vernon <there@there> wrote:
> "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ONnTHhpSIHA.5516@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> vernon wrote:
>>> I have xp whatever (entertainment) and would buy xp pro, can I load
>>> the new without any problems.
>>>
>>> The existing has virus/ etc..
>>>
>>> My MAIN concern is keeping existing programs and E-mails.
>>
>> ??!!
>> What?
>>
>> I am guessing you mean you have Windows XP Media Center Edition
>> (MCE)? I have no idea why you would want to make the move from
>> Windows XP
>> Media Center Edition to Windows XP Professional Edition (do you need
>> to join a domain? Windows XP MCE is Windows XP Professional with
>> Media Center components and an inability to join a domain *except*
>> during the initial installation I believe.) Would you volunteer why
>> you want to make this move?
>
> Looking for the easiest way of re-loading / installing / upgrading a
> version of Xp and clean up a virus / ad disaster.
> Basics have been modified and old restore points removed by "expert"
> freinds of my daughter's.
>
> I have removed about 3000 viruses and about 50 spy / ads.
> I have done a registry cleanup. (also unbelievable)
>
> All of the above in standard mode and safe mode.
>
> I have three problems left (that I know of)
> 1. The primary (only) user loses all admin capability unless in safe
> mode. 2. A pop up continues saying there is something trying to change
> the
> computer. It is ad nonsense. When I diconnect the ethernet and say
> "yes" to a request to run and download, the IE sets up with an
> address of www.gomyhit.com.
> I have done a search for any program containing "gomyhit" with no
> results, so it's a build.
> 3. When Outlook 2003 is opened everything works except for a warning
> message that ends up requireing the original disk for repair. It
> doesn't get repaired and I can find nothing wrong with the operation
> of Outlook 2003.
>>
>> I don't believe Windows XP Professional is a valid upgrade for
>> Windows XP Media Center Edition (sure actually):
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/292607
>>
>> So - it would be a clean install and anything you did not
>> backup/have the ability to restore would be lost.
>>
>> --
>> Shenan Stanley
>> MS-MVP
>> --
>> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
With everything that has gone on, you probably should do a "clean
install" of your current operating system. No matter what operating
system you install, you WILL lose all your data and have to recover it
from your backups.
It's also possible that, no matter which route you choose, the
viruses/spyware exists in many of your data files and not the system
files. Therefore, it would be only a short time before you experienced
the very same problems all over again. In fact, it's possible, maybe
even likely, that you or someone at the computer downloaded them without
knowing it.
For that reason, I would suggest starting with reinstalling from scratch
everything you have on CD and nothing else. A couple people here have
excellent boilerplate for doing a "clean install" and I'm sure if you
ask they'll be glad to post them for you should you need them.
Most importantly, something is very, very wrong with either your
security setup of someone using your computer. And, you obviously still
have malware on your current setup, going by your own description.
Folks will also be glad to help you wiht the following if you ask, but
you must get your head around securing your system by:
-- Reinstalling XP
-- Reinstalling the other apps you have CDs for (nothing that was
downloaded from the net).
-- Installing SP2 if it wasn't part of the XP CD.
-- If you have it, install antivirus software even if it's out of date.
-- Go online at this point but do nothing except download the updates
for XP.
-- Keeping ALL security software constantly updated. It might take a
long time, but DO IT! As soon as you have your updates, and after
following ALL their instructions for restarts, etc., go get the rest of
the stuff you need to download, if any.
-- Using a firewall; MS's firewall will do until you get a better one.
-- Installing UPDATED anti-virus software and KEEPING it updated.
-- Installing at least 3 recognized as useful, UPDATED anti-spyware
scanners, and KEEP them up to date.
Everything you need can be sourced for free or there are paid versions.
Paying for a program does NOT mean it's better than one of the freebies,
so some education is in order there apparently. Many here will be happy
to assist you; just ask.
The only "dumb" question is the one that never got asked.
HTH
Pop`
