IT Queries: Computer problems answered

When I click on my Windows Explorer I get a new screen rather that the old one. This new screen warns me of a risk to my security level. I use PC-ciilin already. This new one appears to be a windows explorer security service and tells me I should download asoftware called “Spi Heal” and “Dr Antispy”. Is this a legitimate warning and should I download it. When I close it, my wndows explorer screen closes so I can’t use the internet. Should I get rid of it and, if so, how?

Geoff

Hi Geoff,

You’ve got a spyware infection.

The first step is to do a quick scan using an online scanning program like the XClean online scan. We’d recommend downloading it then restarting in safe mode and running the spyware scan.

Unfortunately these type of warnings usually indicate a fairly advanced infection. Once you’ve cleaned it, it might be worthwhile to run a system restore to an earlier point which will hopefully not be infected.

If you continue getting these messages, you’ll need to call your local friendly computer tech. Make sure you back up your important data as it might be best to reformat your computer.

Suddenly, all software programs on my computer (Windows XP) have become “.lnk” files and I am unable to open them.

What caused this? and how do I overcome the problem?

Please help!

Dennis

Hi Dennis,

What has happened is your computer has forgotten how to deal with these files, in computer languate they have “lost their associations”. This problem is usually caused by an errant software package messing with the settings. Some security programs like Lavasoft Adaware block the files with the same result.

Fixing it is awkward and might require the services of a technician. There is a simple fix you can try before getting on the phone.

Open the computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F5 key as the computer starts. You should press the key just after the black and white screen but before the “starting Windows screen” appears. You might have to do this a few times before you time it right.

Once in safe mode, click “Start” then “Run” and type “CMD”. A command box appears. In the command box type the following:

“%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe”.

The System Restore function will start and you can take the system back to the point before this started.

If this doesn’t work, Doug Knox has some tools to fix it on his website, you can download them from his web pag. Be warned that these are not for the inexperienced. If you don’t understand what you are doing, you need to consult an experienced technician.

When I try to run Windows Update it comes up with an error page. I can’t log onto my Internet banking either.

The fact you can’t open secure sites sounds like Internet Explorer has hit a problem. If it were just Windows Update, then it would be a different fix. Secure website issues are usually due to the Windows XP cryptographic service.

Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following commands, and press ENTER after each command, you might be asked to click OK after each command

regsvr32 /u softpub.dll
regsvr32 /u wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /u initpki.dll
regsvr32 /u dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /u rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /u gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /u sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /u slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /u mssip32.dll
regsvr32 /u cryptdlg.dll
exit

Restart your computer.
Click Start, click Run, type cmd in the Open box, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following commands, and press ENTER after each command:

regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 wintrust.dll
regsvr32 initpki.dll
regsvr32 dssenh.dll
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 sccbase.dll
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 mssip32.dll
regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll

net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 oldcatroot2
net start cryptsvc
exit

Now click on start and reboot your computer.