Big Problem

[wilson steer]

I have a windows 98 system as a desktop, slow but I have lots of stuff on the hard disc, with no DVD copier or even a small floppy 1.4 (It broke).

Now everytime I open internet explorer the mouse goes mental and freezes and is useless, cannot log off. Also I notice another task bar on the internet home page, some porno discussion group etc.

How can I restore my computer, it's driving me bonkers, I need help here, money no problem just results!!!

Thank you in advance.

Wilson Steer

Pattaya.

[lopburi3]

I would take to computer shop and have them replace floppy and install a cd rw drive and fix the operating system at the same time. Should not cost that much. Am sure someone from Pattaya can advise on a shop. Be sure to have them install firewall/anti-virus and spyware checker and keep them updated and in use. If you visit 'those' kind of sites you are going to need them.

[doctormann]

Wilson

I can recommend that you speak to Nalon at DCO Computers. He speaks reasonable English and seems to be pretty clued up. He put together a good system for me at a very reasonable price.

His shop is located on Pattaya Klang, just up past Carrefour, on the left. Mobile number is 017817612.

So far as your operating system is concerned, it's time to upgrade to WIN XP, which is a much more stable system than WIN 98 and has a lot of security features built in. Nalon may be able to upgrade your system for little expense. Viability of this may depend on whether your software applications will run properly under XP. He should be able to advise you.

[triplegee]

If you want to try and clean it up yourself - go get Hijack This from HERE

Install it into it's own directory and run it - press the scan button. Save your log file and then either post it here or PM me with the details.

Then we can see what you are infected with and go about removal.

[Thetyim]

If you have a fairly old machine with a 16 bit processor and less than 256MB Ram then I would not recommend an upgrade to Windows XP.

Try following Triplegees advice first.

It is the cheapest option and leaves you with a system you are familiar with.

[waldwolf]

For info, here (in alphabetical order, not preference) are a few online sites where you can go to have your computer scanned for virus's and the like, at no-charge:

Audit-My-PC

Computer Associates eTrust WebScan

Kaspersky Antivirus OnlineScan

McAfee FreeScan

Panda ActiveScan

Sygate Online Services (SOS)

Symantec SecurityCheck

Trend Micro

ZoneLabs Free Online PestScan

In addition, would recommend you download and install the following FREE spyware scanner/blockers:

Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Personal

Spybot-Search & Destroy

If you do not yet have a firewall and antivirus utility installed, there are FREE ones available here:

AVG Antivirus - Free Edition

ZoneAlarm Firewall

Microsoft links to check minimum requirements to use WindowsXP:

WindowsXP - Home Edition

WindowsXP - Professional Edition

As others have suggested, once you have your system back to "normal", would suggest, if your finances permit, you buy and install a basic CD burner, so you can backup your data. You should be able to purchase a reasonably fast CD burner (including software), for around $25 (US).

Good luck, and post back how you make out. (fixing your computer, that is. )

[francois]

hi'

follow the advice from waldwolf and check it all by yourself forst, if you don't get any result go visit DCO as doctormann said

it costs nothing to check first ...

the DCO company belongs to someone I know, they are pretty serious, I always had good deals with them, they have their office in Bangkok and another shop in a shopping-center in Bkk.

francois

[MikeWill]

...DCO company.., they have their office in Bangkok and another shop in a shopping-center in Bkk.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can you give their Bangkok address or contact phone?

[wilson steer]

Thanks for all advice on this, I just need to tranfer all data to disc, then I can dump the old 98 computer.

I am in Pattaya, so what should I pay for a PC only (I have a flat monitor already) I want XP 256/512 and 50 G Memory and a clock speed of 2-3 Hz

I have a box of microsoft cds for software (Word etc) can I use these on another computer?

What should I do with the old PC: ? Dump it or if I reformat the hard drive with windows 98 can I give it away?

Thank again.

Wilson Steer.

Pattaya.

[waldwolf]

wilson steer - Before buying a new computer, you need to sit down and make a list of things you need and/or want to do with it, both today and 2-3 years in the future.

For example, surfing the net, email and the occassional word processing requires minimal computer speed, memory and storage capacity. On the other hand, if your a gamer, do video editing, or photo retouching, then you'll need a lot of CPU speed, RAM memory and "high speed" storage capacity.

If you'll provide more information on your needs, and if possible your budget for a new computer, I'm sure you'll get a lot of "advice".

[udon]

Contact your local school to see if they would like to have your old PC.

[waldwolf]

Contact your local school to see if they would like to have your old PC.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Very good point, udon.

WS, if your a US Citizen and donate a computer to a local school, the IRS allows you to take an automatic $500 (US) tax deduction on your US Federal income tax. No questions asked.

You may want to check and see if Thailand and/or your home country also have this provision.