitch. Zone Alarm downloaded up to the point where it was closing down and scanning and then a message appeared that "Bit Defender is a conflicting anti virus with Zone Defense. It had to be uninstalled for Zone Defense to continue. Scan is turned off". My options were to uninstall Bit Defender or shut down the computer leaving it without protection. I shut down the computer. Perhaps I should have installed Zone Alarm first, then bit Defender.

During the installation of Bit Defender, a message popped up to this effect:

"User system previously initiated install for microsoft.NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2. User will need to run that install again before they can use that product. Your current will now continue". Bit Defender continued with the download.

So how do I install the microsoft.Net Framework--etc.?

I am not totally successful but I do have Malware and Bit Defender installed. I guess that is progress.

 

I have to finish a report so will get back to this tomorrow.

XXXXXXXX

Accepted Answer

Okay ...I don't see why the BitDefender antivirus and the ZoneAlarm firewall should conflict with each other since they are parts of different functions, however, some of the modules of the same must have triggered the message to appear; now, you may let the Windows Firewall to run for the time being leaving aside ZoneAlarm ...does the Windows Security Center still show up any alert(s)?

As for the Microsoft .NET Framework program, you may download and install it in your system using the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=10CC340B-F857-4A14-83F5-25634C3BF043&displaylang=en

Let me know how it goes.

Regards

Picture
Expert: B. Rath
Pos. Feedback: 98.7 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 4/23/2009

Computer Software Engineer

Qualified Software Developer and Support Specialist.

213 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

The windows security logo shield does not appear on my desktop or in the lower right hand corner of the quick start area. I can't check anything pertaining to microsoft security!

MSN is still doing something as an error message this AM states:

"microsoft office has identified a potential concern.

C:\Progra~1\ZONELA~1MAILFR~1mlfoshim.dll.

The application add-in has been disabled. Add-ins might contain viruses or other security hazards. Show signature details. (I didn't click on that link). The following clickable boxes at the bottom.

Trust document from this publisher - enable add-in - disable application add-in.

I did not check any box and closed the message.

I'll try installing the msn.Net Framework.

XXXXXXXX

 

Posted by B. Rath 213 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

That's a good sign, which indicates all's well with your system ..to cross-check the same, please go to Start > Control Panel > Security Center, and check if there's a green light next to each of the three listings present.

As for the add-in warning you are getting in MS Office, it's just the remnants of the ZoneAlarm firewall you tried to install earlier, so we need not be concerned about it. In case you need to remove ZoneAlarm completely from your system, please download the Zone Alarm removal tool using the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/b65mox

Done that, use the same to look for and remove all traces of Zone Alarm present accordingly.

Also, let me know how the .NET Framework installation goes for you, and any other issues you may be having.

PS - You need not accept any more of my answers ..I'll contnue to follow up regardless.

Regards

Edited by B. Rath on 4/23/2009 at 9:55 PM

212 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

I tried the tinyurl.com/b65mox and Zone Alarm message popped up telling me this was a high risk website. Do Not Download. So I took the option of removing Zone Alarm via control panel remove programs. I removed Zone Alarm and Zone ASK. I don't see any Zone Alarm icons on my desktop, but I will have to check the c:\drive.

 

As I was getting ready to attack .NET Framework installation, I received a pop up window that said microsoft was downloading updates. Shock of shocks. I had gone into msn security center and all three of the listings had lovely green glowing indicators.

I think I will wait to see if I receive the message about .NET Framework again before trying to correct the problem. The problem may be solved and I don't know it. Might not be also.

 

Now I want to see what happens when I try to install Foxfire again. I think you have whipped the demons from my computer. Just to make my life tense, my new HP OfficeJet Pro swallowed a sheet of paper and neither my husband nor I could see the page and we couldn't solve the mystery. I spent 45 to 60 minutes this afternoon while the HP tech support person talked me through a bunch of trials and errors. Finally, he had me open the section where the print heads and carriage reside and there was a full sheet of crumpled paper. A little tugging and it came right out and I was in business again. I have learned far too much the past weeks. Mu brain is soggy.

 

I will see what happens the the Net.Framework. If that disappears on its own, on to the challenge of firefox.

XXXXXXXX

 

 

Posted by B. Rath 212 days and 22 hours ago.

Info Request

Great to know we are making some progress ..now, you don't need to download and install the .NET Framework application manually as it will be automatically downloaded and installed in your system as a part of Windows Updates, now that you have gotten it up and running. Moving on to the Firefox issue now, could you elaborate a bit further on the same, please?

Regards

212 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

About the time (maybe before) I started having trouble with AVG the foxfire browser was crashing frequently while I was using it. I contacted Mozilla about the issue and apparently there had been a problem as the person that contacted me said that they were working on it and should have it solved soon. I finally uninstalled the program but left firefox application on my desktop. Mozilla suggested I do this so all my saved favorite sites would still be avaiable to me when if I decided to re-install. I must be getting frisky as now I want to re-install firefox to see what will happen. Is this looking the alligator in the jaws-or what?

I am no hurry to push my luck, but I have liked firefox as a browser once I became used to it.

XXXXXXXX

 

Posted by B. Rath 212 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

Yeah, I find Firefox to be a faster and better browser than Internet Explorer as well ..just uninstalling the browser should keep all of your earlier profile data, including bookmarks and settings, safe, so rest assured and download and install the latest version of Firefox using the following link:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/download.html?product=firefox-3.0.9&os=win&lang=en-US

Done that, if you are still having issues with the same, let me know so that we can troubleshoot further.

Regards

212 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

Ok

212 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

I have downloaded firefox. It was like going home!
The only issue was an add-in, google setting1.0 was not compatible. Firefox is looking for something that is compatible.
It hasn't crashed yet.
XXXXXXXX

Posted by B. Rath 212 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

Okay ..that add-on must have been automatically fixed/disabled by Firefox; anyways, if it's the Google toolbar you need, you may download it at the following link:
http://www.google.com/tools/firefox/toolbar/FT5/intl/en/index.html

At any rate, this thread will be open so if you encounter any issues with Firefox thereafter, just drop in a message and I'll get back to you all right.

Regards

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