Dave Candi wrote:
> Hi I ran the WD diagnostics and it found nothing wrong with the drive? I
> can't defrag until chkdsk completes and chkdsk wont complete. I've tried all
> manor of switchs /r/f/c/i? I think theres a corruption in the registry
> probably caused by a virus. Can anyone recommend a good registry cleaner that
> fixes errors, removes bad entries? Would it be wise after a backup to use a
> router in future giving me NAT which would hide my ip address? Is anyone out
> there using a router with this and having less virus/trojan detection? Im
> using one care which was recommended by a reliable source but it seems my pc
> is getting hit just as much as without any protection. I'm contempleting a
> router with NAT and maybe even AVG/ Zone alarm next time around? Any thought?
>
> "
If the WD diagnostic shows nothing physically wrong with the drive, then
your file system has been damaged. Now that you've mentioned that you
had a virus (but of course we don't know which one), that could be the
reason. Many viruses and malware will damage the operating system.
1. Back up your data and do a Repair Install. Before you do the Repair
Install, make very sure that your computer is in fact completely
virus/malware-free:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
Once you know the computer is clean:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
2. If the Repair Install doesn't work, do a Clean Install:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand
As for your other questions, it is a good idea to use a router with a
broadband connection even if you only have one computer. It will not,
however, protect you from viruses or malware. The OneCare antivirus is
one of the worst in the industry. Recommended antivirus programs are
NOD32, Kaspersky, and Avast if you want free. The built-in Windows
Firewall is adequate for most people but Zone Alarm is often used.
The most important part of staying safe is practicing "Safe Hex". This
is entirely up to you because if you don't adhere to safe practices, no
antivirus/firewall will protect you.
Safe Hex:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971 - So How Did I Get
Infected Anyway?
http://www.getsafeonline.org/
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm - The Parasite Fight
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2006/02/05/82584.aspx - MVP
Harry Waldron - The Family PC - How to stay safe on the Internet
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - Eric Howes on
Rogue Antispyware Programs
Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User